Myths about Vitamin C

Vitamin C is one of the most famous compounds for skincare, but at the same time, many myths have been generated about the consequences of its use.

You've probably heard phrases like 'drink your orange juice quickly because the vitamins are going away' or 'a serum containing vitamin C turned a friend's face orange.'

So, let's talk about the most popular myths surrounding the topical application of this potent antioxidant.

What is Vitamin C?

Vitamin C is an important antioxidant, essential for the functioning of the human body, obtained through the consumption of certain fruits and vegetables. Its main function is to help generate and repair tissues.

Due to its antioxidant action, it has numerous benefits when applied to the skin, which is why it's a commonly used ingredient in skincare, found in many moisturizers and serums. Its ability to combat free radicals that are generated when the skin comes into contact with pollution, sunlight, or other external agents can prevent damage to skin cells.

Vitamin C and some myths about it

Vitamin C causes sun sensitivity

This is one of the most common and widespread myths about vitamin C. But in this case, it's important to note that vitamin C doesn't make the skin more sensitive to sunlight; quite the opposite, it's an antioxidant that fights free radicals generated when it comes into contact with, for example, sunlight or pollution.

So, if you include vitamin C in your morning routine, you'll be combating premature skin aging and protecting it from oxidative damage resulting from sun exposure. If used in your nighttime routine, it will combat the sun damage your skin has incurred during the day and boost collagen and elastin production.

The higher the percentage of Vitamin C, the better

No, a higher percentage of vitamin C is not necessarily more effective. In fact, pure vitamin C is known to be a very unstable active ingredient that requires very specific conditions to be effective in a formula. Therefore, more important than the percentage is the proper formulation of the product.

Vitamin C protects against the sun

This is not true; it doesn't protect against the negative impact of solar radiation on the skin, so it can't replace sunscreen with a product containing vitamin C.

What it can do is combat the oxidation of skin cells when exposed to the sun, making it a perfect complement.

The Vitamin C we get through diet reaches the skin

This is partially true. What happens is that the amount we get through our diet that reaches the skin is not sufficient to provide the results that can be achieved using a topically applied serum.

It can cause skin discoloration

This is not entirely false, although it doesn't create the type of discoloration you might be imagining. What can happen is that after applying a product with vitamin C, you might notice a certain orange tone on your facial skin or palms of your hands.

This is due to the oxidation of this active ingredient, which transforms into a sugar similar to what self-tanning products contain. To avoid this, make sure the product you are using has not been open for a long time or exposed directly to sunlight.

Only mature skin can benefit from Vitamin C

While it's true that mature skin can benefit greatly from applying vitamin C to the skin, such as reducing the appearance of spots or achieving a brighter complexion, younger skin can also benefit.

In fact, applying a product with vitamin C in your 20s will help prevent signs of aging thanks to its antioxidant properties.

It can't be used on oily skin

Vitamin C can be used on all skin types. What happens is that many products containing vitamin C are in oil form, so people with oily skin may prefer a water-soluble formula, such as L-ascorbic acid, which is lightweight and non-comedogenic.

After dispelling or clarifying some of the myths surrounding vitamin C, it's important to use high-quality products, and a perfect option is Matcha & CO's Facial Glow Serum.

It's a potent, highly concentrated serum that combines the brightening power of stabilized Vitamin C with the antioxidant power of Niacinamide and Matcha to hydrate, firm, and illuminate your skin while reducing signs of aging.

Moreover, it contributes to collagen formation, promotes skin hydration and radiance, inhibits the tyrosinase enzyme responsible for hyperpigmentation and age spots."