Vitamin C

Important things to know about Vitamin C

A beautiful you is healthy you. Your skin is firm and smooth, with even skin tone and glowing color. Your body is free from medical problems and it is normal in function and tolerance. We are usually born with health, but time, the sun and environmental assaults take their toll. What can you do to maintain a youthful you?

Vitamin C is one of the easiest, safest, quickest and cheapest alternatives available to help you maintain as well as recapture your body's vitality.

Truly beautiful skin, well into your mature years, is a product of overall health, skin care and self-pampering.

It may seem unimportant to contemplate doing anything about your health before reaching your  thirties. However, it is in our twenties that the effects of aging begin to be visible in our complexion. It is never too early to start anti-aging and skin care.  Another commonly missed fact is that 80% of all sun damage occurs in the first 18 years of life! So the benefits of sun block in a skin care regimen become readily apparent.

Genetically programmed chronologic aging causes changes in collagen and elastin, the connective tissues that supply firmness and elasticity to the skin. The genetic program of individuals is different, so the loss of skin firmness and elasticity occurs at different rates and different times in one individual as compared to another.  As skin becomes less elastic, it also becomes drier, and the fat padding begins to disappear. This causes the skin to sag and look less supple.  Collagen is the fibrous protein that makes up more than 33% of your body and approximately 75% of your skin. Perhaps best known as the connective tissue between bone and muscle, collagen is the brick and mortar that ties your cells together. Similar to a wire-mesh screen, cells fill the holes of the screen, but they wouldn’t have any structure without collagen. It is this pliant molecular scaffolding that supports your skin and connects it to your skeleton. As we age, however, this scaffolding changes significantly, as is evidenced by facial lines, wrinkles, and other signs of aging.  Vitamin C can help.

In addition to photoaging (sun damage), aging skin experiences a thinning of the fatty tissue that lies just beneath the skin surface which makes it less tolerant to physical trauma. Our skin is also at the mercy of many forces as we age: sun, harsh weather and our own bad habits.   Of course, genetics also play a large part in all of this, which is why these changes occur at different times in different people. Again, Vitamin C can help.

Ultimately wrinkles will appear. Wrinkles come in all stages, sizes and depths.  Overall health usually dimishes with changes in our minds, heart, blood pressure...  Don't forget, Vitamin C can help.

You deserves self-pampering and a Vitamin C advantage.  By self-pampering, we do not only mean a day at the spa (even though that feels pretty nice). We mean making choices every single day that reflect your commitment to yourself and to your body. Taking proper care of your body means the right nourishment, keeping it in great shape and having a positive attitude.  A younger you is a goal worth striving for but so is a healthy you.  A Healthy you starts with Vitamin C.

Vitamin C is important but this concept should really be looked at as "wellness".  Keep reading because we are just getting started...

After many years of research, scientists, dermatologists and plastic surgeons have discovered that a variety of natural ingredients and vitamin extracts significantly help slow down and even reverse the signs of aging skin. These ingredients are now found in many physician developed and physician recommended anti-aging skin care products. Vitamin C is probably the most significant!

What is Vitamin C?

Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin, otherwise known as ascorbic acid. Vitamin C is responsible for many functions in your body. Vitamin C is an antioxidant and can protect your body from free radicals, which may cause heart disease and cancer. Vitamin C is responsible for producing collagen. Collagen is present in your muscles and bones. It is responsible for holding the cells together. Vitamin C helps your immune system. It helps you heal from scrapes and bruises. Vitamin C also keeps your gums healthy. People with lack of Vitamin C often develop black, swollen gums otherwise known as scurvy. Vitamin C in supplements is usually sold as ascorbic acid. Antioxidants such as vitamin C act to protect your cells against the effects of free radicals, which are potentially damaging by-products of energy metabolism. Free radicals can damage cells and may contribute to the development of cardiovascular disease and cancer. More conclusive studies are underway to determine whether vitamin C (through its ability to limit production of free radicals)  helps to prevent or delay the development of those chronic diseases. The data for Vitamin C looks very promising so far. Vitamin C has also been shown to play a role in immune function, in DNA repair, the anti-aging process and other metabolic processes.

What is the best source of vitamin C?               

Citrus fruits (lime, lemon, orange, grapefruit), tomatoes, and potatoes are good common sources of vitamin C. Other foods that are good sources of vitamin C include papaya, broccoli, brussels sprouts, black currants, strawberries, cauliflower, spinach, cantaloupe, and kiwifruit. Vitamin C ingredients are now found in many physician developed and physician recommended anti-aging skin care products and herbal supplements.

Vitamin C Facts

• Based on the observation that skin damage caused by the sun and other environmental agents are induced by free radicals, there is the strong possibility that Vitamin C may be effective in preventing skin damage.

• Vitamin C is being used in more and more skin preparations as a way to fend off this type of skin damage.

• Vitamin C contributes to a healthy circulatory system and aids in proper blood clotting.

• Vitamin C improves wound healing.

• Vitamin C may decrease symptoms of premenstrual syndrome and certain types of breast diseases.

• Vitamin C dosage - women should consume 8 mg and men should consume 10 mg daily.

• It is almost impossible to have Vitamin E deficiency, but too much can cause nausea and digestive tract problems.

• Vitamin C is one of the most powerful antioxidants.

• Vitamin C can help prevent-free radical damage.

• Vitamin C is a great moisturizing agent.

• Vitamin C works at its best with Vitamin E.

What is the recommended intake for vitamin C?

The average daily dietary intake level that is sufficient to meet the nutrient requirements of nearly all (97-98%) healthy individuals in each age and gender group.

Are Vitamin C products approved by the FDA?

Vitamin C nutritional supplements do not require FDA approval.  Make sure that each Vitamin C formula you buy is triple-checked by a quality-control process conducted by independent laboratories that follow general FDA guidelines for testing.

Who is at risk for vitamin C deficiency?

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is essential for collagen formation and helps maintain the integrity of substances of mesenchymal origin, such as connective tissue, osteoid tissue, and dentin. It is essential for wound healing and facilitates recovery from burns. This vitamin is a strong reducing agent and is reversibly oxidized and reduced in the body, functioning as a redox system in the cell. It is involved in the metabolism of phenylalanine and tyrosine. As a reductant (with oxygen, ferrous iron, and a 2-ketoacid), vitamin C activates enzymes that hydroxylate procollagen proline and lysine to procollagen hydroxyproline and hydroxylysine. In scorbutic animals, elastin becomes increasingly deficient in hydroxyproline. Vitamin C protects folic acid reductase, which converts folic acid to folinic acid, and may help release free folic acid from its conjugates in food. Vitamin C facilitates the absorption of iron. Severe deficiency results in scurvy, an acute or chronic disease characterized by hemorrhagic manifestations and abnormal osteoid and dentin formation. A physician can determine if they are the result of a vitamin E deficiency or are from another cause.  If you are worried about Vitamin C deficiency, please contact your physician right away.

Who may need extra Vitamin C to prevent a deficiency?

In adults, primary deficiency is usually due to food idiosyncrasies or improper diet. Deficiencies occur in GI disease, especially when the patient is on an "ulcer diet." Pregnancy, lactation, and thyrotoxicosis increase vitamin C requirements; acute and chronic inflammatory diseases, surgery, and burns can significantly increase requirements. Diarrhea increases fecal loss, and achlorhydria decreases the amount absorbed. Cold or heat stress increases urinary excretion of vitamin C. Heat (eg, sterilization of formulas, cooking) can destroy vitamin C in food.

Vitamin C Benefits Cholesterol Levels
Vitamin C used together with Vitamin E can provide benefits from diseases of the heart, including cholesterol levels.

Vitamin C Deficiency on Pregnancy
A daily vitamin C supplement can reduce the risk of complications during child birth in pregnant women, namely in premature deliver.

Vitamin C for Dental Health
A supplement containing vitamin C and many B-vitamins can greatly reduce the symptoms of periodontal disease.

Vitamin C in the Development of Cataracts
Elderly women can experience reduced risk of developing cataracts and carotenoids by taking vitamin C.

Vitamin C Supplements Improve Endothelial Functioning
A daily vitamin C supplement can help improve endothelial functions and thus maintain healthy functioning of the heart, particularly in people who already have coronary artery disease.

Vitamin C and Coronary Heart Disease
The relationship between vitamin C intake and coronary heart disease, in women who contracted the disease, suggests that taking a vitamin C supplement can help reduce the risk of coronary heart disease.

Vitamin C and Heart Failure
The use of vitamin C and alpha-tocopherol in already ill people can reduce the risk of dieing from heart or organ failure.

Vitamin C Supplements Improve Heart and Lung
Heart and lung functioning can be improved by taking a vitamin C supplement, while overall functioning can be improved in people who smoke.

Vitamin C Improves Concentration
Vitamin C can improve the levels of glutathione, which is associated with reducing the risk of many chronic diseases in the body.

Vitamin C and Improvement in the Number of Cells
Early administration of Vitamin C can kill off malignant cells in the body and help treat prostate cancer.

Vitamin C and Vitamin K in Cancer Cell Death
Taking Vitamins C and K together, in the early stages of cancer treatment, increases the likelihood of destroying cancerous cells.

Vitamin C on Lipid Levels in the Blood
Taking a dialy supplement of any combination of vitamin C and vitamin E can reduce the lipid levels in the blood, thus aiding in the reduction of cholesterol levels.

Vitamin C and Treatment for Meniere’s Disease
A daily oral supplement of vitamin C can serve as an effective treatment of Meniere's disease.

Vitamin C use Prevents Common Cold
This study suggests that a daily supplement containing vitamin C could prevent the common cold or reduce the healing time.

Vitamin C Supplementation on Type II Diabetes
People with type II diabetes have an increased risk of high blood pressure. This study suggests that taking a vitamin C supplement can decrease blood pressure in people with type II diabetes.

Vitamin C and the Effects on Dementia
A study conducted on older men suggests that a supplement containing vitamin C and vitamin E can reduce vascular dementia and increase levels of cognitive functioning.

Why is Vitamin C skin care important?

• Vitamin C Skin care is the first line of protection from aging and sun damage. 

• Vitamin C Skin care minimizes sun-damage.

• Vitamin C Skin care maintains a youthful appearance.

• Retards the aging process.

• You are never too young to start thinking about skin care.

• Vitamin C Skin care recaptures the vitality of youthful skin.

• You are never too old to start a skin care regimen.

• You can always bring back some elements of your skin’s past

• Healthy skin helps you to.

• Look beautiful.

• Feel beautiful.

• Improve self-confidence.

The most popular physician-strength skin care solutions.

• Biomedic/La Roche-Posay Skin Care Products

• Index of Sensitive Skin Care Products

• neaclear(Liquid Oxygen & Vitamin C Skin Care products!)

• Obagi Skin Care Products

• Retin-A Skin Care

• Scar Guard Skin Care

• Skin Care Pictures

• Valeant Skin Care Products (Glyderm, Glyquin, Kinerase)

ORDER NOW!

University of California human development scholars recently published a report on optimal aging stating that members of the World War II and Baby Boom generations are physiologically 10 to 15 years younger than their parents were at the same age. The researchers credit this remarkable new youthfulness to medical advances made over the past 50 years as well as good nutrition, exercise, spirituality, and the avoidance of toxic habits such as excessive smoking and drinking (USA Today Magazine 2003).

One area that has shown enormous progress in the field of plastic surgery and anti-aging medicine is skin care and Vitamin C. More specifically, the development of what has become known as physician-strength skin care products or skin care with nutrients that positively impact your skin. Exposure to sunlight, changes in the underlying skin structure, and the steady tug of gravity can, of course, give the skin an aged, mottled, puffy, dark, “tired” look, regardless of how conscientious you are about your health.

The newest physician-strength skin care products (like neaclear) can make a dramatic difference, giving skin a firmer, more radiant look. A great skin care product should be infused with ingredients that penetrate the epidermis to do more to help correct the skin challenges imposed by sun exposure and time. Laboratory studies highlight the ability of advanced skin care technology to deliver a greater amount of these special ingredients to the skin, allowing for maximum penetration.

Some outstanding skin care products are now available. On the cutting edge of high-tech skin care, neaclear is considered one of the finest physician-strength skin care products currently available in the personal care and health & beauty industry. neaclear's bioactive ingredients have been clinically verified to enhance cellular turnover by increasing oxygen consumption which helps improve cellular renewal. Many physicians strongly support the view that injecting skin care with oxygen and Vitamins C & E can be used for the prevention of skin photo-damage. Just as importantly, studies verify that supporting the transdermal collagen matrix is key because it encourages firmer, more elastic and more youthful-looking skin.

What else can you do for your skin other than Vitamin C?

VITAMIN C is great but dON'T FORGET ABOUT NUTRITION

While most of us have heard that eating a wide variety of fruits and vegetables is a helpful way to fend off a host of ailments by providing the body with essential antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, the American Dietetic Association (ADA) says that 80% of us don’t meet the basic guidelines for consuming fruits and vegetables set by the U.S. Food Guide Pyramid (ADA 2003). In other words, most of us are not getting enough of the vital nutrients our bodies require.

Keeping the skin in proper working order requires a balanced diet rich in vitamins like C, A, and E as well as those in the B-complex group.  Each of these vitamins helps maintain skin function in a different way:

VITAMIN C is great but don't forget the importance of stress management

You could be adhering fanatically to a good exercise and nutrition regimen, but if you don’t reduce your stress or use stress-reduction techniques, you’re headed for high blood pressure and, ultimately, disaster. Research shows that hot-tempered men are far more likely to have heart disease and heart attacks than their more serene peers (Reuters Health 2002). Anger releases catecholamines, which are compounds that constrict blood vessels, increase heart rate and boost blood pressure.  Become aware of “anger traps” - people, situations, and conversations that can trigger anger. If you can’t avoid them, remain calm and breathe deeply. Repeat often.  And yes, it is true that our emotions show on our faces (and not just in the form of furrowed brows and frown lines). When we are under stress, our bodies react with varying hormonal fluctuations, release of toxins, constriction of blood vessels and depletion of hydration.  Stress lowers our resistance to infection and interrupts normal sleep patterns.  Guess what?  These reactions directly affect the skin's ability to perform at an optimal level.

VITAMIN C is great but don't forget to get your beauty sleep

A 2001 National Sleep Foundation poll found that only 37% of adults are getting the recommended eight hours of sleep nightly (Davis 2002). With today’s crazy schedules and soaring stress levels, getting the necessary amount of deep sleep crucial to keeping us energetic and alert can be difficult despite our best intentions. Proper rest and relaxation also help your skin (as well as the rest of your body) to operate at peak performance.  How much rest is enough?  Individuals vary.  Some find that eight hours a night is not enough.  Others thrive on five hours or less.  It's important to find the amount of sleep that is best for you and make time for it.  Not only will you feel better... you'll look better, too!

VITAMIN C is great but exercise is also great for your skin

Lack of physical activity contributes to 300,000 deaths each year due to heart disease, stroke, diabetes and other conditions (CNN 2002).  A 30-minute walk every day is all it takes to significantly improve your health. You’ll do your heart an even bigger favor by walking two extra miles a day. When you exercise, you increase your oxygen intake, improve your circulation, lower your blood pressure, promote more restful sleep, induce perspiration (and the excretion of toxins) as well as release endorphins (a group of naturally-occurring proteins that help lift spirits as well as zap pain).  It has been shown that people who exercise live longer and more often describe their lives as happier and less stressful than those who are sedentary.

VITAMIN C is great but don't forget to hydrate Yourself Everyday with h₂0!

New research reports that people who drink at least five glasses of water a day are less likely to die from a heart attack than people who drink two or fewer glasses a day (McCook 2002). Researchers believe the water is absorbed by the blood, which decreases blood “thickness.” This reduces the risk of developing a blood clot that can lead to a heart attack. Besides, when you drink water, it helps to take away the appetite for fattening holiday foods. Skin is the largest organ of the body, it gets thirsty! It has 2 layers. The outer layer (epidermis) is water-proof while the inner layer (dermis) has oil (sebaceous) glands, sweat glands, nerves, blood vessels & hair follicles. Drinking water does keep you hydrated, which helps your skin look and feel better. Get in the standard 6 to 8 eight-ounce glasses throughout the day -- more if you're a heavy exerciser. 

VITAMIN C is great but Don't apply bacteria to your face!

Did you know that bacteria are already present in makeup even before you buy it? And, according to the Food and Drug Administration, each time you use a product’s applicator or makeup brush with unclean hands, you are adding more bacteria to both the product and your face! Even if you’re rigorous about cleansing your hands and your makeup utensils before use, cosmetics that have been sitting around for a while still lose their ability over time to kill bacteria (Cohen 2002).

To protect your skin from bacteria, experts recommend that you keep track of how long you’ve been using a product. “The risk of infection can be reduced if you change skin care products every three to four months. How do you know it’s time to toss out a skin care product? Any noticeable change in texture, color, or smell is a clear indication that it’s time to replace the cosmetic.

And while you are updating your skin care products, why not upgrade them? With scientific breakthroughs occurring regularly, be sure that the product you are using to moisturize your face contains superb hydrating agents and the latest cutting-edge antioxidants that protect against cell destructors (including sun exposure).

VITAMIN C is great but remember that smoking is really bad for your skin

Smoking and secondary smoke affect our skin in potentially a very devastating way.   Any exposure to smoke either directly or indirectly can result in poor wound healing, delayed wound healing, skin loss necessitating skin grafting, increased risk in wound infection and loss of skin and deeper tissues, all resulting from decreased blood supply to those areas.  The diminished blood flow to skin wound edges can cause the breakdown of skin and scabbing.  Also, there are well-known increased risks with anesthesia such as increased chance of developing pneumonia.

Again, remember that slow wound healing (months instead of weeks), skin loss resulting in scabbing and prolonged need for dressing changes, and infection usually involving the need for antibiotics (but sometimes another surgery to drain the infection) all are complications that can occur at a much higher risk if you smoke or are exposed to smoke (Instead of less than 5%, it can be as high as 60% ). 

Please be honest with your skin care doctor so that they can take good care of you and help prevent problems.  Plastic surgery procedures are totally elective operations so there is no reason to take any unnecessary risks.  If your doctor tells you smoking is not a problem, I would think twice about your choice of doctor.

VITAMIN C is great but always USE SUNBLOCK!

It is important to mention sun block. All types of skin need to be treated. There is a tendency for people with darker skin to mistakenly believe that they are protected from the harmful rays of the sun. While it might be true that they get less skin cancer, there is still a significant percentage that do.  With more sun damage and exposure, the risk multiplies.  Of course, their increased pigmentation does not offer any protection for the accelerated aging effect the sun has on their skin.  Always include sun block in your skin care regimen!  Don't forget about sun protection for your lips and eyes. Wearing sunglasses helps protect your eyes.  Both of these areas should not be forgotten.

To make the point, check out the two pictures below:

The left picture is a 58 year old American Indian female who spent practically all of her time outdoors.  The right picture is a 72 year old Tibetian monk who spent practically all of his time indoors away from the sun.  I believe the pictures say it all!

Again, sun block is an essential and integral part of an effective skin care regimen.

VITAMIN C is great but Visit your Skin care doctor or specialist if you want expert SKIN CARE advice

Visiting your skin care specialist or skin care doctor can benefit you in the long run. They could help you decide what is best for your skin care needs.

Dr Speron has a tremendous amount of experience with Vitamin C skin care and Vitamin C in Anti-Aging Medicine in Chicago.  He is able to offer all types of options to his skin care patients:

• Laser skin rejuvenation

• Glycolic Peels

• TCA skin peels

• Botox Injections

• Collagen Skin Injections

• Obagi Blue Peels

• Retin-A skin care

• Cellulite creams, body skin toners and treatments

• Pre and post-op body contouring creams

• Pre and post laser resurfacing kits

• Anti-wrinkle creams

• Anti-oxidants

• Vitamin C creams

• All skin care services are offered in an office setting, meaning there are no hospital or surgery center visits.

• Insurance can cover some procedure costs

• Skin care rejuvenation program

  • Biomedic/La Roche-Posay Skin Care Products

  • Index of Sensitive Skin Care Products

  • neaclear (Liquid Oxygen & Vitamin C Skin Care products!)

  • Obagi Skin Care Products

  • Retin-A Skin Care

  • Scar Guard Skin Care

  • Skin Care Pictures

  • Valeant Skin Care Products (Glyderm, Glyquin, Kinerase)

  ORDER NOW!

What do our ANTI-AGING patients say ABOUT VITAMIN C?

"Vitamin C is a tremendous advantage!" - AS, Chicago
"Vitamin C has helped me feel younger" - TT, Kennilworth
"Vitamin C is something I wish I started a long time ago...simple, yet effective!" - QF, Los Angeles

"Vitamin C makes so much sense I am amazed it is not taken by absolutely everyone" - OR, Miami
 

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