Vitamin C & Your Skin: The Benefits and DIY Ideas for You!
Texas red grapefruits are absolutely packed with vitamin C, but why is that such a good thing? In truth, there are tons of reasons for you to include more vitamin C rich foods into your diet. Today, we at Winter Sweetz want to give this powerful vitamin a shout out and direct your attention to one of its most beloved benefits: beautiful skin!
Of course, grapefruits are also a key part of a healthy diet! If you’re looking for a delicious source of vitamin C, look no further than the juicy goodness of Winter Sweetz’s Rio Red grapefruits! Our season is right around the corner, so ask your preferred grocer today about stocking our yummy fruit. You can use our grapefruits as a tasty snack or an addition to your skincare regimen!
Vitamin C and Your Skin
According to experts, vitamin C is among the top three most beneficial nutrients for your skin. It is absolutely essential to the body’s production of collagen, and it also works as an antioxidant for your skin, helping to protect against damage from free radicals. Fun fact: many animals and ancient humans could produce their own vitamin C!
This vitamin maintains everything from your skin and bones to your blood vessels and capillaries. Vitamin C is found in both the dermis and epidermis of your skin, but aging, sun damage, and pollutants like cigarette smoke can all lower those levels.
Considering that vitamin C is so important for your skin, it’s no surprise that a vitamin C deficiency can really show on your face. Those with vitamin C deficiencies might have dry damaged skin, skin that’s rough and bumpy, wounds that heal slowly, or cracked fingernails. Proponents of vitamin C serums say they can help address fine lines, uneven tone, acne scars, and general dullness.
The Benefits of Adding Vitamin C to Your Skincare Routine
We’ve shown that vitamin C is important for your skin, but you may still be wondering if adding vitamin C to your skincare routine will work for you. If you’re still unsure, consider the following benefits of using vitamin C for your skin:
- It’s safe for the majority of skin types.
- It reduces redness.
- It evens out skin tone.
- It brightens dull skin.
- It’s hydrating.
- It protects against sun damage.
- It may relieve sunburns.
- It produces collagen.
- It increases firmness and elasticity.
- It helps with dark circles.
- It fades hyperpigmentation.
- It helps wounds heal.
If you’re looking to add vitamin C to your skincare routine, look for L-ascorbic acid on the ingredient list as this is a sign of more stable products. You can start with a 10% vitamin C concentration and move up to 20% if you think that will work for you. Vitamin C is most effective when combined with ferulic acid, glutathione, and vitamin E, so you may want to try products that also contain these skin-boosting nutrients.
Remember, your skin is unique and may react differently. Prior to a full application, test how your skin will react by doing a patch test. If you have especially sensitive skin, you may wish to avoid products that contain L-ascorbic acid and instead opt for products with magnesium ascorbyl phosphate.
Vitamin C-Rich DIY Face Masks vs. DIY Serums
It turns out that the topical application of vitamin C, putting it straight on your skin, is up to 30 times more effective than taking the vitamin orally! This means that serums and face masks can be a great delivery system for this essential ingredient for healthy skin. In recent years, vitamin C serums have become all the rage, and there are countless grapefruit masks on the market. Beyond those products, DIY masks and serums have become increasingly popular.
If you’re considering a DIY serum, it’s worth noting that Vitamin C serum can be incredibly difficult to make, and the process is easy to get wrong. A faulty batch of DIY serum could lead to serious skin irritation.
Winter Sweetz recommends sticking to DIY masks and purchasing any serums from a trusted source. Below, you can find Winter Sweetz’s favorite vitamin C rich face masks that you can try at home!
1. Breakout-Fighting Grapefruit Mask
If you struggle with oily skin or clogged pores, this mask is for you. This mask is great at combating acne breakout, and the acidity of the grapefruit can help dissolve any debris or sebum (the oil in acne). Plus, honey can help soothe inflammation and fight acne-causing bacteria.
You’ll Need:
- ½ Rio Red grapefruit
- ½ cup cornmeal
- 1 Tbsp honey
Using Your Mask:
- Juice one half of a Rio Red grapefruit.
- Mix together the juice, cornmeal, and honey in a small bowl.
- Spread a thin layer over your face or back to address acne.
- Rinse with warm water.
2. Grapefruit Scrub for Dry Skin
This scrub can be used all over your body to remove dead skin and encourage growth and renewal. The salicylic acid from the grapefruits can help remove rough patches, leaving behind silky smooth skin.
The Ingredients:
- ½ Rio Red grapefruit
- 3 Tbs grapeseed oil
- 1 cup sugar
Making Your Scrub:
- Juice one half of a Rio Red grapefruit.
- Fold together all ingredients in a small bowl with a spoon.
- Apply the scrub to all of your skin, or focus on rough patches.
- Do not leave any leftovers as this scrub utilizes fresh juice.
- You can adjust the mix with additional grapeseed oil if you prefer.
3. Grapefruit Mask for Fine Lines
This mask combines the powerful probiotics in yogurt to help fight acne and discoloration with the incredible benefits of vitamin C to repair skin damage and fine lines.
You’ll Need:
- ½ Rio Red grapefruit
- ½ cup of organic yogurt, plain
Prep and Application:
- Extract the juice of one half of a Rio Red grapefruit.
- Combine the juice and yogurt in a bowl.
- Clean your skin prior to application.
- Spread a thin layer of the mask and leave for 10 minutes.
- Use warm water to rinse.
- For best results, follow up your mask with your preferred moisturizer.
- You can use this face mask once per week, but do not use leftover masks.