Vitamin C is one of the most effective topical skin lighteners out there. However, commercial and store-bought Vitamin C-based skin lighteners usually contain very small amounts of this ingredient. If you find that your Vitamin C skin cream isn’t working as it claims, there’s a good chance you’re not actually getting enough of it to make a difference. On top of the potentially small amounts of Vitamin C added by the manufacturer, Vitamin C is also not a shelf-stable ingredient—meaning it breaks down easily over time. Most creams nowadays are imported and shipped over long distances, and it’s not unusual to purchase something that was made several months ago. Add to that several uncertainties that are beyond our control, such as the temperature the products were stored, handled and transported (Vitamin C also breaks down in heat and sunlight), and it’s no wonder why some Vitamin C creams work less effectively than advertised, or not at all. If you want to use a Vitamin C cream on your skin, you’ll get the most value and efficacy by simply making it yourself.
This is relatively cheap, uses few ingredients and is very simple to do. If kept well, this serum should stay largely clear and may develop a slight yellowish tinge after a few days. When it starts looking distinctly yellow, it’s time to discard it and make a fresh serum to use. Because of this, it’s better to make the serum in small batches. Use a small bottle to make your serum instead of a large one. Alternatively, you can also make your own Vitamin C face cream or body lotion by mixing the powder with one of your favorite unscented creams or lotions. It’s best to use a cream that has as few chemicals and perfumes as possible (such as a simple cold cream or a natural shea butter cream) to maintain the integrity of the Vitamin C. A DIY (do-it-yourself) Vitamin C cream or lotion should last longer than a DIY water-based serum, but you should still discard it when the cream turns yellow. It will not be harmful, just ineffective, as the yellowness indicates that the Vitamin C has oxidized.
The best ratio of Vitamin C powder to water will vary depending on your skin sensitivity. Also, the skin on your face is much more sensitive than the skin on the rest of your body. So you can adjust the amount depending on where you plan to apply the serum. Start out by adding a small amount of Vitamin C powder first. Add a little more if needed. Experiment and you’ll find the best ratio for your skin. In general, the mixture should not be so strong as to cause excessive stinging or redness when applied (a little stinging is okay and might actually help increase cell turnover and absorption). It’s very important to avoid sun exposure soon after applying any Vitamin C serum, as your skin will be more sun-sensitive and vulnerable to re-darkening and hyperpigmentation then. To eliminate this risk, apply the serum only in the evenings or before going to bed at night. You might be able to find pure Vitamin C powder from your local pharmacy or health food store. Vitamin C powder is relatively cheap in general.
You can also find pure Vitamin C powder online. BioCgel™ Buffered Vitamin C 90 Softgels (SKU 1353)BioCgel™ combines the preferred, highly absorbable form of vitamin C — pH neutral, buffered calcium ascorbate — with BerryRich®, a high-ORAC, proprietary berry blend that provides antioxidant support.* The addition of citrus bioflavonoids further elevates the antioxidant protection and plays a key role in the absorption of vitamin C. Calcium ascorbate is a non-acidic form of vitamin C that is gentle on the stomach and does not cause digestive problems. QuestionsSuggested Use1 softgel 1–3 times per day or as directed by a health professional. Antioxidants Vitamins Immune HealthDue to the influx of news surrounding the benefits of vitamin C, many people feel that when it comes to vitamin c supplements, more is automatically better. While vitamin C supplementation is generally safe, even in larger doses, it can interact negatively with other nutrients in the body, if certain pre-existing health conditions are present.
So, what about these high doses of vitamin C -- are they without consequence? Typically, 500 to 1,000 mg per day are sufficient for general health enhancement. Doses of 1,000 to 3,000 mg (1 to 3 g) per day may be indicated for treating specific acute conditions. Amounts larger than this, especially over long periods of time, can have adverse effects such as cramps, diarrhea, and destruction of vitamin B12, and decreased copper absorption. Since vitamin C increases the amount of iron that gets absorbed, this can be a problem for people who have hemochromatosis, an iron-overload disease in which an inherited defect allows too much iron absorption. Other cautions about excessive doses of vitamin C include: The moral of the story is to know when and how much supplementation is best based on your own health and history. Vitamin C is a great nutrient in our arsenal against disease, but too much or in the wrong form over a long period of time can cause problems. Use vitamin C wisely.
Supplementation in amounts from 200-2000 mg per day is fine for most people, particularly in the buffered forms, going up to 10,000 mg per day when fighting an illness. If you're looking for the best prices on vitamin C supplements, click here. For more information on Vitamin C, check out the links below: Learn about the healing power of vitamin C by reading Benefits of Vitamin C.If you're worried you're not getting enough Vitamin C in your diet, visit Vitamin C Deficiency.Fortunately, Vitamin C is abundant in many food sources, to find out which are your best bets check out Foods That Contain Vitamin C.To find out more about Vitamin C in general, check out What Is Vitamin C?To learn about the many vitamins in our diet, how much you should be eating, and where to find them, go to our general Vitamins page.To find the best prices on vitamin C supplements, click here. ABOUT THE AUTHOR:Jennifer Brett, N.D. is director of the Acupuncture Institute for the University of Bridgeport, where she also serves on the faculty for the College of Naturopathic Medicine.