Everything you need to know about L-Ascorbic Acid
L-ascorbic acid (a.k.a. Vitamin C) should be a staple in your daily skin care routine. In fact, many Advanced Rejuvenating Concepts® products contain this essential ingredient because it's effective at correcting and preventing visible signs of aging, and promotes an even skin tone.
To put it simply, it works.
Why our skin needs L-ascorbic acid
L-Ascorbic Acid is the purest form of Vitamin C and an essential nutrient in our body. We can't create this ingredient naturally, so it's harvested from foods we eat: red peppers, strawberries, broccoli, and citrus!
In the skin, science tells us that our levels of vitamin C are significantly low compared to other tissues within our body. Oxidative stress from UV, pollution, and smoking deplete the antioxidant power vitamin C has in our skin -- which is where your L-ascorbic acid serum, like High-Potent C, plays a vital role in rejuvenation.
L-ascorbic acid in skin care
As one of the most important antioxidants in your skin care routine, L-ascorbic acid helps your skin function optimally, strengthening the barrier, and combating the harmful effects of sun damage. It achieves this by quenching free radicals that damage skin and trigger inflammation, while promoting and protecting our skin’s delicate collagen and elastin fibers. This helps keep our skin more youthful and plump looking.
Youthful skin is not only plump, it’s even-toned. L-ascorbic acid in a skin care routine acts as a tyrosine inhibitor, slowing the creation of melanin in our skin. This helps prevent and correct hyperpigmentation concerns, like freckles, uneven tone, age spots, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (acne scars). Advanced Rejuvenating Concepts® Lighten More Complex delivers the benefits of L-ascorbic acid with brightening Kojic and azelaic acids to help provide comprehensive skin brightening benefits.
Who wouldn't want to incorporate this tried-and-true ingredient into their skin care routine?
L-ascorbic acid percentages and alternatives
Ideally, a clinical-strength application of L-Ascorbic Acid should range from 15%-20% with a low pH level to help keep your C active and result-driven. Lower doses are available in combined formulations, but the higher the concentration, the more efficient it is. If you're ready to kick-up your rejuvenation a notch, try Advanced Rejuvenating Concepts® Mega C Complex with added Matrixyl® 3000 rejuvenating peptide and apple stem cells.
Unfortunately, not all skin types can tolerate L-ascorbic acid, which is why we have micro encapsulated esters of Vitamin C available. These technologically advanced C ingredients deliver the benefits of L-ascorbic acid, without the irritation. They also have a longer shelf life. Advanced Rejuvenating Concepts® Opti-Renew Complex utilizes sodium ascorbyl phosphate with esters A and E for maximum antioxidant benefits with no irritation, and it’s ultra hydrating and soothing for dry or sensitive skin types.
When to use L-ascorbic acid
Get the most out of your L-ascorbic acid serum by using it in the morning. After cleansing, dry your skin and apply High-Potent C, Mega C Complex or Opti-Renew Complex. One pump is sufficient for the face. Three pumps will provide coverage for your face, neck, and décolleté. After your serum, apply your favorite Advanced Rejuvenating Concepts® moisturizer and finish with a layer of Sun Protectant!
Utilizing a vitamin C serum with a sunscreen gives your skin the ultimate protection it needs against sun damage, inflammation, redness, and photo-aging. Both products are good on their own, but better together (like peanut butter and jelly).
You can use your Vitamin C serum at night for total rejuvenation, but opt for a retinol instead, like Advanced Rejuvenating Concepts® Revit-A-Lift or Rapid Renewal to complete your skin care routine.
Send us an email at sales@arcskincare.com or call 800 689-0499 to ask your skin questions or share comments.
