Vitamin C is a generic term for several different compounds that share similar chemical structures. The types of vitamin C found in many skincare products are categorised as direct vitamin C and indirect vitamin C. L-ascorbic acid is a form of direct vitamin C. You can find it in citrus fruits, in oral vitamin C supplements and of course in skincare. When you apply direct vitamin C on your skin, it works effectively since it is in it's most active form and you can see results fast but not without the commonly noted skin irritation.
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Indirect vitamin C would include Ascorbyl glucoside, Ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate, Ethylated ascorbic acid, Sodium ascorbyl phosphate, Magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, Sodium ascorbyl palmitate and so many more. They are termed as indirect vitamin C as they are only converted into l-ascorbic acid only after they are broken down by enzymes in our skin called alpha glucosidase.
The most important form of vitamin C is L-ascorbic acid (vitamin C). L-ascorbic acid is the gold standard in vitamin C serum known for it's superior antioxidant, brightening and skin firming abilities. It is notably unstable as this direct form of vitamin C oxidises easily. It is also the ingredient that causes the most irritation on the skin since the final pH of the product as to be around 2-3 for L-ascorbic acid to be most bioavailable. Hence not all skin types especially sensitive skin can tolerate L-ascorbic acid.
We have specifically chosen Ascorbyl glucoside to be used in our Vitamin C+ Antioxidant serum because it is a well researched vitamin C derivative. Ascorbyl glucoside also works great to brighten the skin, reduce oxidative damage and smoothen fine lines and wrinkles, without the irritation usually associated with L-ascorbic acid. This form of indirect vitamin C is very stable and does not oxidise easily. Ascorbyl glucoside is better tolerated for all skin types including first time vitamin C users and sensitive skin. That's why we love this form of vitamin C derivative.
Vitamin C is also an essential part of collagen production, which keeps our skin looking young and healthy. As we age, our skin produces less collagen, which makes us appear older than we really are. Collagen is what gives our skin its elasticity and smoothness. Hence regular use of vitamin C can allow us to age gracefully.
Always remember that any form of skincare products is useful in helping our skin to maintain a healthy skin barrier and reduce the effects of oxidation. Prevention is always the best method to care for our skin. Therefore sun protection a.k.a. SPF sunscreen, should always be a top priority when we go about our daily activities during the day.
