Scandle Candle’s Beauty Myth Countdown.
Myth #27:
The only form of vitamin C that works is L-ascorbic acid.
Truth:
Vitamin C is one of the best antioxidants for your skin. L-ascorbic acid is the natural form of vitamin C, but it remains in its most effect form for only a limited time and has some downsides.
- It can be quite irritating to the skin
- It is not very stable. It oxidizes easily when exposed to air, which can be slightly harmful to skin.
Research and product development in cosmetic uses for vitamin C have yielded some new variations.
- Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate (MAP)
MAP is a derivative of vitamin C that has the same collagen-boosting effect as L-ascorbic acid, but is more stable and is gentler on sensitive skin. MAP still degrades as rapidly as L-Ascorbic, so it is important to keep these products sealed and away from sunlight.
Palmitate is also a vitamin C derivative but does not have the same advantages as MAP does; it takes much higher quantities to get the collagen-producing effects of vitamin C. There is still much needed research on this derivative to determine if there is enough vitamin concentration possible for skin-care products. But it is still more stable than L-ascorbic acid.
Be sure to read any beauty product label closely. Some products can boast of new vitamin C breakthroughs but may contain trace amounts of L-ascorbic acid.
Does anyone have any new vitamin C products to rave about? Let us know.
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Scandle Candle’s Beauty Myth Countdown.
