From warding off pesky free radicals to minimizing undereye bags, vitamin C serum can work wonders for your skin. Here’s how to use it, where to buy it, and a rundown of the best benefits.
Overview of vitamin C serum
One relatively affordable serum can accomplish a lot.
Vitamin C (known as L-ascorbic acid in the science world) is a multitasker, taking on the role of protector and worker bee as it shields skin from pesky pollution and free radicals while also getting busy on fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation.
Your skincare routine shouldn’t feel like math, but it can feel confusing as hell trying to figure out where to put your fancy new serum in your lineup and *when* to apply it.
While everyone’s routine may look slightly different based on skin type and concerns, vitamin C is *generally* best used during the day instead of thenight.
Why? Well, many of us slather on retinol at night (as we should!), which doesn’t mix with vitamin C.
Plus, vitamin C loves to protect your skin from the ish it comes into contact with during waking hours, so it’s best to let it do its thing during the day.
top things off with facial SPF (pls don’t fight us on that one!).
4 best benefits of vitamin C serum
1. Skin protection
Thanks to its work in neutralizing free radicals, this mighty antioxidant can work like a pop-up protector, keeping your skin safe from nasty environmental pollutants that can lead to visible signs of aging.
2. Fine lines and wrinkles
Much more than just a warrior protecting your skin from gross environmental factors, vitamin C also loves to help out with fine lines and wrinkles.
Studies suggest that daily use of vitamin C can polish up the look of fine lines and wrinkles as it stimulates collagen.
These spots sprout when melanin production (the pigment producer) is abundant. Vitamin C interrupts this production, easing the look of hyperpigmentation. This is also where its brightening magic takes place.
However, you’ll need to keep using vitamin C to see the positive effects stick around (improvements can drop off if you drop the serum!).
4. Dark under-eye circles
Racoon eyes are a look, for sure. If you’re not into it, vitamin C can help. We mentioned it’s a brightener, so the dark under-eye area is where it can really shine.
One small, older study specifically found that vitamin C helped the look of dark circles thanks to its thickening skills, noting that it concealed dark under-eye coloration caused by congested blood (ew, but helpful).
FAQs
Need more tea on vitamin C? Let’s get into it!
Where can you buy vitamin C serum?
Honestly, where *can’t* you buy vitamin C serum? Amazon carries a slew of it, as do major retailers like Target and drug stores like Walgreens. And OFC, you can find it at beauty staples like Ulta and Sephora.
How much does vitamin C serum cost?
If you’re reaching for a budget-friendly option, you can expect to spend about $15. If you’re willing to shell out much more on luxury picks, you may spend nearly $200. A solid middle-of-the-road serum costs around $30.
How do you apply vitamin C serum?
Dispense the product onto clean fingertips and apply it after cleansing and toning but before moisturizer and SPF. And then you’re good to glow!
What are the risks of using vitamin C serum?
You may notice a tingly, spicy feeling from vitamin C — especially if you’re new to it. Sensitive folks may notice redness and flaking. Performing a patch test before using it all over will help you avoid allergic reactions and major irritation all over your face.
Takeaway
Vitamin C serum is a badass with a long list of benefits. It’s generally well tolerated and available pretty much anywhere. It’s usually best to apply it during the day to keep up your retinol regime at night (they don’t mix!).
Read the full article here:
https://greatist.com/health/when-to-use-vitamin-c-serum
Whether you just stayed up too late watching TikToks or have a chronic dark circle issue, it’s understandable if you want to look a little more rested. Here are some great strategies to send those eye bags packing.
We Are/Getty Images
What causes dark circles?
Eye bags or dark circles can be caused by a number of factors like:
What works best to treat yours will depend on the cause of your prob.
If you have visible veins under your eyes, aim to constrict blood vessels and thicken the skin. If you have puffy eyes, focus on reducing inflammation. If your under-eye skin is darker, your goal will be to correct hyperpigmentation.
Now that you understand the root of your undereye struggles, here’s how to tackle it.
1. Cold therapy
It’s true: The old cucumber or cold spoon trick really works, at least temporarily. Cold therapy in the morning for about 10–15 mins can work to de-puff the area and constrict blood vessels that may be contributing to a raccoon look.
It’s not a permanent fix, but it should stave off any “you look tired” comments for at least the remainder of the day.
2. Certain skincare ingredients
Certain skincare ingredients can help improve the appearance of eye bags, including:
Retinol works to increase skin elasticity, reduce hyperpigmentation, and boost collagen production
Hyaluronic acid works to hydrate and plump the skin
Vitamin C reduces inflammation, reduces hyperpigmentation, and improves elasticity
Hydroquinone treats severe hyperpigmentation (but is only available via prescription)
3. Sinus rinse
Using a nasal irrigation device (like a NetiPot or NeilMed Sinus Rinse) may help reduce undereye inflammation caused by sinus issues. Sure, it might feel uncomfy to shoot a saline solution up your nostrils, but some people swear by it.
Pro tip: Be sure to use the device as instructed. To avoid serious health problems, use sterilized or distilled water.
4. Antihistamines
Allergies can sometimes cause puffy or itchy eyes and dark circles. If you think that’s your issue, you may want to talk to your doc about taking OTC allergy meds like diphenhydramine (Benadryl) or cetirizine (Zyrtec).
5. Supplements
A 2019 study suggests that being low in iron or vitamin B-12 may contribute to the appearance of eye bags. If you think you may be low in either of these, you may want to talk to your doc about improving your diet or taking supplements.
6. Topical caffeine
There’s a reason so many eye creams contain caffeine. The antioxidants in green tea and coffee have an anti-inflammatory effect on the skin. This can help reduce undereye swelling as well as protect those precious undereye skin cells from future damage.
If your issue is mostly puffiness, you can totally gua sha or jade roll it out. According to 2022 research, these techniques (including facial massage) improve blood flow and aid in lymphatic drainage.
Grab your fave serum and gently smooth it into the skin. Keep your gua sha or jade roller in the freezer for extra depuffing power.
8. Stay hydrated, well-rested, and healthy
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help your under eyes and overall appearance fresh. For example, drinking plenty of water and reducing sodium can curb puffiness-causing fluid retention. Exercise boosts circulation while a well-rounded diet reduces inflammation.
Meanwhile, kicking a cig habit will prevent further collagen loss and result in a brighter complexion.
9. General skincare
Wearing sunscreen to prevent skin damage, washing and moisturizing your face 2x a day, and generally maintaining a legit skincare routine can help reduce the appearance of eye bags in the long run.
When your skin is hydrated, protected, and healthy, your dark circles should be less visible.
10. Talk to a derm
When in doubt, talk to a derm about your dark circles. There are more invasive methods to treat eye bags, including laser resurfacing and microdermabrasion that can be very effective.
Takeaway
To zap eye bags fast, try methods like cold therapy or jade rolling. Consider using skincare ingredients like retinol and vitamin C for long-term improvement. If you have allergies or sinus issues, antihistamines or nasal rinses may help.
Methods like microdermabrasion and laser resurfacing can also work super well. Talk to a derm to see if they’re right for you.
Read the full article here:
https://greatist.com/health/how-to-get-rid-of-eye-bags-fast
Ready to level up your beauty sleep? Enter: Silk pillowcases. Not only do they retain more moisture than cotton pillowcases, but they’re also great at temperature regulation.
Here’s a rundown of the many benefits of these posh pillow protectors.
Moisture retention
Silk is the unsung hero of moisture management. Unlike cotton and other common bedding materials, silk minimizes moisture loss.
Why is this a big deal? Well, it means that your precious skincare products, like that expensive night cream you adore, stay on your face where they belong instead of being absorbed by your thirsty pillowcase. The result is that your skin gets the full benefits of all the moisturizing goodness, ensuring your complexion is plump and dewy, not dry.
But it doesn’t stop there! Silk’s moisture retention superpowers don’t just benefit your skin — they also help keep your hair in tip-top shape. Silk pillowcases minimize friction, so your hair glides smoothly over the fabric, reducing the risk of breakage and split ends. Your hair will thank you with fewer knots and more shine.
Temperature regulation
Whether you’re sweating through a summer heatwave or bundling up for a winter chill, silk pillowcases have your back. These magical sleep companions have a natural talent for temperature regulation.
You’ll notice that it feels fantastic when you lay your head on a silk pillowcase. This initial coolness is a result of silk’s breathability and moisture-wicking properties. But here’s the real trick — silk can also trap heat when it’s cold, making it cozy during those winter nights.
So, whether it’s a scorching summer or a chilly winter, your silk pillowcase is like your personal climate control system, ensuring you stay comfortable year-round.
Moisture wicking
Silk’s moisture-wicking abilities are nothing short of impressive. While it doesn’t soak up moisture in the same way as cotton, it excels at drawing moisture away from your skin. So, if you’re prone to nighttime sweating or want to wake up feeling fresher, silk pillowcases are your new BFF.
They’ll whisk away that excess moisture, leaving you feeling cool, comfortable, and ready to conquer the day without a damp pillow to cramp your style.
Fewer wrinkles
TBH, there’s no proof that sleeping on silk will magically erase all your wrinkles. However, many peeps report that they wake up with fewer creases on their face when using silk pillowcases.
The logic is that silk’s smooth surface creates less friction between your skin and the fabric, which can result in fewer sleep-induced wrinkles. It might not be a miracle worker, but it’s a pretty sweet bonus.
FAQs
Where can I buy silk pillowcases?
You can find silk pillowcases at various retailers, both online and in physical stores. Many bedding and home goods stores carry them, and you’ll also find a wide range of options on popular e-commerce platforms like Amazon.
Be sure to check the product details for the type of silk and quality, and read reviews for customer feedback to make an informed choice.
How much are silk pillowcases?
The price of silk pillowcases can vary significantly based on factors like the type of silk, brand, and quality.
Generally, you can expect to find silk pillowcases in a price range of $20 to $100 or more per pillowcase. Higher-quality silk and well-known brands tend to be on the higher end of this spectrum.
What type of silk is best for sleeping?
Mulberry silk is often considered the best type of silk for sleeping. It’s known for its smooth texture, durability, and luxurious feel.
While there are other types of silk, like Tussah and Charmeuse, Mulberry silk is the top choice for comfort and quality when it comes to silk pillowcases.
Takeaway
Silk pillowcases offer a boatload of benefits to elevate your sleep and beauty game. They excel at moisture retention, temperature regulation, and moisture-wicking, making them a fantastic choice for a comfy night’s sleep.
While the claim of reducing wrinkles isn’t scientifically proven, many users experience fewer facial creases in the morning. So, if you want to indulge in a touch of luxury and enhance your beauty routine, silk pillowcases might be your dream solution.
Read the full article here:
https://greatist.com/discover/benefits-of-silk-pillow-cases
Antioxidants are compounds that protect the body from damage caused by free radicals.
An antioxidant-rich diet may reduce the risk of many diseases and help maintain healthy skin.
Foods rich in antioxidants include dark chocolate, blueberries, goji berries and green tea.
The immune system isn’t the only superhero that fights off illness. There’s another anti-hero that deserves a cape of its own: antioxidants. Antioxidants are molecules that protect cells from damage caused by compounds called free radicals. If the body has too many free radicals, it can lead to various diseases, such as cancer, heart disease and Alzheimer’s disease.[1]
While the body naturally produces some antioxidants (alpha lipoic acid and glutathione are two examples) they are also abundantly available in certain foods. This includes plant-based options, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes, spices and herbs and even chocolate. Keep reading to learn more about foods that are rich in antioxidants.
What are Antioxidants and the Benefits?
Antioxidants are compounds that slow or delay damage caused by free radicals. They balance these free radicals to prevent or slow them from causing damage to the body.
Antioxidants are also used as food additives in food production since they act as preservatives that increase the shelf life of natural and processed foods.[2]
But in order to truly understand the benefits of this magical compound, it helps to understand its arch enemy: free radicals. These are unstable oxygen molecules that can harm the body.[3]
What causes free radical formation? Here are some examples:
Pollution
Cigarette smoke
Alcohol
Exposure to x-rays
Ultraviolet rays
Prolonged exercise
Free radicals aren’t all bad. For example, take their impact on the immune system as they are a sidekick that helps fight illness. Free radicals become a problem when they outnumber the balance of antioxidants in the body. This results in oxidative stress, which can damage the organs and tissues and may even lead to cell death.[4]
While there isn’t a definitive guide on how many antioxidants a person needs in their diet, it’s recommended to get a minimum of 8-11,000 antioxidant units a day.[5]
Foods Rich in Antioxidants
An antioxidant-rich diet covers all ends of the food spectrum, from buzzy wellness superfoods (like goji berries or açai smoothie bowls) to fridge staples that never miss a ride in your grocery cart (like strawberries and carrots).
Here’s a closer look at foods rich in antioxidants:
Berries
Good things come from eating the rainbow. Berries–blueberries strawberries, raspberries, cranberries, blackberries and goji berries, to name a few—are all loaded with antioxidants, such as anthocyanins, ellagic acid and resveratrol.
These antioxidant powerhouses come with many sweet benefits, such as reducing the risk of developing heart disease, cancer and type 2 diabetes.[6][7]
Since berries are also anti-inflammatory, they have been found to have positive effects on cognitive mental function.[8]
Berries are versatile fruits that can be eaten on their own, sprinkled over yogurt or cereal or enjoyed in smoothies like our Blueberry Avocado Smoothie Bowl recipe.
Herbs and Spices
Spice up the way you protect yourself from disease with herbs and spices. In addition to turning a bland piece of meat into a culinary masterpiece, spices are natural antioxidant wonders with healing properties.
For example, a 2020 meta-analysis found that cinnamon increases antioxidant levels while decreasing inflammation markers, such as c-reactive protein.[9]
Spices with the highest antioxidant count include:[10]
Clove
Peppermint
Cinnamon
Oregano
Thyme
Sage
Rosemary
Green Tea
Many antioxidants come from the drinks we consume, such as a cup of green tea. It’s brimming with a type of polyphenol called the catechin epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG). EGCG provides many health benefits, such as reducing the risk of coronary artery disease, liver disease and various cancers.[11]
Swapping that mid-day coffee for a cup of green tea may also have cognitive benefits. A 2020 study found that drinking green tea may result in a reduced likelihood of developing Alzheimer’s disease.[12]
Additional foods that are high in antioxidants:
Fruits (apples, avocado, peaches, cherries, pears, red grapes)
Nuts and seeds (walnuts, pecans, chestnuts, sunflower seeds, peanuts, pistachios)
Legumes (red beans, kidney beans, pinto beans)
Cocoa (chocolate)
Coffee
Are there Antioxidant Supplements?
There are many readily available antioxidant supplements that contain concentrated forms of antioxidants. Popular examples include vitamin E, vitamin C and beta-carotene.
If you’re going the antioxidant route, don’t exceed the dose on the bottle. A 2022 study of athletes found that long-term high doses of antioxidants actually increased oxidative stress. It reduced some of the benefits of exercise, such as improved insulin sensitivity and muscle gains (hypertrophy).[13]
Once you find the right dose, the next step is to choose the right supplementation. Each dose of Bulletproof Omega Krill Complex contains antioxidants from astaxanthin and olive fruit extract to help fight free radicals. Take care of your skin with Glutathione Force (read about the benefits of glutathione here), which offers antioxidant support to keep skin glowing.
If you want to harness the power of your body to antioxidants, make a conscious effort to choose foods rich in antioxidants.
Antioxidants are compounds that prevent or slow damage to your body caused by free radicals. By protecting the body from a process called oxidative stress, they prevent cancer, heart disease and Alzheimer’s disease.
For the best fighting-power, aim for an antioxidant-rich diet that contains plant-based foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, legumes and herbs and spices.
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January 10th 2024
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Wellness Mama Blog | Simple Answers for Healthier Families
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I had the pleasure of meeting Gordy Bal at a biohacking conference and I’m excited to have him on the podcast today! Gordy is the author of The New Millionaire’s Playbook, which I loved reading. He’s an investor, a heart-centered entrepreneur, and a visionary leader in this space. Gordy is also the founder of the …
