Vitamin C in and on Your Skin

Cherelynn Baker is a contributing writer for Earth 911. Become an Earth 911 contributor.

A popular (and naturally occurring) anti-aging ingredient for skin is Vitamin C. In anti-aging treatments Vitamin C is the most effective ingredient. The skin receives many good benefits from Vitamin C.

Not only does this vitamin help get rid of the free radicals that can damage your skin but it also helps your body increase the production of collagen. The majority of cosmetic and skin products include vitamin C. The goal of anti-aging and youthful looking skin is the production of more collagen, hence, the inclusion of vitamin C.

I bring this up today because when it comes to vitamin C and your skin, the cosmetic products that you use and the benefits you get can vary widely.

For instance: did you know that the last U.S. vitamin C plant closed in 2006?

I quote the Seattle Times, June 3, 2007 article “China Corners the Vitamin Market”:

“In less than a decade, China has captured 90 percent of the U.S. market for vitamin C, driving almost everyone else out of business. Chinese pharmaceutical companies also have taken over much of the world market. . . According to an industry group, China makes 70 percent of the world’s penicillin, 50 percent of its aspirin and 35 percent of its acetaminophen (often sold under the brand name Tylenol), as well as the bulk of vitamins A, B12,C and E.”

The Wall Street Journal has dubbed the situation “OPEC of Vitamin C.”

So here’s my suggestion for your cosmetic vitamin C needs: shop locally and look for labels that say “Made in the USA.” For those of you in Arizona like me looking for local and independent stores, visit: http://www.localfirstaz.com/.

Since vitamin C is a naturally occurring element, it’s good for it to be on your skin and in your skin. Plus it’s better for the environment than synthetic vitamin C ingredients also known as ascorbic acid. Check the label of the skin care you are using to see what form of vitamin C and where it came from before you apply it liberally to yourself.

When it comes to finding a good vitamin C source for skin care, I trust these brands: Arbonne International, Zia Natural Skincare and Ecco Bella. They are Earth-friendly, plus responsible when it comes to recycling, reusing and reducing. The vitamin C included in the products for these companies is a trusted source.

If you would like some “do-it-yourself” beauty, try this simple at home facial mask:
Mix two egg whites with four tablespoons of fresh orange juice. Apply to the face and let sit for 15 minutes until dry. Rinse well with warm water. The results are tightened pores and brighter skin.

I share this information with you to teach you about what is really going in your product and onto the largest organ of your body, the amazing skin. The skin absorbs what you put on it, so please choose wisely what you layer on.

Now you can eat your vitamin C and wear it too!

For more information on healthy vibrant skin and how to color it up with Fall trend, please visit http://www.makeupuniversity.com.

Earth911 readers! For some fun and to get to know each other better . . . I offer you this challenge. The first to answer this trivia question from the article gets a beauty goody bag from Makeup University.com:

What year did the last United States of America vitamin C plant close?

Answer by email and include your full name and snail mail address. Good luck!