Vitamin C:

How is it used in skincare and what are its benefits?

Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that can neutralize free radicals and because of its antioxidant properties, vitamin C aids in the skin's natural regeneration process, which helps the body repair damaged skin cells.

In helping to promote collagen production, topical vitamin C can help prevent premature aging of the skin, reducing fine lines and helping to prevent or minimize wrinkles. It also inhibits the skin's melanin production and with continued topical use, vitamin C can minimize hyperpigmentation and can produce an even skin-tone. It may also protect against sun damage with its antioxidant action.

Vitamin C is also useful in acne as it has been shown to reduce inflammation and lighten post-acne hyperpigmentation.

Who should use it and who shouldn’t?

Most people can benefit from Vitamin C - the ‘anti-aging’ and antioxidant properties are beneficial for everyone; skin-lightening for dull and more mature skin as well as anti-acne properties for the younger and blemish-prone individual.

Those with sensitive skin or known allergies to the ingredient should not use it.

What is the best way to use Vitamin C (with what products and how often)? 

Vitamin C can be used on its own in creams, lotions or in other formulations, or incorporated into other products.

There are various forms, the main form being ASCORBIC ACID. This form is arguably the most effective, but also the most unstable and difficult to stabilize in formulations. Other forms that are more stable and more easily absorbed are often used in skincare formulations - these include Sodium or Magnesium Ascorbic Phosphate (SAP and MAP), Ascorbyl Phosphate Palmitate Sodium (APPS) and numerous others. Efficacy of the products depend greatly on the formulation and the stability of the compound in the formulation.

Vitamin C can be used regularly, even twice daily and in combination with almost any other product. 

Are there any side effects to Vitamin C or ingredients it should not be used with?

There should not be any side effects except in those individuals who are sensitive or allergic to it. However, some formulations may cause dryness or mild irritation because of the low pH (acidity) of the formulations. It is believed that Vitamin C and Niacinamide should not be used together. However, it has been shown to be untrue when in fact, the use of both may be synergistic. It is true, however, that these two ingredients in the same formulation may be unstable.

Vitamin F:

What exactly is Vitamin F? 

Vitamin F is not a ‘true’ vitamin, and in terms of skincare, this name is sometimes used to refer to two Essential Fatty Acids (EFA): Linoleic Acid (LA), an Omega-6 EFA and Alpha-Linolenic Acid (ALA), an Omega-3 EFA (FYI, the “F” stands for ‘fat’)!!

How is it used in skincare and what are its benefits?

The ingredients act as building blocks of ceramides, which are a type of lipid that help make up the skin cell membrane. 

Both LA and ALA also affect immune responses and inflammation in our body; and because LA and ALA play a big role in our cell membranes and immune health, they play a big role in our skin in maintaining barrier integrity.

By maintaining barrier integrity, Vitamin F helps lock moisture in, keep toxins and bacteria out, heal existing damage, and prevent skin dryness, rough texture, increased sensitivity, allergies, inflammation, aging, and skin conditions like rosacea, acne, eczema, and atopic dermatitis.

Who should use it and who shouldn’t?

Anyone can use products with Vitamin F, but it is particularly useful for those with dry, sensitive skin or those prone to eczema.

Acne and blemish-prone individuals may however, find the product too rich.

What is the best way to use Vitamin F (with what products and how often)?

Vitamin F may be used with almost any product.

Are there any side effects to Vitamin F or ingredients it should not be used with?

There are no known side effects to Vitamin F.