Topical Vitamin C and Collagen
Firming Skin While Protecting It from Sun Damage

Every day our skin is exposed to environmental elements like sunlight, smoke and air pollution which cause oxy radicals to form and break down the collagen layer that supports it and gives it a firm, youthful appearance. This is the primary cause of lines and wrinkles.

Science shows that Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) promotes the synthesis of collagen. For years, people who understood Vitamin C's beneficial role took vitamin supplements and ate citrus fruits in hopes of improving skin clarity. Then, Duke University research showed that stabilized L-ascorbic acid at low pH delivers 20 to 40 times more Vitamin C to the skin than can be achieved by diet or by supplement.

The race was on to formulate a topical Vitamin C product that would provide the optimum protective and restorative benefits to skin.

What Is Optimum?
The best topical Vitamin C products:

• List L-ascorbic acid as the leading active ingredient in high concentrations (10, 15, or 20 percent)
• Provide L-ascorbic acid at low pH so it penetrates skin
• Is both color and L-ascorbic acid stable (the color should never be brown)

Other Benefits
Research also indicates that Vitamin C

1. Prevents UV immunosuppression, a phenomenon in which the activity of the immune system is stifled following exposure to sunlight.

2. Provides a modest anti-inflammatory effect and therefore can be utilized to aid skin in recovering from sunburn. In fact, many dermatologists and plastic surgeons have recommended topical Vitamin C for patients recovering from glycolic acid and other dermatologic peels, as well as on acne, rosacea and on erythema resulting from laser skin resurfacing.

3. Is an excellent supplement to sunscreen for active individuals and athletes who spend a good amount of time outdoors.

Research shows that once topical Vitamin C gets into skin, it cannot be washed, rubbed, or perspired off and it remains active for up to 72 hours.

We Recommend SkinCeuticals
In our experience, SkinCeuticals' Topical Vitamin C Serum is the most powerful, yet safe, formulation for delivering Vitamin C into the deep layers of the skin.

Our patients who apply it every day notice that over time, it visibly improved their skin's clarity, tone and texture, leaving it with a firmer, smoother, younger-looking appearance. At the same time, it prevents further sun damage.

What is the difference between SkinCeuticals Topical Vitamin C products and other skincare products?
Most topical Vitamin C products utilize Vitamin C derivatives such as ascorbyl palmitate and magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, which must be converted to L-ascorbic acid in order to be used by the skin. Because the skin is difficult to penetrate, and the enzymes necessary to convert these derivatives into L-ascorbic acid are not always available, derivatives are not very effective in delivering Vitamin C into the skin.

In addition, SkinCeuticals Topical Vitamin C products reduce the temporary stinging sensation that was inherent in early topical Vitamin C formulations.

Do I need to change my skin care regimen, and how do I use the Serum?
SkinCeuticals Topical Vitamin C Serum can be used in conjunction with any skin care regimen.

Given the precise formulation of SkinCeuticals Topical Vitamin C products, it is important to apply them only onto clean, dry skin. Do not mix immediately with other products; simply wait a few minutes for the SkinCeuticals Topical Vitamin C product to be absorbed, then proceed with the rest of your skin care regimen.

Topical Vitamin C products are not moisturizers, so a water-based moisturizer should be applied afterwards to prevent dryness. To further protect skin from the harmful effects of the sun, a sunblock should be used.

How often should SkinCeuticals Topical Vitamin C products be applied?
One application per day will provide all the listed benefits. For certain skin types we may recommend more frequent application. Because topical Vitamin C photo-protects the skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays, daytime application is ideal

How soon does an average user of SkinCeuticals see results?
Comprehensive results will not be seen for approximately two months, but you may notice a visible difference in skin texture, color and tone in as early as a few days. The appearance of fine lines and wrinkles should become less noticeable within three to eight months. Individual results may vary, depending upon the condition of the skin at the time of initial use.

Can I use topical Vitamin C products with alpha and beta hydroxy acids, retinoids (including Retin A and Renova) and other popular skin care products?
A. Generally, yes, although Vitamin C products should not be used at the same time of day as these other products. The recommended regimen is an application of topical Vitamin C in the morning and use of other acid or retinoid based products at night.

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