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How Do I Choose the Best Vitamin C Moisturizer?
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  • Written By: L. Jablonsky
  • Edited By: C. Wilborn
  • Last Modified Date: 14 May 2012
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Vitamin C plays an important role in internal bodily functions, but it also has additional benefits for the skin. When choosing a vitamin C moisturizer, consider your skin type and what results you're looking for from your moisturizer. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that may help reverse the signs of aging, protect against ultraviolet rays, and lessen the effects of prolonged sun exposure.

Moisturizers containing vitamin C are often good for people with mature skin. The vitamin plays a vital role in the formation of collagen, a structural protein that provides structure to the face by connecting soft tissues with the skeleton. As people age, the production of collagen slows down, resulting in fine lines and wrinkles on the skin. Skin with an insufficient amount of collagen also bruises easily.

When choosing a vitamin C moisturizer, look for "L-ascorbic acid" on the label. L-ascorbic acid is the water soluble form of vitamin C. You might also look for one that contains hyaluronic acid, which increases the formula's penetration into the skin. Hyaluronic acid is especially beneficial for mature or dry skin, as it helps lubricate.

Ascorbyl palmitate, also used in skin care, is a fat-soluble derivative of vitamin C. It is more stable than pure vitamin C, and is less likely to irritate the skin. If you have sensitive skin, ascorbyl palmitate may be a better choice.

If you have mature or dry skin, look for a vitamin C moisturizer in the form of a rich cream with essential fatty acids. Most people with mature skin also have dry skin. Ingredients like grapeseed oil and avocado oil moisturize and nourish the skin. By moisturizing the skin and promoting collagen synthesis, these vitamin C moisturizers will brighten and improve the skin's appearance.

If you have oily or combination skin, choose a light vitamin C moisturizer with an oil-free formula. People with oily or combination skin should use the moisturizer to balance sebum production while improving elasticity and brightening skin. Some products with vitamin C may help acne or burn scars fade.

There is a downside to moisturizers containing vitamin C. The molecules in this vitamin are quite unstable; once the vitamin C moisturizer is exposed to an excessive amount of oxygen, it will not be as effective and may actually increase the formation of free radicals. If you purchase a vitamin C moisturizer, check to make sure that the product is in an air-tight sealed package. If you suspect that your vitamin C moisturizer has oxidized, stop using it.

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anon203310
Post 5

I have been using an organic brand C vitamin cream, and it is really working. My sun spots almost disappeared, and there is another effect which I cannot explain, I guess it is brighter.

However, I have dry and sensitive skin - a sensitive type that does not get irritated - but it is so thin that it gets oily white spots almost immediately with this product, so it's a frustrating downside for me!

I could not yet find a solution for that, and I am so confused about which product to use.

Mismo
Post 4

Vitamin C moisturizer with Hyaluronic Acid is sensational.The type of Vitamin C that is most effective is an oil form called VCIP. It is very stable and will not affect sensitive skins, just the opposite.

galen84basc
Post 3

I've been using vitamin C on my skin for a few years now, and I have to say, I've seen great preventative results. My sister-in-law is about the same age as I am, and she is one of those people who doesn't put anything on their face, even before they go out in the sun, and you can definitely see the difference between our skin.

I would totally recommend anybody to use a vitamin C face cream. I personally use a vitamin C moisturizer with SPF 15 every morning before I go out to start my day, even if it's not very sunny.

It not only protects my skin, it even smells great -- all citrusy, like oranges. I would really recommend it -- you might be surprised at what great results you get.

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closerfan12
Post 2

Is a moisturizer with vitamin C appropriate for sensitive skin?

I have Fitzgerald type I skin, which means I usually have to use a really light, organic sensitive facial skin moisturizer, or else I get really irritated skin.

Since vitamin C is so acidic, do you think that it would be too harsh on my skin? I really would love to try a vitamin C facial moisturizer since one of my friends did, and it did wonders for her skin, but I'm just afraid I'll end up looking like I've got a sunburn.

What do you think? If I made sure to get an organic vitamin C face moisturizer, could I pull it off, or do I just need to stick with my vitamin E creams?

StreamFinder
Post 1

Thanks so much for this article! I'm getting to that time in life when my skin starts aging, so I am doing some heavy research into natural moisturizers.

I have heard great things about vitamin C face moisturizers for mature skin, but I really didn't know why until I read this article.

I'm glad I did -- now I know what kinds of chemical names to look for, and why vitamin C is so good for you, which makes me more comfortable paying all that money for the creams!

Thanks for the clear and helpful article.

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