Myth of the Day

Scandle Candle's Beauty Myth Countdown.

Myth #27:

The only form of vitamin C that works is L-ascorbic acid.

Truth:

Vitamin C is one of the best antioxidants for your skin. L-ascorbic acid is the natural form of vitamin C, but it remains in its most effect form for only a limited time and has some downsides.

• It can be quite irritating to the skin


• It is not very stable. It oxidizes easily when exposed to air, which can be slightly harmful to skin.

Research and product development in cosmetic uses for vitamin C have yielded some new variations.

• Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate (MAP)

MAP is a derivative of vitamin C that has the same collagen-boosting effect as L-ascorbic acid, but is more stable and is gentler on sensitive skin. MAP still degrades as rapidly as L-Ascorbic, so it is important to keep these products sealed and away from sunlight.

• Ascorbyl Palmitate

Palmitate is also a vitamin C derivative but does not have the same advantages as MAP does; it takes much higher quantities to get the collagen-producing effects of vitamin C. There is still much needed research on this derivative to determine if there is enough vitamin concentration possible for skin-care products. But it is still more stable than L-ascorbic acid.

Be sure to read any beauty product label closely. Some products can boast of new vitamin C breakthroughs but may contain trace amounts of L-ascorbic acid.


Does anyone have any new vitamin C products to rave about? Let us know.

Scandle in the news.

• Scandle is featured in today's Gifted blog. Check out Gifted for great advice on gifting ideas.
• Scandle is featured in today's Mars & Venus in the Beauty Closet, at the bottom the page.