Last winter I was constantly getting sick from the kids, picking up their coughs and sneezes as often as I picked up their laundry. I scheduled a visit with my doctor to do routine bloodwork and to see if there was any medication or precaution I could use to better maintain my health. When we met for our consultation, he simply told me this – Vitamin C was my best bet to strengthen and bolster my immune system, or shorten the duration of a cold. “Try eating an orange once a week – or more” were his exact words, as a matter of fact. I suppose I was expecting something more clinical, but it’s true – food is indeed medicine.
Any Outlander fan (and I am surely a big one) knows that nibbling on plants and eating fruits with Vitamin C would ward off scurvy and provide health boosting nutrition (now, and in the 18th century), thanks to antioxidants.
Vitamin C is a potent source of antioxidants, which slow down or prevent oxidation. Oxidation is a chain reaction that can produce damaging free radicals which wreak havoc on cells. Antioxidants come from both our internal systems and externally, from our diet – via citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, grapefruit and also broccoli, strawberries, kiwi and brussels sprouts. An important note – it’s best to consume these items fresh (or with minimal cooking) to preserve Vitamin C benefits.
On one of my favorite topics, which is skincare, Vitamin C is a worthy component. Referencing Debbie D’Aquino, Head of Care Skincare Innovation, Care formulas (specifically Eye + Lip Nourishing Cream, Deep Moisture Fix Hydrating Water Cream and The Everything Multi-level Moisturizer) use three delivery methods of Vitamin C respectively – Ascorbic Acid (which is the acid version of Vitamin C), Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, a newer derivative of Vitamin C, and Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, a stable, oil-soluble form of Vitamin C.
Asorbic Acid (in Eye + Lip Nourishing Cream) is both a potent antioxidant and skin-soothing agent that can improve the appearance of signs of aging. This delivery method is the most researched of any Vitamin C type when it comes to your skin. Vitamin C has a role in collage synthesis, making it a vital molecule for skin’s health. Both dietary and topical Vitamin C may have beneficial effects on skin cells, and some scientists believe that Vitamin C may actually prevent and treat UV induced photo-damage.
Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate (in Deep Moisture Fix) is considered to be a very stable precursor of Vitamin C that is able to liberate powerful antioxidants in the skin. What does that mean? This ingredient, which is both gentle and stable, converts into Asorbic Acid once it is absorbed by the skin.
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate (in The Everything Multi-level Moisturizer) works on the appearance of dark spots and uneven skin tone, brightening, improving and enhancing collagen production. It is also easily absorbed by the skin and converted to Vitamin C so its antioxidants and benefits can be utilized effectively.
How do you Vitamin C? If you have any insights, tips or even a smoothie recipe to share, feel free to drop us a note in the comments below – we’d love to hear from you.
Stay healthy and well!
With Care,
Michelle
Photography credits: second photo by arianka ibarra