35. Topical Vitamin C or Botox? Take Your Pick
People have gone to great lengths to maintain their youthful appearance over the centuries. Intentional bee stings to plump lips, milk baths to promote skin softness and lead-laden foundations to lighten complexion are just a few of the techniques employed through the years. We now know there are much better ways. Topical vitamin C has been proven effective for wrinkle reduction, collagen production and more.
In today’s culture, medical procedures promise to help us wage war on the physical signs of aging. However, there are other options that are safer, healthier and less invasive than plastic surgery or Botox. In this article, we’ll explore how you can reduce fine lines and wrinkles with the skin-nourishing antioxidant properties of L-ascorbic acid, commonly known as topical vitamin C.
What Is Botox?
Most of us have heard of Botox, but what exactly is it? Cosmetic Botox is formulated from the same bacterial neurotoxin that causes deadly botulism when consumed in food. Injecting this FDA-approved neurotoxin into your facial muscles may reduce the appearance of wrinkles because it numbs the nerve endings so the facial muscles appear relaxed. Relaxed faces may not make lines.
However, there are several disadvantages to using Botox. To be dispensed safely, it must be done by a licensed professional. It’s also expensive, can be painful, can leave short-term redness and bruising at the injection site and is only temporary. To see long-term benefits from Botox treatments, you would need to have them repeated every three to six months. The results stop when you stop treatments.
The Uses of Topical C in Skin Care
Vitamin C has long been known for its wonderful antioxidant properties that contribute to overall good health and about the benefits this common vitamin has on our skin. L-ascorbic acid is known to be the most easily absorbed form of vitamin C. When combined with humectants, emollients, botanicals and occlusives to bring you a product that lasts longer and works better than other forms of the antioxidant, it can penetrate to deliver sufficient amounts of antioxidants where they can produce the most beneficial results. Your skin will be replenished and rejuvenated from the inside out.
Collagen Production
Collagen is the protein that makes up the connective tissue in our bodies. Found in our joints, bones, cartilages, tendons, and skin, collagen helps hold us together. Unfortunately, collagen production naturally begins to wane once we’re past the age of 20-25. As this happens, you may notice your skin is less taut, it may begin sagging and fine lines and wrinkles may become noticeable. What can you do about it? Vitamin C is a necessary precursor for the formation of collagen. While supplementing your diet with foods rich in the antioxidant, it may not be enough to support sufficient collagen production in the skin. Instead, choose a quality topical vitamin C product that will stimulate your skin cells to increase collagen production.
Wrinkle Reduction
Fine lines and wrinkles are a common part of growing older. Topical vitamin C works within the layers of your skin in multiple ways to prevent and reduce wrinkles on the surface. Along with supporting collagen production and increasing elastin in your skin, vitamin C also puts its antioxidant power to good use by fighting free radicals, unstable molecules that are destructive to skin cells and contribute to unwanted lines on your face.
Topical vitamin C has also been proven to provide a myriad of skin benefits when used consistently. Just like an investment in a healthy diet is not a quick fix, neither is a new skincare routine. However, when followed consistently over a two to three-month period, expect to see a reduction in under-eye circles, skin discoloration and inflammation. You should also notice an improvement in hydration and moisture resulting in brighter, healthier-looking skin.
If injecting neurotoxins into your facial muscles (Botox) for short-term results isn’t appealing to you, perhaps you’ll consider including a topical vitamin C skincare regimen to produce long-term improvement and prevention of fine lines and wrinkles. You can manage the signs of aging without buying temporary, expensive and invasive treatments that may include unpleasant or dangerous side effects.
As with any healthy lifestyle change, be prepared to invest time consistently using the products for several weeks before seeing measurable results. Improvement can show in just a few days of a consistent topical vitamin C regimen, and the best long-term results are often seen after two to three months of daily use.
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