The 3 Types Of Vitamin C Skincare Compared – Which Is Best For Your Skin?
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 are quite unstable. 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 would be best for you and your skin, you need to 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 short explanation of what they are and the best way to use them to your advantage.
Magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, also known as MAP is a derivative of vitamin C with a collagen boosting effect. This type of vitamin C is much more stable than the pure vitamin which means it does not oxidize rapidly. it is so gentle, it can be safely used on sensitive skin. To stop MAP from degrading and oxidizing it is best to store it in a cool dry place.
L-ascorbic acid is a natural form of vitamin C. To be really effective, this form of vitamin C must be very well stored. L-ascorbic acid certainly has: it degrades very quickly when exposed to sunlight and air and can be very irritating to certain skin types. It is recommended by professionals that if you do not know the proper way of using this type of acid, do not use it. L-ascorbic acid is unsuitable for people 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. As for L-ascorbic acid; it must be carefully looked after and stored away from sunlight and air, 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 the 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 each of the ingredients the product contains you will know what product is best for you.