Vitamin C for the face: how the substance affects skin condition and which cosmetic to choose

Even a balanced diet doesn't provide the body with the necessary amount of beneficial nutrients, which is why active bio-preparations are used to maintain health and beauty. One of the most effective ingredients in cosmetic products and dietary supplements is a powerful antioxidant – vitamin C. It stimulates collagen production, restoring firmness to the skin, and also fights free radicals, thereby slowing down the ageing of the dermis. Let's take a detailed look at how vitamin C works its benefits, which forms of this substance are used in cosmetology, and which skincare products are worth adding to your daily beauty rituals.

Vitamin C: the main features of the nutrient

Vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble nutrient that affects the functioning of many of the body's systems. Above all, the substance is known for its antioxidant and anti-ageing properties, which is why it is very beneficial for the skin and precisely why it is added to serums, masks and creams. It is not synthesised by the body itself but supplied through food: citrus fruits, rosehip, blackcurrant, sauerkraut and red pepper. The daily requirement of vitamin C for an adult is around 75–100 mg, but during illness, stress or intense physical exertion this requirement may increase. Only a small amount of ascorbic acid reaches the cells of the dermis, which is when dietary supplements and topical products come to the rescue. The main functions of vitamin C in cosmetics:

• antioxidant — protects cells from damage by free radicals;
• immune modulation — supports the body's defences and helps fight infections;
• regenerative — supports the healing of damage to the epidermis;
• brightening — evens out and brightens the skin tone, effectively fighting discolouration;
• protective — protects folates from oxidation and maintains their activity.

Vitamin C for the skin takes part in the synthesis of collagen, which is responsible for the elasticity of the dermis, and also strengthens blood vessels, bones and joints. It is a reliable guardian of youth and beauty, but it must be used correctly — in particular, controlling the dosage and how it is combined with other ingredients.

Which forms of vitamin C are used in cosmetology

Ascorbic acid is an active, powerful but unstable substance, as it oxidises quickly under the influence of air, light and heat. Highly concentrated products with L-ascorbic acid restore a bright skin tone and also work perfectly as a gentle peel. To stabilise it and improve its penetration into the deeper layers of the dermis, the following derivatives of vitamin C are used:

1. Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate. A fat-soluble, lipophilic form capable of penetrating into the deep layers of the skin. Stable and gentle, suitable for dry skin, it helps reduce wrinkles and pigmentation spots.
2. Sodium ascorbyl phosphate. A stable, water-soluble substance with antibacterial properties, effective at high pH, suitable for oily and problematic skin.
3. Magnesium ascorbyl phosphate. A mild, gentle, water-soluble form that doesn't penetrate deep into the epidermis. Suitable for skin regeneration, especially sensitive and dry skin, and used in anti-acne preparations.
4. Ascorbyl glucoside. A mild derivative of vitamin C for the facial skin — it's a form of L-ascorbic acid combined with glucose. It brightens well, fights photo-ageing and eliminates discolouration.
5. Ethyl ascorbic acid. This popular form of ascorbic acid is characterised by high stability and gives a noticeable anti-ageing effect. Less sensitive to the influence of light, temperature and oxygen, which makes it more durable.

The catalogue of the cosmetic brand Green Pharm Cosmetic features serums, creams and masks that contain various forms of vitamin C for the face.

Why vitamin C is so important for skin rejuvenation

The unique features of ascorbic acid make it an indispensable ingredient in daily facial care products. Its effectiveness depends on the product's formula as well as how it is used. We've put together a list of the properties that determine this substance's popularity among consumers and cosmetologists.

Stimulating collagen production

Collagen is responsible for the elasticity and firmness of the dermis, but with age its natural production decreases, which leads to the formation of wrinkles and a loss of skin tone. Ascorbic acid activates collagen synthesis and also takes part in the formation of its stable fibres. As a result, the skin stays firm, smooth and taut.

Brightening and fighting discolouration

A common problem of mature skin is discolouration. In this case, the benefit of vitamin C is evening out the skin tone and brightening the skin. It effectively fights pigmentation spots, acne marks and a dull complexion, making the colour of the face look fresher.

Protection against free radicals

The main enemies of healthy skin are ultraviolet radiation, polluted air, poor nutrition and stress. These harmful factors trigger the formation of free radicals — molecules that destroy cells and accelerate the ageing processes. Anti-ageing care with a powerful antioxidant neutralises these harmful compounds, restoring youth to the skin.

Moisturising and strengthening the protective barrier

A useful property of the acid is supporting the hydration of the dermis. Cosmetics with the active substance also strengthen the natural protective barrier, making the skin less exposed to the influence of negative external factors while remaining soft and smooth.

Anti-inflammatory properties

Vitamin C for the skin helps reduce redness and inflammation, soothes the irritated epidermis and speeds up the healing of minor damage.

Reducing swelling

Using the substance in the form of dietary supplements or cosmetics improves blood circulation and strengthens the walls of vessels and capillaries, which is why it helps to reduce swelling.

Vitamin C for different skin types

Ascorbic acid is found in the composition of many products, so it's important to take into account your skin type and cosmetological concerns. For oily skin, peels and lightweight serums are suitable, gently clearing the pores of sebum residue, restoring a bright skin tone and evening out the structure of the top layer. It's better to use non-comedogenic formulas combined with salicylic acid.

A common question is: why does sensitive skin need vitamin C? Indeed, a high concentration of the substance would be inappropriate, but a balanced one will reduce redness and strengthen sensitive skin. Before use, it's worth doing a patch test.

The antioxidant properties of the stable forms tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate and magnesium ascorbyl phosphate are suitable for dry skin, as they retain moisture and help reduce pigmentation spots. Formulas with moisturising ingredients — glycerine and hyaluronic acid — boost hydration, leaving the skin fresh and firm.

Vitamin C in Green Pharm Cosmetic products

The use of high-quality natural raw materials, such as ascorbic acid, makes Green Pharm Cosmetic products effective and safe. The performance of the formulas is confirmed by quality certificates, years of research and positive consumer reviews. The brand's catalogue contains around 1,200 items, including sun protection products, serums, creams, essential oils, balms and dietary supplements. We've put together a selection of products with ascorbic acid.

Vitamin C facial serum

An effective complex with a stable form of ascorbic acid provides antioxidant protection and a prolonged lifting effect. The nutrient fights discolouration and also brightens and evens out the top layer of the dermis. Additional ingredients — vitamin E, retinol and hyaluronic acid — rejuvenate cells and stimulate elastin production. The serum is applied to a cleansed face twice a day.

Peeling mask with fruit acids

This product, in a convenient bottle with a dispenser, helps remove toxins from the deep layers of the dermis and effectively fights age-related changes, in particular reduced turgor and wrinkles. It is especially recommended for oily skin with enlarged pores, blackheads and acne. The mask is applied in an even layer for an average of 10–15 minutes and then rinsed off with warm water.

“Vitamin C” dietary supplement

One effervescent tablet, which dissolves easily in water, contains a daily dose of vitamin C. Regularly taking a vitamin C dietary supplement helps strengthen the immune system, heal wounds and remove toxins, as well as improving bile secretion, speeding up metabolism and regulating the processes of blood formation.

When choosing a product with various forms of ascorbic acid on the Green Pharm Cosmetic website, pay attention to other ingredients such as vitamin E, glycerine, retinol, hyaluronic acid and lactic acid, which enhance the substance's effect.