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The Importance of Vitamin C Serum in the Summertime

First things first — What is Vitamin C? Are you getting the most out of it?

Vitamin C also known as ascorbic acid is an antioxidant and a “water-soluble” vitamin. It fights free radical damage from environmental stressors, pollution, toxins and ultra violet rays created in your body. As well as playing a key role in supporting a healthy immune system, it cannot be produced in your body — which is why you should incorporate it into your diet.

Food is the best way to get all of your nutrients as well as Vitamin C, minerals and fibre. It may also reduce the risk of chronic disease because it is a powerful antioxidant that helps strengthen your body’s natural defenses. It is necessary for your optimal growth and healing of tissues. Strawberries, oranges, grapefruit, papaya, pineapple, broccoli, tomatoes among others contain this essential vitamin.

Vitamin C is also known to have incredible healing properties allowing your skin to heal quickly. Which is why it’s highly recommended to use topically, too.

What is topical Vitamin C?

Topical Vitamin C can be in a cream, toner or serum form. In a serum, it is applied directly to your face and neck — and post-cleansing it can do wonders for your skin.

Here’s why Vitamin C serums are crucial in the summer

“Vitamin C is a hot topic, and it is buzzworthy because it has so many preventive and maintenance benefits,” says Nazanin Saedi MD, a board-certified dermatologist and a clinical associate professor at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia. Some important reasons why we’re all about using a good quality organic Vitamin C serum:

  • Provides an extra layer of protection when combined with a broad-spectrum sunscreen. Ultra-violet rays can be immensely strong and can possibly have a negative impact on your skin and overall health.
  • Brightens your skin. If your skin is looking dull or has an uneven tone, a Vitamin C serum will brighten your complexion, giving you a beautiful glow.
  • Helps to decrease dark spots. It inhibits the over production of melanin, the substance in your body that produces pigmentation in your hair, skin and eyes. As well as helping to lighten post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
  • Contains anti-inflammatory properties which help control oil production in your skin, thus aiding in reduction of acne lesions and scars.
  • Reduces the appearance of wrinkles and the effects of sun damage.
  • Promotes collagen production, delivering a smoother, bouncier feel to your complexion and encouraging new collagen to grow. "Vitamin C is a necessary co-factor for building collagen bundles, without which this process halts," says Anna Guanche MD, a board-certified dermatologist, celebrity beauty expert and founder of Bella Skin Institute in Calabasas, CA.
  • Protects from smoke, environmental pollution and stressors.
  • Combined with other topical ingredients such as ferulic acid and Vitamin E, it diminishes redness, helps protect from long-term damage from sun rays and boosts the efficacy of your serum.
  • Adds hydration to your skin by aiding in water retention.

How to use a topical Vitamin C serum

First and foremost, use a gentle cleanser — clean skin is a must. Apply a few drops of our Kakadu Plum Vitamin C Serum to the face and neck and gently press (best to apply when skin is wet — helps absorb better). Apply a moisturizer and sunscreen (if it’s daytime). You can use the Vitamin C serum daily or every other day.

It is important to understand that topical Vitamin C does not replace your sunscreen because it doesn’t absorb UVA or UVB rays. Please make sure to use them together! Now knowing the benefits of topical vitamin C and the fantastic ways it can enhance your life, you may want to consider incorporating a Vitamin C serum into your daily routine, if you haven’t already.

Daily sunscreen use, protective clothing and limiting your time during peak hours will ensure your safety from ultraviolet rays. Also another useful tip: Avoid using Vitamin C with other acids, such as retinol, because it can make the Vitamin C more unstable and difficult to penetrate the skin. It is best to avoid using with benzol peroxide because it can oxidize the Vitamin C and will become useless.

Overall not only does Vitamin C maintain your health and wellness, but it will upgrade your skin for life. It is truly considered a “Holy Grail” essential. Remember: This is your skin, it is the largest organ in your body, and you should take care of it.

Vitamin C is an excellent choice and goes far beyond oranges. Have you heard of Kakadu Plum?

Kakadu Plum is a small fruit and has an extremely high content of Vitamin C. It is originally from Australia and was traditionally used by First Nation Groups. Packing an enormous punch, this small fruit is widely known for its use in Alzheimer’s disease, cancer and immune support, research shows.

Kakadu Plum contains 5000 mg of Vitamin C per 100 g of fruit. In comparison, 100 g of oranges have approximately 50 mg of Vitamin C — that is 100 times more! You’re definitely receiving your daily intake of Vitamin C with Kakadu Plum. Kakadu Plum contains two antimicrobial acids (gallic and ellagic acids) which are helpful for anyone with acne-prone skin or inflammatory skin conditions.

A wonderful Vitamin C serum containing this amazing fruit is Kakadu Plum Vitamin C Serum from Reliv Organics and Kakadu Plum Vitamin C Day Cream to help you achieve your skin care goals.


By: Tanasa Tyler, Medical Esthetician at Rose Health Clinic

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