Are you adding product after product to your cart once an ingredient becomes popular?
WAIT - the payment is yet to be done…DON’T BUY.
Firstly know whether all the hyped ingredients skincare products have, suit your skin type or not. One such most talked about ingredient around which skincare products are formulated is - Vitamin C.
Vitamin C is an umbrella term you see and hear about a lot in skincare. Know that not all forms of Vitamin C work on all skin types. But the good news is there are vitamin C derivatives specifically tailored to the needs of your skin type and that is what the hype is all about! Your skin type is unique and Vitamin C understands that. For example, Ethyl Ascorbic Acid (EAA) works best for normal skin, L - ascorbic acid works according to its concentration levels and it goes on…
Stay tuned to find out which form of vitamin C is a magic wand for acne-prone or sensitive skin!
Which Vitamin C is good for acne-prone skin?
Well, here is the answer.
Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate (Vitamin C derivative) is a brilliant ally for your oily and acne-prone skin.
Research published in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science has explained that Sodium ascorbyl phosphate has shown a wonderful efficacy in treating acne vulgaris.
Let’s understand what this derivative is and the amazing benefits it serves your skin.
Here’s why Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate is good for acne-prone skin
Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate (SAP) is a water-soluble derivative of vitamin C. It is synthesized by combining ascorbic acid with salt and phosphate.
This particular variant is the most stable form of vitamin C, meaning it does not oxidize. This property makes it easy to incorporate SAP into varying product formulations.
Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate converts into ascorbic acid (the purest form of vitamin C) in the skin. This conversion process makes it less active and unlikely to irritate. It easily penetrates into the dermis and epidermis layers of your skin without causing irritation.
You may ask why not direct use of ascorbic acid then?
L-ascorbic acid is likely to cause skin irritations on oily acne-prone skin. It may lead to excessive breakouts. And on the other hand, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate is mild on the already inflamed oily skin.
4 Benefits of SAP-infused serum for oily/acne-prone skin
1. Clears up acne with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties
Research studies have shown that Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate possesses strong antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties against acne-causing bacteria, namely Acne vulgaris. With its sebostatic properties, SAP also helps treat acne by regulating excess oils on the skin.2. Reduces the signs of aging by boosting collagen production
Just a reminder that while dealing with acne, don’t forget to keep a check on the visible signs of aging.
As you age, collagen levels decrease in the body. Now, collagen is the protein responsible for firm, elastic and supple skin. As a result your skin gradually becomes loose and saggy with fine lines and wrinkles.
Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate holds collagen synthesis properties and hence combats signs of aging in oily and acne-prone skin. It penetrates easily into your skin and boosts the levels of elastin and collagen protein which ultimately gives you soft, supple, and toned skin.
3. Scavenges free radicals through its antioxidant functions
Irrespective of the skin type, free radical damage occurs when the skin is hit by harsh sun rays.On oily and acne-prone skin, longer and unprotected sun exposure can induce excessive oil production, which eventually gives rise to congested pores. Congested pores further instigate blemishes, whiteheads and blackheads, and finally acne.
Now, the photoprotective ability of Sodium ascorbyl phosphate reverses sun damage. Additionally, this clever Vitamin C acts as an antioxidant and potentially neutralizes the free radicals. This subsequently gives you healthier skin.
4. Evens out the skin tone and enhances skin radiance
Dark spots, blemishes, and post-acne marks manifest on the oily and acne-prone skin when it is exposed to sun rays and pollution. This is because the harmful UV rays trigger pigmentation causing enzymes in the cells.
As per dermatologists, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate has skin brightening properties. It does so by inhibiting the excessive growth of tyrosinase- an enzyme responsible for melanin production.
This helps you with hyperpigmentation, dark spots, and post-acne marks.
How to incorporate SAP (Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate) in the skincare routine?
Well, SAP is available in the market in the form of serums, creams, and moisturizers. According to dermatologists, the best way to reap the benefits of this ingredient is via serums. Serums are watery in texture and have higher and targeted concentrations of active ingredients.
SAP serum has water soluble properties that help it get easily absorbed in the layers of the skin and then converted into ascorbic acid to perform the action. As per dermatologists, SAP serum with a 10% concentration releases up to 3% ascorbic acid in the skin which is enough to deliver results.
You can use the SAP serum in the morning after cleansing your face and before applying a moisturizer.
Pro Tip - Don’t forget to wear sunscreen as the last step of your skincare.
Prolonged unprotected sun exposure for oily and acne-prone skin types can trigger breakouts and severe skin damage in the form of scarring.
Takeaway
Oily/acne-prone skin can be tricky to manage. But picking the right ingredients and using them correctly can lead to the desired results. With Vitamin C you can take your skincare game up a notch.
Most importantly, choosing Vitamin C according to your skin type is important to reap maximum skin benefits and avoid any kind of irritations and breakouts. If you have been trying for a long time to improve your acne-prone skin, then serum-infused with ingredients like Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, niacinamide, etc. wonderfully rejuvenates your skin.
Have a happy skincare journey and don’t forget your sunscreens!
