Which Type of Vitamin C Skincare Is Right For Me?
Using vitamin C skincare can have a dramatic anti-aging impact on your skin, but it does depend on which type of product you buy. Different products have different concentrations of the vitamin and some types of vitamin C do not store well. These products are available in a wide range of prices which further adds to the confusion.
To be able to know what type of vitamin C is good for you and your skin, you must first know the difference between them and what they are normally used for. I have listed the main three types of vitamin C skincare all with a brief explanation of what they will do and how to best use them to your advantage.
Magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, also known as MAP is a derivative of vitamin C that will help increase the collagen in your skin. This type of vitamin C is a very stable type which means it does not oxidize rapidly. It can even be used on sensitive skin as it is very gentle. To protect MAP from degenerating it is best to store it in a cool dry place.
L-ascorbic acid is a natural form of vitamin C. This form of the vitamin must be properly stored. L-ascorbic acid certainly has its downsides: it oxidizes very quickly when exposed to air, heat or sunlight and can be very irritating to sensitive skin types. Dermatologists recommend that if you do not know the correct way of using this type of acid, do not use it. L-ascorbic acid is unsuitable for those with rosacea or sensitive skin.
Ascorbyl Palmitate is a lot like the MAP type of vitamin C, but does not work quite as quickly or quite as effectively as the former. Much like L-ascorbic acid; it must be carefully stored in an airtight container in a cool dark place, as this type of vitamin tends to degenerate very fast. To have a collagen boosting effect, Ascorbyl Palmitate has to be used more frequently and in much larger doses than you would have to use with L-ascorbic acid .
Make sure you know what exact ingredients any vitamin C skincare contains before buying. Many manufacturers mix different types of vitamin C that not only stop the effects of the vitamin but can also be dangerous for your skin. By checking what ingredients the products have you will know what product is best for you.