Why Vitamin C Is So Important to Your Skin

It’s been said that I can’t leave well enough alone, and that is a true statement about many things! I am always fine-tuning and tweaking my products to make the best even better because of my love of the skin and creating powerful and positive changes for my clients (quickly). I have never been one to rest on my laurels and have been accused of not leaving well enough alone and just letting my products “be.” Let them “be”? Not on my watch! My passion is giving people the most beautiful skin of their lives – all without Botox, surgery, or invasive procedures, so raising the bar has always been the way I roll – and my clients have the most beautiful skins in the world because of it. The most recent example of this is the make-over of our Brightening Moisture Fluid that would elevate this beautiful botanical skin fluid to incorporate a unique form of Vitamin C with an unexpected botanical ingredient that takes it to a whole new level.

Keep reading! 

Of all the thousands of skincare ingredients you may have heard about or researched in your quest to slow the aging process and improve the appearance of your skin, probably the one most every know about to some degree is Vitamin C. In fact, it is so prominent in anti-aging skin care formulations that a lot of information is not necessarily accurate. Because this is SUCH a powerful and vital ingredient in skincare, I wanted to share the science and facts about this amazing ingredient and how (as always) we do things differently at Sunshine Botanicals. After all, we are all about clinical skincare – but from a botanical perspective…

So What is Vitamin C, and Why is it so Important to your Skin? 

VITAMIN C IS: An essential nutrient required for the growth and repair of tissues in all parts of the body and one of the most vital antioxidants for healing and skin health. Vitamin C is necessary for the production of collagen, bone, and dental health and is vital in the wound healing process. Vitamin C strengthens capillaries and blood vessels, thus preventing their fragility and subcutaneous bleeding. It is essential for a healthy immune system. Our bodies do NOT metabolize it, so vitamin C it must be acquired through the diet. 

TYPE OF INGREDIENT: Antioxidant – Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant and reducing agent and one of the critical substances involved in neutralizing free radicals that form as a consequence of UV radiation. It can penetrate the deeper layers of the epidermis where the melanocyte cells are located on topical application and under suitable conditions. These cells produce the protective brown pigment, melanin, on exposure to actinic (UV) light. If present in sufficient concentration, Ascorbic acid reduces melanin to a colorless substance, inhibiting the formation of freckles, excessive darkening of the skin, “age spots,” and possible pre-cancerous lesions such as melanomas.  

MAIN BENEFITS: Protects against free radical damage, minimizes skin discoloration, evens skin tone, promotes collagen production, and nourishes the skin.

WHO SHOULD USE IT: Everyone! Ok, Ok – I can hear all of you from here saying…whaaat did you say???? Let me explain…traditional Vitamin C products are very acidic, and sensitive and compromised skins (some of the ones who need it the most) can’t handle the irritation and inflammation it creates. Because of the low pH of L-ascorbic acid of most topical vitamin C products, they are NOT recommended or appropriate for every skin condition. I knew there had to be a way to formulate this amazing ingredient so that it could benefit every skin type and condition. For this reason, I began to dig deep into cosmetic chemistry and find a way to create a formula that delivered the best of this powerful antioxidant WITHOUT the “acidic bite” often associated with this product. Then blend it with complementary ingredients that would make topical Vitamin C work well for all aging and problem skin conditions. 

After much research and collaboration with my chemist, I developed Vitamin C+ brightening Moisture Fluid to deliver the skin brightening and skin-strengthening benefits perfect for ALL skin types. A strong antioxidant, our vitamin C is derived from citrus fruit. It is in an ascorbic acid polypeptide form that’s highly stable in contrast to synthetic vitamin C. Upon application under suitable conditions, it penetrates the melanocytes, which produce the protective pigment known as melanin. Melanin is reduced to a colorless substance, inhibiting the formation of freckles and “age spots.” Beta-glucan protects the skin’s moisture barrier, stimulates collagen production, and promotes cell turnover. 

HOW OFTEN CAN YOU USE IT: Daily 

DON’T USE WITH: Avoid using with benzoyl peroxide, which can oxidize the vitamin C and make it useless very quickly. Also, avoid using Vitamin C+ with retinol, which can make the vitamin C more unstable and less likely to penetrate the skin.

Sunshine Botanicals Reinvents Topical Vitamin C+ for Aging Skin

We have collaborated closely with our chemists and herbalists to create an elegant new, genuinely original formulation that provides many skin renewal benefits for all skin types and conditions. Our Vitamin C+ Brightening Moisture Fluid is a concentrated, highly active serum that incorporates moisture intensifying ingredients, including low molecular weight hyaluronic acid, to bring a maximum amount of moisture to the surface of the skin. The clean, light consistency allows valuable active ingredients to penetrate skin directly, treating multiple needs. The primary featured ingredient in the serum, Vitamin C (ascorbic acid), is an ascorbic acid polypeptide compound, which, in contrast to synthetic vitamin C, possesses excellent stability in the finished formulation. The serum is particularly beneficial for stressed and weather-damaged skin and is a godsend for compromised/Oncology skin conditions. Since oily skin also needs moisture, this is perfect for very light, daily hydration. This versatile formula can be used as a daily vitamin C serum, under moisturizer, OR as a very light daytime moisturizer, and anti-aging serum all-in-one effective skin fluid. This is especially great in hot, humid climates!

It is essential to understand that Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin that needs moisture in the skin to function actively. I wanted to maximize the effect of topical Vitamin C and added low molecular weight hyaluronic acid to provide an environment that is conducive to maximum skin absorption of this vital ingredient. Hyaluronic acid is a fluid found in the body that is natural lubrication to the skin, joints, and eyes and helps plump the skin. Hyaluronic acid in the dermal layer of the skin is responsible for the thickness (think skin density), suppleness of the skin, and light reflectivity for a healthy glow. It maintains water balance in the dermis allowing fibroblast cells to produce collagen and elastin. If you have followed me for a while, you know how huge ingredients and their sources are to me and how I color outside the lines when it comes to product development and formulation. I’m always thinking outside the box….

Speaking of thinking outside the box (herbalist and plant lover that I am), I incorporated a unique, very unusual botanical ingredient to this formula to protect and maximize the efficacy of Vitamin C – Purslane extract. In most climates, Portulaca oleracea (Purslane) is an annual succulent. We know that Vitamin A resists bacteria, Vitamin C combats viruses, vitamin E fights free radicals, and Purslane has high levels of them all. Thanks to this, Purslane is helpful in treating sensitive skin, eczema, acne, and even the most reactive skin. Additionally, Purslane reduces inflammation and has strong antioxidant properties has anti-aging solid properties.  

Benefits of Purslane Extract for Skin 

Purslane extract provides serious antioxidant benefits. It calms red, irritated skin, hydrates, plumps, and has strong anti-aging properties. It’s a natural superfood for the skin… it’s loaded with more omega fatty acids than fish oil and more vitamins than our healthiest veggies. It is an excellent source of skin-beneficial minerals like potassium, magnesium, calcium, and phosphorus.

• Offers antioxidant protection: Purslane extract provides antioxidant benefits through vitamin C, vitamin E, glutathione, and beta-carotene.
• Has anti-inflammatory properties: The anti-inflammatory ingredients support skin cells, protect against free radical damage, and help renew structural components of the skin
• Supports healthy cell turnover: Due to its vitamin A content, purslane extract helps support the body’s cell division process.
• Improves skin hydration: It is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and can help hydrate the skin, which can be helpful to those who may be experiencing dryness. 
• Offers additional anti-aging benefits: The activation of telomerase (known as the “fountain of youth enzyme”) in purslane extract products means it has extraordinary potential as an anti-aging hero ingredient. 
• Speeds up the healing of wounds: Purslane extract is also rich in vitamin A, which has known benefits for regulating skin cell turnover. As a result, it helps with wound healing and is thought to help repair cellular damage.

I hope this information helps you find your solution, and I can’t wait to show you more! Please Follow us on FB and sign up for our newsletter to get the scoop on all things happening at Sunshine Botanicals and join us on our amazing adventure in beauty, health, and wellness! 

My Passion Is Your Solution!

XOXOXO