- Ali
We all know vitamin C is beneficial for our body and immune systems and it’s often the first thing we reach for when we come down with a cold, but did you know it also has a positive effect on our skin.
Rather than using this incredible antioxidant to ward off commuter colds, when it comes to complexions, it’s helping defend against pollution and cellular oxidisation. Cellular oxidation? yes that’s one of the causes of ageing - lie and wrinkles and it's the damage caused to cells by free radicals. Free radicals are triggered by the UV radiation in sunlight and pollution, as well as in the food we eat, the air we breathe, the medicines we take and the water we drink. Due to their reactive nature, free radicals can wreak havoc on your skin and other cells in their quest to find an electron and feel whole again. In order to stabilize themselves, free radicals try to bond to other atoms or molecules. This process results in oxidative stress which can damage DNA and other parts of the cell. This in turn causes signs of ageing, like lines and dehydrated skin. When you cut open an apple or avocado and leave it on the worktop it turns brown, that is an example of oxidation or deterioration caused by free radicals.
Oxidative stress weakens living cells and tissues, and can leave you more vulnerable to certain health issues. Free radicals have been implicated in diseases such as cancer, heart disease, Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimers.
With air quality in the UK under scrutiny due to its dangerously toxic levels, and statistics showing it’s 30 times worse on the tube than on a busy London street, it’s an issue that will be taking its toll on more than your respiratory system.
As the body is unable to produce vitamin C itself, it relies on products, as well as food and drink, to keep quantities up. Picking a range of skincare products that deliver Vitamin C can be really beneficial to your skin.
My favourite skincare products that pack a Vitamin punch are from Arbonne. They use a special stabilized form of vitamin C, which does not oxidize and therefore remains stable as compared to pure vitamin C. It boosts and maintains moisture by supporting collagen, resulting in an improved appearance of fine lines while restoring a natural, youthful glow. It is in the RE9 anti-ageing range (from £32/ Preferred Client PC £25.60) as well as the Brightening range (from £32/ PC £25.60) and for younger skin it’s even in the Prep-Work range (from £19/PC £15.20) meaning you can push back the signs of ageing from your teens onwards.
And to give skin added support why not boost it with Arbonne’s new Skin Elixir. It’s a vegan collagen builder that’s packed with skin building ingredients including Vitamin C and Hyaluronic acid as well as key botanicals. 30 stick pack £45/ PC £36.
For more info on which range would support your skin give me a call or message me using this link.
