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Are Vitamin C and E Effective for Skin Health?

Are Vitamin C and E Effective for Skin Health?

by Gataca Admin in News

Introduction

Skincare is a form of self care- that is for sure. It does not matter if you are a pro or a beginner in the skincare game - going back to the basics always makes sense. In this case, the basics would be skincare products with vitamins C and E respectively. Everyone knows what these vitamins can do for you and they are super helpful for your skin too. What’s more, these vitamins can be included safely in your daily skincare routine and they will not harm you in any way. Let us try to understand how these two vitamins can help improve your skin related needs.  

Benefits Of Vitamin C And E For Skin Health

Vitamin C, also called ascorbic acid is a citric acid molecule that can help clear skin and improve radiance. It can literally ask skin cells to stop producing melanin, which is how it will help you with hyperpigmentation, dark spots and melasma. It can also help protect skin cells from UV damage caused by sun exposure. This is how it will help prevent premature aging. Vitamin C also helps increase collagen production in the skin- which is how your skin will remain plump and elastic. People with hyperpigmentation, tan lines, dark spots, melasma and uneven skin tone really benefit with regular application of Vitamin C based products. 

Vitamin E as we all know is a potent antioxidant that helps keep cells safe from oxidative damage. Vitamin E mainly shines in its anti-inflammatory capacity and helps improve the integrity of the skin barrier. Although not listed as Vitamin E normally, the ingredients you should look for on the product include tocopherol and tocopheryl acetate - which are the biologically active forms of Vitamin E. It is especially useful for people who have dry and sensitive skin, mature skin with eczema or sun damaged skin respectively. 

Daily Dosage Of Vitamin C And E For Skin

Adults need at least 40 mg of Vitamin C everyday, while Vitamin E dosage needs to be at 3-4 mg per day and not more than that. Vitamin C is water soluble and hence won’t be stored in your body. Vitamin E is fat soluble and hence, you will have reserves in your body if you consume more than what is needed. Supplements are very tolerated on a daily basis. For skin related needs, topical application is a good idea to stick to- about 8-20% of Vitamin C is what is commonly found in serums or creams. Higher concentrations are not too effective and can actually cause irritation and itching. For Vitamin E, the percentage is way lower- between 0.1-1% is more than enough for daily use. 

Conclusion

It is common to try to pit these two vitamins against each other when comparing them. This debate is not a very useful way to decide what you really need, as you derive the maximum possible benefits for your skin, when you combine them. So, if you use a Vitamin C serum and a Vitamin E containing cream, your skin texture and complexion improves. This means more moisture holding capacity and that enviable glow is not far behind! Plus, both these vitamins help your sunscreen magnify its protective effect by manifold, which is why using them during the day is your best bet to flawless beauty! 

FAQs

1. Can Vitamin C and E help reduce the appearance of wrinkles?

Yes, absolutely! Both Vitamins C and E have potent antioxidative properties and help improve collagen production with consistent use. It is also well known that if collagen is present in the right amounts, then skin does not get wrinkles and is firm and elastic. Vitamin E also has a protective effect on the barrier function of the skin and hence helps improve and retain moisture. 

2. How should Vitamin C and E be incorporated into a daily skincare routine?

They need to be used on clean skin- so serums or other light products that contain Vitamin C and E can be used after cleansing. You can then follow up with a moisturiser, along with a sunscreen. If used in the day, then they can help bolster your sunscreen’s UV protection property, as they both help fight against UV damage. 

3. How long does it take to see results from using Vitamin C and E on the skin?

As with any vitamin based product, you need patience and commitment. With consistent usage, you can expect to see a marked improvement in skin texture, hydration and this in turn will help reduce the appearance of wrinkles in about a month-3 months, depending on how severe your skin condition was before application.  Vitamin C also helps reduce melanin production, so it is useful for people who deal with hyperpigmentation. Long term usage can help improve clarity and brightness of skin.

4. Which skin types benefit the most from Vitamin C and E?

Vitamin C and E are both gentle enough to be used for all skin types but particularly excel at helping mature skin improve over time. Vitamin C has clarifying properties, so if you have a tan, dark spots or hyperpigmentation, then this should be your go to skincare ingredient. Vitamin E helps protect and hydrate, so it is very good for dry and sensitive skin, though it can still be used for normal or oily skin too. 

5. Are Vitamin C and E effective for treating hyperpigmentation?

Vitamin C and E are both good for dealing with hyperpigmentation., but Vitamin C excels in this aspect, as it helps prevent melanin production by skin cells. Vitamin E is especially good if you are dealing with post inflammatory hyperpigmentation, as it is protective in nature and will help reduce inflammation.

 

Tags: Longevity
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