ABOUT THESE VITAMIN-C SERUMS

These Vitamin-C products are very potent, the most potent you’ll ever find on the market. These unique Vitamin-C products contain ‘penetration enhancers’ for deep maximum penetration. Because these vitamin-c products are so strong, initially, you must dilute them, for the Type I VC Serum (L-Ascorbic Acid 25% Serum) dilute with aloe vera leaf juice, until your skin becomes acclimated to such a strong dose of L-Ascorbic Acid. For the Type II VC Serum (3-O-Ethyl-L-Ascorbic Acid 30% Serum) dilute it with lotions, butters, or oils (i.e. Mango Butter/ Jojoba/ Castor/ Olive).

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WHICH ONE DO I BUY?

L-Ascorbic Acid (AA) gives us anti-aging, skin smoothing, and skin whitening benefits, equally. With proper dosage & consistent usage of VC over time (est. 16 weeks) will give clinical results. As if the user has had surgical/laser skin tightening. On top of having removed any freckles or any other over-active pigmented lesions. If you need significant skin lightening (many shades lighter) or only skin lightening with no other skin benefits, you need to use hydroquinone skin bleach. Between L-Ascorbic Acid and 3-O-Ethyl-L-Ascorbic Acid at equal percentages (i.e. 25%) L-Ascorbic Acid is always stronger (see chart). You can use either product to get skin whitening/smoothing/anti-aging results. Please know that Type I VC Serum is water-based and Type II VC Serum is oil-based. If you have especially sensitive skin, try Type II VC Serum. If you’re new to using any type of AA products, start with the milder Type II VC Serum first.

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WHAT IS 3-0 ETHYL ASCORBIC ACID?

The problem with L-ascorbic acid is, it oxidizes (turns brown) and becomes ineffective when it comes in contact with oxygen, heat, or metal after only a short while. The cosmetics industry has come up with smart derivatives of L-ascorbic acid that are stable and have the magic properties of pure L-Ascorbic Acid.

3-O-Ethyl-L-Ascorbic Acid (EAC) or Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, is a stable water and oil soluble derivative of pure vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) that offers all of the primary benefits L-ascorbic acid is known for: skin whitening; wrinkle reduction; visible tightening/ firming; fading hyperpigmentation; removing dark spots/ freckles; Evening Skin tone. EAC is produced by modifying L-ascorbic acid. This modification is done to increase the molecule’s stability and enhance its transport through skin, as pure L-ascorbic acid. EAC is an “etherified” derivative of L-ascorbic acid that consists of L-ascorbic acid and an ethyl group bound to the third carbon position. After absorption, the modifying group is removed and L-ascorbic acid is restored to its natural form. Thus, Ethyl Ascorbic Acid retains the benefits of L-ascorbic acid. This makes EAC a very stable form of Vitamin-C that is soluble in both water and oil.

For an L-Ascorbic Acid derivative to work, being ‘stabile’ is not enough. These AA derivatives have to be absorbed into the skin and be converted there into pure L-ascorbic acid. As a derivative of L-ascorbic acid, EAC must be converted into L-ascorbic acid within the skin by sodium-dependent proteins. This process happens within the surface layers of the skin, ensuring that it receives all the benefits L-ascorbic acid has to offer, and some benefits that it doesn’t. 3-O-Ethyl-L-Ascorbic Acid has some additional properties, not observed in pure L-ascorbic acid, such as: promoting nerve cell growth; reduces skin darkening after UV exposure; reduces chemotherapy damage. EAC is easily metabolized in the skin into pure L-ascorbic acid. EAC is also very good at penetrating deep into the skin, and it seems to be better at it than all other L-ascorbic acid derivatives. And the L-ascorbic acid content of EAC is very high – 86.4% compared to the usual 50-60% L-ascorbic acid content of other known AA derivatives.

The conversion to pure L-Ascorbic Acid is a slower process with EAC, this make it a more tolerable form of L-ascorbic acid for sensitive skin. EAC requires a pH range of 4 – 5.5 for optimum stability. This pH range is higher than what pure L-ascorbic acid needs for ideal stability (pH 3.5), making 3-O ethyl ascorbic acid an intriguing alternative if your skin hasn’t been able to tolerate higher-strength (10% and up) L-ascorbic acid products. Because of the higher pH, EAC will not exfoliate skin so you’ll need to keep your skin exfoliated separately by using Tretinoin Gel 0.10% (for face) and Saliclear (for body). Usage levels of 3-O ethyl ascorbic acid are typically between 0.5–10%. Levels above 10% EAC may also be used. Amounts up to 30% EAC have been shown to be non-irritating on human skin.

EAC BENEFITS:
• Reduce Skin Hyperpigmentation
• Evens Skintone
• Stimulates Collagen Production
• Firms & Tightens Skin
• Reduces Fine lines & Wrinkles
• Suitable for all Skin Types
• Suitable for all Skin Conditions
• Repairs UV Damage
• Removes Freckles & Darkspots
• Enhance Skin Radiance
• Heal Chemotherapy Damage
• Promotes Nerve Growth in Severely Damaged Skin
• Reduces Darkening/Skin-Reaction to UV Exposure

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ABOUT L-ASCORBIC ACID

Vitamin-C (L-Ascorbic Acid) is a powerful water-soluble antioxidant and an essential nutrient for cells. Unfortunately, humans are unable to synthesize this vitamin due to mutation of the gene needed for its synthesis. Therefore we must get vitamin-c thru food and supplements. In dermatology Vitamin C is used as a treatment modality in depigmenting hyperpigmented spots on the skin. Vitamin-C can be used topically, transdermal (thru patches) , as well as intravenously [a lot of DIY beauty people do Skin Whitening I.V. bags at home and in spas, vitamin-c is always included in that skin whitening cocktail]. Although Vitamin-C is a very powerful antioxidant it is highly susceptible to oxidation itself. It is highly unstable, and can be rendered inactive if exposed to sunlight, oxygen, heat over 103 degrees, and metal. Although water soluble, the oxygen in water also renders the vitamin-C inactive, so mixing vitamin-C powder with plain water isn’t a good serum, it will turn amber shortly afterwards indicating the vitamin-c has oxidized. Because of this instability, Vitamin-C is more complicated to work with in formulating a stable product, which is why merchants justify the high price of Vitamin-C serums ($149-$180for 1oz -2oz bottle!) Vitamin C plays many significant functions in the body.

L-ASCORBIC ACID BENEFITS:
• Vital for the growth and maintenance of healthy bones, teeth, gums, ligaments and blood vessels

• Aids in the absorption of iron and MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane), and will boost the efficacy of any oral supplement if taken with it.

• Involved in important metabolic functions.

• Stimulates certain enzymes, collagen biosynthesis, hormonal activation, detoxification of histamine, phagocytic functions of leukocytes, formation of nitrosamine and proline hydroxylation.

• Required for the hydroxylation of prolyl and lysyl residues during collagen biosynthesis, which is essential for wound healing. Vitamin C also regulates the urinary excretion of hydroxyproline.

• Associated with reduction in incidence of cancer. Vitamin C is effective in protecting against oxidative damage in tissues and also suppresses the formation of carcinogens like nitrosamines.

• Vitamin C increases the levels of antibodies that fight against germs and viruses.

• It is an essential nutrient for the biosynthesis of collagen, L-carnitine and the conversion of dopamine to norepinephrine

• Vitamin C plays a role in photoprotection, skin strengthening, immunomodulation and cancer

Click here to download more info on L-Ascorbic Acid
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VITAMIN-C MECHANISM OF SKIN LIGHTENING

Vitamin-C interacts with the copper (Cu) ions at the tyrosinase active site and inhibits action of the enzyme tyrosinase, thereby reducing melanin formation. It also acts on the perifollicular pigment. Which means that Vitamin-C lightens hair also (especially if mixed with hydrogen peroxide). Vitamin C was found to be effective in depigmentation as a result of its direct effect on melanogenesis. Melanin is said to be a reservoir for reactive oxygen species (ROS), Cu and calcium (Ca) within the cells. Following its entry into the target tissue, it binds to melanin. This causes a deficiency of the ROS, Cu and Ca, resulting in reduction of melanin production. Vitamin-C can lighten skin thru topical application, oral supplements, and applied thru I.V. All of these routes can be combined to boost skin lightening results.Oral Vitamin-C raises glutathione leves, which causes skin to lighten thru oral skin whitening. This is also covered in the posts MSM Skin Whitening & Best Skin Whitening Pills.

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VITAMIN-C ENHANCES EVERYTHING

Both oral & topical Vitamin-C enhances other vitamins, supplements, and active ingredients. Vitamin-C enhances the absorption of oral supplements: Iron, MSM, and Hyaluronic Acid, just to name a few. Simply add 6000mg of Vitamin-C to your oral daily supplements, this will enhance any skin whitening results while using topical skin bleaching creams. And as always, please remember you must exfoliate your skin separately in order to see any results from any skin whitening products.

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VITAMIN-C EFFICACY & ABSORPTION

L-Ascorbic Acid serums need to be acidic in order to keep the ascorbic acid in it active. These serums must acidic in order for the skin to absorb it, a low pH of approximately 3.5 for optimal absorption. This is why L-Ascorbic Acid works so well with strong chemical peels like TCA (Trichloroacetic Acid), the ‘VI peel’ is popular for ethnic skin. L-Ascorbic Acid serums should’t contain any oils/butters which will prevent absorption. In order for L-Ascorbic Acid serums to work 100% it shouldn’t be mixed with oils, creams, lotions, greases, or butters. L-Ascorbic Acid serums also shouldn’t be applied to skin that has oils, creams, lotions, greases, or butters on it. Just like *lemon juice, L-Ascorbic Acid serums should be applied to freshly washed skin, allowed to fully absorb, then proceed with applying creams lotions etc. L-Ascorbic Acid is a water soluble acid and all of the above oil/butters will prevent the vitamin-c from penetrating the skin. It’s the same as when you use Vaseline to protect skin areas that aren’t being treated during a chemical peel. If you have used a L-Ascorbic Acid serums “cream” and actually got some positive results, that was probably oil-soluble L-Ascorbic Acid derivative and not pure “L-Ascorbic Acid”. 3-O-Ethyl-L-Ascorbic Acid is an oil-soluble form of vitamin-c, therefore you don’t have to worry about any of the above issues. [*Lemon Juice: As I have suggested in my skin whitening guide about applying fresh lemon juice after washing your face, before applying your skin bleach will boost skin whitening results or give ‘faster’ skin lightening]

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HOW TO PROPERLY USE VITAMIN-C SERUMS

L-Ascorbic Acid serums generally sting the skin like lemon juice does, but the stinging subsides after it absorbs into the skin. This Type I VC Serum (L-Ascorbic Acid serum) serum is very strong, stronger than most on the market. This Type I VC serum can be applied to the body and face. Especially for your face, you must dilute this serum until your skin can take such a high percentage of L-Ascorbic Acid. For best results, only apply this Type I VC Serum to freshly washed skin. Allow it to fully absorb. Then you can proceed with applying your other creams lotions butters & serums. With Type II VC Serum Serum (3-O-Ethyl-L-Ascorbic Acid) you must also dilute it until your skin becomes acclimated to the high percentage of EAC. Apply Type II VC Serum to clean dry skin, you can dilute it with your favorite lotions/ butters/ oils

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TYPE I VC SERUM INGREDIENTS:

: Active Ingredients : L-Ascorbic Acid 25%, Ferulic Acid 5% : Inactive Ingredients : Dimethyl Isosorbide (penetration enhancer/ solvent), Hyaluronic Acid, Glycerin, Distilled Water, Citric Acid.

TYPE II VC SERUM INGREDIENTS:

: Active Ingredients : 3-O-Ethyl-L-Ascorbic Acid 30% : Inactive Ingredients : Limonene 0.5% (skin whitener/ solvent), Dimethyl Isosorbide (penetration enhancer/ solvent), Watermelon Seed Oil, Squalene, Honeyquat, Jojoba Oil, MCT Oil, Vitamin-E Oil, Carrot Seed Essential Oil.