Is Vitamin C in Skincare Doing More Harm Than Good? Its Unstable Nature and Detrimental Consequences
Vitamin C, often acclaimed for its potential benefits in skincare, harbors a lesser-known side that warrants scrutiny. Rather than focusing solely on its positive attributes, it's imperative to acknowledge its propensity for chemical reactivity, which can lead to profound harm within the skin. While it is known for its antioxidant properties, it can easily become a pro-oxidant, doing the exact opposite of its intended actions.
The Reactive Nature: A Perilous Encounter
In contrast to its celebrated role, vitamin C's interaction with oxygen, light, pollution and certain metals, particularly iron and copper can spark a cascade of detrimental effects. This reactivity is responsible for the degradation of DNA and collagen, the oxidation of essential molecules, and even turning skin lipids rancid. Moreover, the marriage of vitamin C with sunlight can initiate a process of photooxidation, exacerbating the aging of skin through a photoaging mechanism.
Inescapable Exposure: A Harsh Reality
The moment these products make contact with the skin, they're subjected to the ceaseless influence of oxygen, light and pollution. This exposure accelerates vitamin C's transition from an antioxidant to a pro-oxidant, contributing to the very oxidative stress that it's often relied upon to combat.
A Deeper Consideration
The weight of this understanding prompts a deeper reflection. Vitamin C's potential benefits may pale in comparison to the risks posed by its reactivity. The cycle of oxidation, degradation, and transformation underscores the complexities of using this compound in skincare products, as the unavoidable exposure to environmental elements undermines its intended benefits.
Final Thoughts
While the potential benefits of vitamin C in skincare are recognized, in real world use cases, the unavoidable exposure to oxygen and light that occurs after application is likely to lead to more drawbacks that outweigh any perceived advantages. Until new forms of vitamin C are conclusively proven to not carry more risks than benefits, we have chosen to not include it in any Blends and Formulas skincare products.
The Reactive Nature: A Perilous Encounter
In contrast to its celebrated role, vitamin C's interaction with oxygen, light, pollution and certain metals, particularly iron and copper can spark a cascade of detrimental effects. This reactivity is responsible for the degradation of DNA and collagen, the oxidation of essential molecules, and even turning skin lipids rancid. Moreover, the marriage of vitamin C with sunlight can initiate a process of photooxidation, exacerbating the aging of skin through a photoaging mechanism.
Inescapable Exposure: A Harsh Reality
The moment these products make contact with the skin, they're subjected to the ceaseless influence of oxygen, light and pollution. This exposure accelerates vitamin C's transition from an antioxidant to a pro-oxidant, contributing to the very oxidative stress that it's often relied upon to combat.
A Deeper Consideration
The weight of this understanding prompts a deeper reflection. Vitamin C's potential benefits may pale in comparison to the risks posed by its reactivity. The cycle of oxidation, degradation, and transformation underscores the complexities of using this compound in skincare products, as the unavoidable exposure to environmental elements undermines its intended benefits.
Final Thoughts
While the potential benefits of vitamin C in skincare are recognized, in real world use cases, the unavoidable exposure to oxygen and light that occurs after application is likely to lead to more drawbacks that outweigh any perceived advantages. Until new forms of vitamin C are conclusively proven to not carry more risks than benefits, we have chosen to not include it in any Blends and Formulas skincare products.