What really is Vitamin C?

 Daily Decoded Episode 1

Hi everyone! 

I started this blog to talk about the different things in the world and in our day to day lives and the science behind them. Im simply a nerd for details who wants to break it down simple for you guys. If you’ve ever wondered “How does this thing work?” or “Why does this do this?” you’re in the right place!! The truth is, science is all around us. From our bathroom cabinets to our kitchens. Everything thing has a how and why.

Today’s post is about the science behind vitamin C skincare and how it really works on our skin.

Vitamin C is often hailed as the “holy grail” of skin care, but it’s also one of the most temperamental ingredients in your cabinet. It does alot more than just “brightening your skin”

When vitamin C is applied to ones face, it interferes with the enzyme (a biological catalyst that alters the rate of a reaction) Tyrosinase which is required for producing melanin (pigment). By interfering with this enzymes activity, vitamin C prevents the overproduction of melanin and keeps your skin tone even. 

Thats the biology behind it, now to tackle the chemistry.

Vitamin C’s primary job is to act as an electron donor. This might sound a little confusing but its actually pretty simple.

Your skin is constantly attacked by Free Radicals, unstable molecules triggered by UV light and pollution that have an unpaired electron. These molecules basically steal electrons from your skins healthy cells leading to DNA damage and collagen breakdown. Vitamin C steps in and sacrifices one of its electrons to neutralise the free radical, stopping the cellular damage before it even starts.

Vitamin C is an important co- factor for the enzymes Hydroxlase and Lysl oxide which are important for cross linking and stabilising collagen molecules.

Without vitamin C your body simply cannot produce the “glue” that keeps your skin together.

So next time you apply vitamin C on your face, appreciate it for a little more than just “brightening” your skin :)

xoxo

Dr. How