vitamin c me

 Here is the first of many anti-aging blog reviews. I'm starting with what I believe is one of the most important products that you put on your face. There are a billion anti-aging creams and serums on the market all claiming to do miracles. I wish the FDA was as strict on these products as they are on pharmaceuticals- but then only the sound of crickets would be left in the anti-aging section of my beloved Sephora. That's how bullshit I think most of these creams, serums and moisturizers are. This beauty area is the only one in which marketing doesn't influence my purchasing decisions- usually the less marketing the more I will actually be interested in the product. Kind of like that guy that is always selling how wonderful and great he is to you- he's lying. If he really is that amazing he wouldn't have to sell himself to you his actions would speak for themselves.

So what's the product I do believe in? It's Vitamin C as ascorbic acid in a serum form. Is it weird that whenever I think of Vitamin C I think of that horrendous Graduation Song? Anyways, before you run out and get the first product you see that claims to have Vitamin C in it there are some important things you need to take into consideration. I would stick to a Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) concentration of 10% and above (currently I'm using 15%)

So what does Vitamin C do? Well, it has been shown to stimulate collagen (keeps you looking young- you know the stuff that inflates Lisa Rinna's freakish lips) and reduce UV induced cell damage. If you have sun spots and are hoping to lighten them you will need other treatments (which I will blog about) but regardless this will help prevent new sun spots from appearing. Unfortunately, ascorbic acid is pretty expensive because it's very unstable and it's hard to get into a formulation. However, it HAS to be in ascorbic acid form if not it wont work. Personally, I would rather spend more and know it's working than keep buying cheaper crap that doesn't. This product actually has scientific studies backing it that it works. You have one face people- keep it beautiful!

The Vitamin C serums that I believe in you have to buy from a dermatologist or online from the company's website. If you go on www.skinceuticals.com it will instruct you on what to do. I know it's easy to buy online but I recommend you go see your dermatologist that sells the Skinceuticals line (you can find which dermatologist sells this stuff by going online as well)  and get your yearly mole check and you can walk out with the recommended products.

Skinceuticals- Serum 10AOX+ $89 This serum also comes in 15% and 20%. I say start low and increase the longer you use this product. Also the less percentage of ascorbic acid in the formulation the less expensive it is. This serum is the best in the business. It's used amongst a ton of celebrities and is recommended by physicians over any other one on the market. Once it's on your skin it cannot be rubbed or washed of for 72 hours- it stays on and it works. Exactly what you want from an expensive and effective product. It will neutralize free radicals, defend against environmental damage, and stimulate collagen synthesis. You need this in your life stat!



Obagi also makes a great Vitamin C serum but I recommend the Skinceuticals over Obagi's line. I know I blog about a ton of stuff but I 100% believe this is one of the most important products you need in your life. If your concern is aging and sun damage this will keep you looking youthful from now on. Also, make sure you put on a great sunscreen on top of this before you head outside (I will blog about sunscreens too because they are definitely not all created equal) it's critical for preventing sun damage!


Hope Vitamin C's Graduation Song isn't stuck in your head like it is in mine...

xx

Liz