Vitamin C is best known for its uses in boosting immunity to colds and viruses and is essential for the growth and repair of tissue all over the body; but did you know this powerful antioxidant can also improve the health and appearance of your skin – even making it look younger?
In terms of its medicinal value, it’s no urban myth – vitamin C has been proven to help support the body’s immune system – see Vitamin C and Immune Function – PMC – NCBI. Your body cannot make vitamin C, it has to come from food; and many of us reach for orange juice, fruit or supplements at the first sign of a cold.
Yet vitamin C has also been shown to have benefits when applied to the skin, with potential benefits including reduction of wrinkles, improvements to skin texture and reduction of hyperpigmentation.
There are now a number of products available that contain vitamin C and it can be found in mainstream skincare ranges available on the high street. However, for the more transformative benefits, higher concentrations of vitamin C are required.
Products containing more intensive vitamin C formulations have been shown to have even greater potential for improving the skin. These are classed as cosmeceutical products and are only available through approved providers/prescribers, due to the strength of the active antioxidant ingredient contained. These products are not available on the high street and may require a prescription.
Benefits of using vitamin C skincare
Studies have shown that vitamin C in skincare has a number of potential benefits:
- Reduces the appearance of fine wrinkles
- Improves overall skin texture – firmer, tighter skin thanks to boost in collagen production
- Promotes a more even skin tone – improves hyperpigmentation
- Antioxidant neutralises free radicals – helps protect the skin from sun damage and environmental stressors
- Skin looks brighter, more radiant and youthful
How to start using vitamin C
Some forms of vitamin C can be quite potent and can cause irritation, especially if you already have sensitive skin. Even for those with a more normal and tolerant skin, it’s best to build up to the intensive strength products.
The good news is that cosmeceutical companies recognise not only the potential benefits of using vitamin C but also the risk of starting too strong. Ranges offer a variety of strengths of product, so most clients will start gradually to ‘acclimatise’ the skin before progressing to stronger products. This minimises the risk of reaction.
A formulation with 10% vitamin C is a good place to start. You’ll see improvements in terms of brighter skin with reduced fine lines and wrinkles; and will soon be keen to progress to a higher strength product for more intensive skin stimulation.
Vitamin C products can be used either within a moisturiser or as a serum. It’s best to discuss with a skincare expert how to integrate it into a customised skin regime.
Cosmeceutical vitamin C skincare
ZO Skin Health
ZO Skin Health has been the preferred cosmeceutical range at Mulberry House Clinic in Northamptonshire for a number of years.
Dr John Tanqueray chose the range due to its superior results even on normally difficult skin conditions such as acne, rosacea, aging and sun damage and even stop progression of those conditions.
He believes that any client should see noticeable improvements in just 6 weeks.
ZO Skin Health is an at-home cosmeceutical range which works well on its own or even better alongside professional treatments, such as the ZO Peels or injectable anti-ageing treatments.
More information about Prescription Skincare, Northampton with ZO Skin Health at Mulberry House Clinic.
Mulberry House Clinic
Established 2003
Mulberry House Clinic has an excellent reputation in the Northampton area as an independent, doctor-led practice with extensive experience. Dr John Tanqueray is a former GP who can assess and diagnose skin conditions from a medical perspective before suggesting the most appropriate treatments.
A private consultation is the starting point for all patients in order to facilitate a full discussion about the desired results as well as detailed facial and skin assessment. Find out more about first consultation.
For further information or to arrange a confidential consultation, please complete our contact form, call 01604 702630 or email: info@mulberryhouseclinic.co.uk.
