Acne and African American skin. Have you been troubled by acne on your skin, especially lately?  COVID forced the wearing of mask and it set off a slew of acne related problems.  One of the best ways to combat it, is with vitamin C.

It’s the most important vitamin when it comes to fighting acne. Vitamin C’s main functions include acting as an antioxidant. Since it reduces the damage that toxins can have on your skin, it also prevents future damage.

Vitamin C also acts as a detox agent against acne, and it helps to remove toxins, along with other pollutants, away from your body. Vitamin C can also act to protect African American skin against damage caused by free radicals.  You’ll often find Vitamin C and Vitamin E being used together for skin care needs.

What’s the difference in vitamin C & E when caring for acne challenged skin?  Vitamin C is soluble in water and vitamin E is fat-soluble. Because of this, vitamin C will not accumulate in fatty tissues like vitamin E can.

Is Acne a Sign of a Weakened Immune System?

It may sound strange, but acne in African American skin could be a sign of a weakened immune system. When your body is busy fighting off infections from bacteria, toxins and parasites, it produces free radicals. Free radicals can often lead to a breakout on your skin.

Vitamin C can be taken as a supplement as well as applied topically on the area of breakout. It can  also play a vital role in ridding your adult skin of acne.   It’s been known to be helpful in preventing future breakouts.

Topical creams and serums containing Vitamin C are a potent source of antioxidants. They’ve even more effective than internal supplements or foods for some people.   Vitamin C found in foods cannot always travel out to skin level. There are products available in topical form, that are known to seep through to the dermal skin layer.  They actually become part of your skin.

If this seemed impossible a few years ago, it’s because researchers had not looked into the delivery system used for vitamin C. These are known as nanospheres and liposomes.  They stabilize the vitamin inside the topical cream or serum, shielding it from affecting factors.

Acne … New Formulations Containing Vitamin C

The newer formulations containing vitamin C allow its antioxidant properties to counteract the free radicals.  This is what ages you and blemishes your skin prematurely.

Free radicals speed the aging process by effectively destroying the collagen that works with elastin to make your skin firm.  Vitamin C products neutralize free radicals, helping your skin to remain elastic.  It can also help with resiliency and  wrinkles.

Some users believe that vitamin C actually repairs your skin, in addition to preventing damage. The more your skin is exposed to pollution and other irritants, the more it needs the anti-aging properties of vitamin C.

When compared to other ingredients …

Retin A and other ingredients, work only by exfoliating your skin. Formulations that contain vitamin C actually work within the layers of your skin.  This spurs your body to synthesize collagen and inhibits the free radical production.

Vitamin C effectively allows your skin fibers to be rewoven.  This helps African American skin to look younger, smoother, and even more supple.

And you thought Vitamin C was only for fighting off a cold.

That’s it for this week. Like what you’ve just read? Share it with a friend or two. As always …

Dedicated To Your Beauty

Juliette Samuel

Esthetician/Author/Publisher

Nyraju Skin Care