What is L-Ascorbic Acid? What are its benefits?

Vitamin C, also known as L-Ascorbic Acid, seems to be everywhere in the skincare world, but for a very good reason.  This is a crucial micronutrient for your body and skin to regenerate cells and tissue.

There are several forms of Vitamin C, but Ascorbic acid or L-ascorbic acid is the pure and most bioavailable form.

For those who seek to rebuild collagen, Vitamin C is certainly their best friend. It's commonly used for melasma and acne scars.

It’s considered to be a holy grail product, especially when it’s paired with other products to increase their effectiveness.

One thing that's crucial to be mentioned when we discuss vitamin C in skincare is its susceptibility to oxidation.

Although it’s a powerful antioxidant, it’s also quick to oxidize and destabilize once it is exposed to light.

That's why it's important to buy it in an opaque package, and the product itself has to be colorless so you can spot if it’s oxidized. Our Banish Serum meets exactly those criteria for the safest application of L-Ascorbic Acid.

Benefits of Vitamin C in skincare

Antioxidating properties

Strong antioxidants like vitamin C assist with protecting the skin from free radical damage. Exposure to pollutants, smoke from cigarettes, and UV rays can cause free radical damage which lead to premature aging.

Brightening the skin 

Melanin, the pigment that causes dark patches and hyperpigmentation, can be inhibited by vitamin C. Consistent application of vitamin C in skincare products can lead to a more uniform skin tone and a brighter appearance.

Extra protection against UV rays 

Although vitamin C can't replace sunscreen, it can enhance sun protection when applied before sunscreen. By doing this, you'll reduce the likelihood of premature aging. 

Improves acne scars & collagen production

Vitamin C is necessary for the creation of collagen in the skin,. Increasing collagen reduces the visibility of blemishes, acne scars, fine lines, or wrinkles. This is going to be your best friend if you want to improve your skin over the long term.

Reduces inflammation

Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, vitamin C can help calm irritated skin and lessen redness. For those with skin conditions, such as acne, this is beneficial as it can tone down the severity of your lesions.  A less concentrated formula of l ascorbic acid works better for more sensitive skin.

When should you use it?

By using a vitamin C serum with L ascorbic acid, you can promote the formation of collagen, brighten your skin complexion, and shield your skin from damage. Who wouldn’t want to reap all of these benefits and achieve dewy skin? 

You can incorporate vitamin C into both AM and PM skincare routines, but the perfect time to use it is during the day. That’s when you can perfectly pair it with your favorite sunscreen, so you achieve the highest level of sun protection.

 

Side-effects of Vitamin C 

Everything can be a double-edged sword. It's true that too much of a good thing can have bad results.

Despite having so many benefits, Vitamin C, also has a few side-effects. Nevertheless, don’t let that stop you from trying out Vitamin C. - especially in the form of Ascorbic Acid!

One of the most common side effects of Vitamin C is skin irritation. This reaction usually comes with the following burning, tingling and, of course, redness. We hope you won’t experience this, but it’s important to keep this in mind and be aware of the symptoms of irritation.

Another side effect is skin dryness and flakiness of the skin. Pairing vitamin C with a moisturizer such as this one can counter dryness.

Photoinstability is a downside of acsorbic acid as well. In simpler words, when it comes in contact with light, air, or the sun, vitamin c will oxidize. Hence, our opaque packaging is focused on preventing Vitamin C from oxidizing.

How can we prevent these potential issues? As for any newly added product in your routine, do patch testing behind your ear so you can see how your skin reacts to it. Another method is to introduce the product gradually until you build resistance.

Recommended Products 

A great vitamin c serum is theBanish Serum. It contains Vitamin C stabilized with Ferulic Acid and Vitamin E. This serum gentle on the skin. It also contains glycerin which hydrates skin.

The water-based Vitamin C Creme that also contains fruit extracts to enhance Vitamin C benefits.

Having Vitamin C in your skincare routine can be a game changer that’ll take your skin to the next level. Keep in mind that reaching your skin goals needs consistency and plenty of time. Think of it as learning a new skill, since mastering it doesn’t happen overnight. Slow and steady wins the marathon.