The magical effects of Vit C

Vitamin C is considered one of the best anti-aging ingredients in the skincare world and the key to maintaining a smooth, even, and glowing complexion. The antioxidants in Vitamin C and it’s collagen boosting abilities, especially when used topically, trigger the skin to ‘heal itself’ quicker. While adding vitamin C and its derivatives to the diet has several benefits for the body, using serums, creams and other topical products is the most direct way to feel its effects & benefits.

But how does Vitamin C actually help your skin?

Slows down signs of aging

Collagen & elastin are agents present in the skin that are responsible for keeping the skin plump & firm. The proteins in it also help keep the skin from sagging, delaying wrinkles and fine-lines. However, with age, the collagen production in the body reduces drastically. Vitamin C’s ability to fight free-radicals & our additional grapeseed extracts accelerates production of collagen & elastin, thus delaying signs of premature aging.

Hydrates skin

A properly hydrated is one of the other things that keep your skin glowing, plump & smooth. Vitamin C and its derivatives have hydrating properties that help decrease transepidermal water loss. Transepidermal water loss is the loss of water that exits your body through the skin, or the epidermis, into the surrounding atmosphere through diffusion or evaporation. Vitamin C helps keep your skin hydrated by strengthening the skin barrier, helping the skin lock in the moisture as well as minimize the loss of moisture from the skin’s surface. Our special ingredient- Baobab Oil in Kelesta’s Vitamin C Serum helps nourish the skin and locks in moisture so you can have a refreshing & cleansing experience.

Evens the skin-tone

When the skin is exposed to free radicals, the cells that generate melanin are damaged and produce uneven melanin in certain parts of the skin. This uneven melanin distribution in the skin makes it appear patchy and causes skin discoloration like dark spots and hyperpigmentation.

Vitamin C inhibits the skin’s melanin production, promoting more even and balanced melanin production. With continued use, Vitamin C helps even the skin tone and reduces the formation of dark spots in the first place.

Reduces acne & blemishes

The antioxidants in Vitamin C give it fabulous anti-inflammatory properties. Vitamin C products also help treat eczemas and other skin texture issues. The Licorice root extract used in Kelesta’s Vitamin C Serums help reduce itching, irritation & redness on the skin. It works as an anti-inflammatory, fixing the skin’s texture.

Protects against the sun

Vitamin C also helps protect the skin against sun damage. While it cannot replace SPF, the antioxidants in vitamin C defend the skin against the damage that UV light can cause, thus reducing the effects.

Helps with skin-healing

Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals, helping the skin build a better defense. Because of its antioxidant properties, Aloe Vera extracts used in Kelesta’s Vitamin C Serum accelerates the skin’s natural healing & regeneration process, helping the body repair damaged skin cells quicker.

How can you add Vitamin C to your skincare routine?

The best way to get direct results from Vitamin C is to use Serums that contain a combination of Vitamin C & Vitamin A. Vitamin C Serums help fix uneven skin tones, rough texture, fine lines, uneven pigmentations, acne scars and several other dullness or complexion concerns.

Patch test for products that contain Vitamin C

Vitamin C works for most skin types and can also be used for extended periods of time. However, it is highly recommended to do a patch test for sensitive skin before using any new skincare products, especially those containing Vit C. A simple test can save your skin from experiencing irritation, allergic reactions, breakouts or several other skin problems that could end up doing a whole lot of damage to your skin’s barrier.

-To do the test, you should pick a spot on your body that hasn’t been exposed to UV rays, such as behind the ear, inside the elbow or behind the knee. You can start by applying a small quantity onto a patch of your skin and wait to look for any signs of allergic reactions. If you see no reactions for about 72hrs, you can move onto trying it on a slightly more prominent part of your face, say the forehead. Once you’re certain of no reactions  you can start using it as a part of your skincare routine. For the first couple days, it is best to minimize the usage of Vitamin C Serum as a part of either your morning OR nighttime routine. Once you are certain that your skin has grown accustomed to it, you may use it twice a day, before your moisturizer.

When is the best time to use Vitamin C?

The best way to add Vitamin C to your skincare regime is to use it in the form of a serum that can be applied as a pre-moisturizing agent. Apply a few drops of the serum on your face after you wash your face and before applying a moisturizer. Gently dab the serum lightly with the tip of your fingers to spread it across your face. You may want to leave it in and let it absorb for about 5mins, after which you can follow it with any moisturizer of your choice.

When using Vitamin C Serum, especially until your skin has properly grown used-to the effects, it is advised to avoid using a cocktail of too many acidic skincare products. Using too many Vitamin C products or its acidic derivatives can irritate the skin and cause redness.

In  general, Vitamin C in all its derivative forms, helps in repairing your skin coloration, uneven textures, hyperpigmentation or discoloration issues as well as get rid of acne scars & blemishes to give your skin a radiant glow.