Vitamin Therapy - Topical Vitamin C

Hi, y’all!Well thisis rolling right along now, with this second instalment, of my Vitamin Therapyprocess, following my previous Vitamin Therapy – Topical Vitamin A post.Vitamin Therapy is the nickname I am using toportray this integral step, incorporated in my Serious Skin Care routine.It involves integrating topical vitamins intomy daily beauty ritual.Not only are oralvitamins good for our inner health, when applied topically, they are fundamentalin the care of our skin, keeping it in prime condition whist encouraging a moreyouthful appearance.  This dyadof conventional vitamins have evolved in recent times, into orthodox treatment methods, widely proclaimedas two of the most accomplished, scientifically proven antioxidant vitamins forreducing the negative effects of free radical damage to the skin, while beinghighly regarded as extremely influential factors of modern anti-ageing skincare. Research has also claimed theseantioxidants, when administered topically, can also yield significantprotection for the skin and are capable of revoking the inevitable, somewhatsombre, circumstances surrounding the process of becoming older.  >:/     Vitamin Therapy Part 2 highlights my approach andunderstanding of topical Vitamin C, which perfectly compliments my Serious Skin Care regime and targets my own individual gremlins >:) (skin concerns, LOL :)) ).I will run-through the Vitamin C skin care productsthat I have selected to flatter my straightforward anti-ageing routine and share my perceptions, based on my personal experience.
So, What is topical Vitamin C??
It is one of the best antioxidant vitamins, amidst considerabledocumented evidence supporting its effectiveness on the skin.  Up until 4 years ago, I knew absolutely nothing about Vitamin Cwhatsoever, :-/ (other than the memories of those yummy bright orange chewabletablets associated with my childhood, 8-> hehe ;)) ) until my beauty therapist boasted abouthow good it was.She talked of itsability to boost collagen production, reverse the damage to skin cells andtissues, counteract premature signs of ageing, such as wrinkles, pigmentationand sagging caused by free radical assault.She claimed it was one of her own secret anti-ageing weapons and onelook at her gorgeous skin was enough to make me stand at attention, LOL. :))  Considering my skin, at the time, wasevidently advertising numerous symptoms of premature aging caused by sundamage thanks to my neglectful younger years. [-X  :">  Therefore, it was only fittingthat I wanted to jump straight on the Vitamin C bandwagon myself.>:/Three years on as I continue to watch myskin recover and emend before my very eyes, I can admit I have grown particularlyattached to my Vitamin C skin care ‘sweetheart’ :x ;;)Along with Topical Vitamin A, I plan to posta blog exploring topical Vitamin C, in depth as a skin care ingredient, furtherdown the track.However, this blogfocuses on products rather than ingredients as such, so I will just include asnippet from the Beautypedia website,for a brief explanation in technical terms, FYI!
One of the most well-researched vitamins for skin, vitamin Cis a powerful antioxidant that has multiple benefits for those concerned withreducing (or forestalling) the signs of aging. It is available in many forms,with ascorbic acid being the most common (although it is the least stable, sopackaging to ensure potency of such products is a major concern). Stabilizedforms of vitamin C include magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, L-ascorbic acid, tetrahexyldecylascorbate, ascorbyl palmitate, ascorbyl glucosamine, and ascorbyltetraisopalmitate.
And, Why use it?
Efficacious amounts of topical vitamin C (typically 2–10%)have been shown to increase collagen production (including dermal collagen,which is significant for wrinkle reduction), reduce the appearance of skindiscolorations, strengthen skin's barrier response, enhance skin's repairprocess, reduce inflammation, and help skin better withstand exposure tosunlight, whether protected by sunscreen or not.Source: Anti-Aging Superstars: Ingredients with RealResults
What am I using?
ASAP Vitamin C Serum  
I have been using this particular serum for about 12 monthsnow, after discovering it was an affordable alternative for the Alpha-H Vitamin C 20% Serum that I formerly used.$-)After a thoroughcomparison of the two products, I decided that the ASAP Vitamin C Serum was themore beneficial option for my skin.Whileboth products are of a serum formulation, the ASAP Vitamin C Serum was of aslightly higher strength, with a 23% concentration compared to the 20% of itspredecessor.Unfortunately, since Istarted writing this post, I have ascertained that it has been recently discontinued!:-ODespiteits demise, it has paved way for the innovative ASAP Super C Serum, whichsuperseded the original.Hmm :-? anotherbrand spanking, shiny new product to tempt me with. @-) haha :)) Oh well, I think I cansee my wishlist growing LOL :)) Because this could possibly be an option when my existing oneruns out. ;)Even though I am uncertain what Vitamin C product I will engage in next, I was OK discerning that I won't be ablerepurchase this serum anymore.  Because honestly, while it DOES work, it really didn’tsnag my ‘Holy Grail’ caliber ^:)^ and I will explain why, directly.
Presented in a 30ml durable white glass bottle, featuring a hygienicdropper-style lid, to help the ingredients remain stable and preventoxidisation.Like many Vitamin C skincare products, this serum is tinted, which I find annoying! 8-| It’simpossible to tell if the Vitamin C becomes unstable when infused in a tintedformula, whereas with an untinted version, you could look for a change in thecolour to tell if it has gone bad.Anyway,I have not yet had much luck in finding too many serums that are not tinted,which is a shame, as the product would be deemed useless if it isn’t stable, sigh! :-< The cream and powder versions though, are oftenwhite in colour, if they are suited to your personal preference. *-:)The ASAP Vitamin C Serum is of an orange/brown colour, whichsmells slightly citrus-like, but it’s very subtle and doesn’t linger on theskin once it has been applied.

On the back on my hand ;)

After application on the back of my hand

I always fear that serums might be rich and greasy on myoily skin, :-S but thankfully, this one is ultra lightweight and absorbs well.Initially, it does make my skin feel tacky tosome extent, but once it dries, there is no evidence of any residue left on myskin at all.I use it daily in mymorning skin care ritual and it doesn’t interfere with my regular makeupapplication, which I just apply as normal after using the serum and amoisturiser.I can also vouch that thisserum DOES NOT stain the skin on my face. (Thank heavens, #:-S  LOL :)) ) Funnily enough, whenI first started using it, I couldn’t help but notice the brown stain transferredon the palm of my hand, :-O LOL. :))This staindidn’t wash off easily with water either, eek :-O so I began getting paranoid thatif it was staining my hand so evidently, then what must it be doing to my face?double eek!!!:-O :-OI pictured myselfresembling an ‘oompa loompa’ but luckily, after close and careful scrutiny inthe mirror, I was finally convinced that my facial skin was, in reality NOTstained at all, phew #:-S  After that encounter,I proceeded in dropping the serum onto the flipside of my hand, rather than itspalm, and, remarkably, no sign of any staining there either, hooray =D>Looks like this ASAP Vitamin C Serum only objectedto submerging into the skin on my palm, rebelling in nature, forever stampingits mark in the form of that unsightly, stain.Which I might add, doesn’t leave much to the imagination, bwahaha ROFL =)) buthey, as long as it stayed on my palm and didn’t obviously recur on my face;then I could live with that ;)

On the palm of my hand :-O

On the palm using flash

All I ever need is just a tiny bit of serum per application,say 2- 3 drops, which is sufficient to then transfer onto my hand, (remember, noton the palm, LOL :)) ) before gently working into my skin.I have never endured any stinging, burning ortingling sensation after using this serum, although I presume that may be becausemy skin was already quite resilient from various other Vitamin C products, I previouslyused.Additionally, the ASAP Vitamin C Serum has never contributed to breakouts or irritation, so even though it ispossibly the highest strength OTT (Over the counter) topical Vitamin C productavailable, it was perfectly kind to my sensitive skin.:)>- On the contrary, based on my own experience,I find it is beneficial in helping clear those pesky, hormone induced pimples,whenever they arise. Just a pin-sizeamount of serum, directly on the spot of a night, drastically reduces theseverity of the pimple, come morning.Therefore, this serum can readily pose as a substitute spot treatment,if need be. (*) 

It doesn't absorb well into the skin on my palm, which stains

Granted I have continually used topical Vitamin C skin careproducts for three years now, the visible improvement to the condition of myskin has become increasingly more apparent.The ASAP Vitamin C Serum has persisted in playing a vital role to the generalwell-being of my skin and in support of its ongoing recovery.Prompting a natural radiance and betterclarity, that signifies a healthy, luminous-looking complexion.My once uneven skin tone is now uniform incolour, with a notable reduction in blotchiness and facial redness.The surface texture is much softer and smoother,while my skin feels plumper and firmer.It has also helped to lessen the appearance of the fine lines that werestarting to form and so far, it is working wonders in deterring the formationof future lines and wrinkles too. yay  \:D/  

Even after washing the stain remains on my palm :-O

Overall, I am grateful to be acquainted with the benefits ofusing topical Vitamin C and am satisfied that it is results-driven and decidedlylives up to its phenomenal claims.:-bd Thehard working ASAP Vitamin C Serum, repairs, prevents and protects against premature skinageing.While this particular serum isn’tquite my idea of perfect, it does what any good Vitamin C serum should, and that is to effectivelypromote the health of my skin.It’s beena blessing in disguise, encouraging me to embrace the prospect of plausibly keepingmy 37-year-old complexion looking younger for longer. (and longer and longer andlonger, LOL :)))

After washing stain using flash

Even though I will soon haveto kiss the ASAP Vitamin C Serum goodbye, :-h  permanently, I will certainly move onto a different variant that will continue catering for my mature skins ongoingneeds. After witnessing a complete turnaround of my complexion, I doubt I willever part ways with topical Vitamin C, always including it in some form orother as an important step in my daily skin care regime.It’s an absolute immortal, that totallyrocks! \:D/
Other Vitamin C products I have used
Alpha-H Vitamin C 20 %SerumSkinstitut Vitamin C 100% Ultraceuticals Ultra C Sheer Facial Cream 20%Ultraceuticals Ultra C Facial Cream 23%
Tip:
*-:) Ideally, any blend of Vitamin C skin care products should beutilised as a step in your AM beauty regime.This is because Vitamin C has the ability to enhance the effect of your sunprotection product, providing a greater line of defence. I apply it straight after cleansing and toning,but PRIOR to any other products.You canstill layer it with other skin care or treatment products, but these shouldalways come AFTER the serum, ensuring you allow a few minutes for it to dry. It’s worth remembering this method, because ifother products are applied first, it’s possible they could interfere with thepenetration of the Vitamin C to your skin. :-S
Last words: Investing in a topical Vitamin C product is crucial foranyone who is serious about developing an effective anti-aging regime. :-B  Once in play, you can expect to notice visibleimprovements to the condition of your skin, within just weeks, while over time youcan look forward to achieving even greater results. The best way to optimiseskin health and generate a skin-rejuvenating effect that promises to deliverfirm, youthful skin, is by means of topical Vitamin C.=D> Have you started using a Vitamin C product inyour skin care regime yet?If so, do youprefer a serum, cream or other formulation? Please share any of your favourites.If not, you should seriously consider joiningme on the bandwagon & embarking on the journey that is heading directly to thefountain of youth!  :D  <:-P 
All images in this blog are my own. (of such poor quality, oops #-o apologies to all, I need a new camera one day, hehe ;)) ) Information highlighted in yellow text was sourced from Beautypedia