It is well known that a quality vitamin C serum will leave the skin looking lighter, brighter, and with an overall refreshed-looking glow. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps with skin pigmentation issues, fine lines, inflammation, and overall texture. But did you know that in as early as our 20’s our skin’s antioxidant stores start to decline? Unfortunately, oral supplementation of vitamin C has little positive impact on the skin. Yet when applied topically, L-ascorbic acid (vitamin C) protects the skin by neutralizing free radicals. Free radicals are tiny molecules that, when exposed to sunlight and environmental pollution, lead to the undesirable effects of skin aging (ie. fine lines, hyperpigmentation, loss of elasticity, etc.) and a reduction of vitamin C stores within the epidermis over time. For these reasons vitamin C is considered to be a true anti-aging superstar.

Here at USF Cosmetic & Laser Center, we commonly tell our patients that an antioxidant serum with high quality, active vitamin C & E components acts as a perfect complement to everyday sunscreen application. But why? Multiple studies have shown that when the skin is exposed to UV light, the topical application of L-ascorbic acid leads to decreased signs of inflammation, fewer sunburn cells, and decreased tumor formation within the skin. Vitamin C also helps to recycle the skin’s own storage of vitamin E, another powerful and effective skin antioxidant.

Overtime, the topical application of vitamin C has also shown to increase the skin’s content of collagen and elastin. Due to the ability of this antioxidant to inhibit the tyrosinase (the enzyme to blame for hyperpigmentation issues), it is also used as an effective depigmenting agent for common problems such as melasma.

By working on both tone and texture, the Obagi Professional-C Serum 15% will help to restore your skin’s softness and natural glow. Stop into USF Health Cosmetic & Laser Center today and get your own bottle of Obagi Professional-C serum straight from the experts!

Written by:
Carli Pasquerella, MSN, ARNP-C, Cosmetic Practitioner at USF Health Cosmetic & Laser Center