Lockdown Tales
I was thinking about how our lives have changes since the Covid19 pandemic and the first lockdown in March, 2020 . We have come a long way since then. People have started to live life with lesser fear and greater respect for their own mortality. We have learnt to truly appreciate the things that we once took for granted.One of those things was the ready availability of the humble Vitamin C tablet!
Amongst all the terror of a brand new virus unleashing its wrath on the world,all of us learnt the concept of wearing masks and social distancing. But for me, a majorly introverted person, social distancing has always been a good friend of mine. In my definition, social distancing means, keeping that much distance from people which ensures that no lice can travel from their head to yours!
Vitamin C the superhero
So, during the lockdown, other than doing the equally distributed household chores, I had ample time to focus on selfcare. There was a hyper vigilant approach towards preventive healthcare and vit.C was touted to be the vitamin of choice.
All of a sudden Vitamin C became as rare as hen’s teeth! Everybody wanted the sweet and sour chewable tablets and all the pharmacy’s were out of it! After some amount of wait we finally got our hands on a few strips but at around 10 times the price!
Vitamin C health benefits
Vit C a.k.a ascorbic acid plays an important role in maintaining immunity, preventing scurvy, fighting free radicals due to its antioxidant properties and much more.
Read more about it here https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/vitamin-c-benefits#1.-May-reduce-your-risk-of-chronic-disease.
Sources of Vit. C rich food
- Citrus foods like oranges,lemons,lime, sweet lime and their juices
- Fruits like kiwi,guava,strawberry, gooseberry, cherry , papaya,jujubes etc.
- Green chilli and peppers.
I personally start my day with a glass of lemon water or orange juice which is my main Vit C shot for the day.
Vitamin C in Skincare
Vit. C has an important role in our skincare playing a crucial role in the synthesis of collagen. Collagen and elastin are the two main protein that strengthens our skin and keeps it bouncy and glowy.It is an essential cofactor for the two enzymes required for collagen synthesis.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/engineering/collagen-synthesis#:~:text=Vitamin%20C%20is%20absolutely%20essential,structural%20strength%20cross%2Dlinking).
Benefits in skin health
Vit. C is a popular antioxidant in skincare. It helps in reduction of hyperpigmentation(indirect tyrosinase inhibitor thus reducing melanin production, photoprotection and skin strenghtening(collagen)
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7802860/
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1524-4725.2005.31725
Vitamin C serums,masks and my personal recommendations
I have been using Vitamin C serums and masks for a long time now. Over time I have had a number of favourite products that have played a very important role in maintaing my skin health. Being a geologist I have a fairly high amount of sun exposure. The associated hyperpigmentation and post acne scars are taken care by my vit. C products and adequate amount of sunscreens.
My Favourites
- Clinique Freshly Pressed Vitamin C
( A bit pricey for regular use but definitely shows result) - Dot and Key Glow Revealing Vitamin C serum
( Hydrates the skin well, feel good , gives a definite glow but a bit slow to make much difference on my dark spots) - Innisfree Brightening pore daily skin bright toner, serum ,cream and sleeping mask.
(A K- beauty favourite Product range of mine, which even though pricey, are worth every penny!) - Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin Drops C serum
( Currently using this one and it’s a bomb of a product! Does the job it claims to do. A oil based serum, takes the skin a bit getting used to, but once it does, the effects are great. I have observed a Definite reduction in my hyperpigmentation after using this) - St.Botanica Vit C Brightening Peel Off Mask
( A brightening peel off mask which shows immediate results. An affordable vitamin C product) - Dot and Key Overnight Glow Vitamin C sleep mask.
( A hydrating and brightening sleep mask, which smells like oranges. You wake up to dewy glowing skin)
These are all tried and tested products that have worked for me.
Some Important Points to remember
- It is very important to remember that you have to apply sunscreen religiously whenever you use any skincare products with Vit C in it.
- You have to use Vit C serums and products soon after opening them as they have a tendency to oxidise on exposure to light and air.
- Buy Vit C bottles in dark coloured bottles or look for stable formulas .
- Never forget to do a patch test before using any new skin care products.
Disclaimer
I am not a skincare professional and the information in this post is mainly from the sources mentioned.
I have personally bought and used the products mentioned here, liked them and wanted to share my finds. As an affiliate for Dot and Key, I may get a small commission if you buy any products from the links given here.Get an additional discount of 10% by using code GINIA10
I’m participating in #BlogchatterA2Z and this is the C post.
