Vlogtober Day 25: WHY I DON’T USE VITAMIN C SERUM|Dr Dray

Summary

In this video, the speaker explains why they don't use vitamin C serums in their skincare routine. While vitamin C is essential for collagen production and acts as an antioxidant, the speaker highlights the lack of substantial evidence for the effectiveness of topical vitamin C serums in humans. They emphasize the instability of vitamin C and the unregulated nature of these products, making them a risky investment. Instead, the speaker advocates for basic skincare practices like sunscreen and moisturizers, which have proven benefits in protecting the skin from aging and sun damage.

Takeaways

• 😀 Vitamin C is an essential nutrient for skin health, particularly in collagen and elastin synthesis, but its role in skincare is debated.
• 😀 Vitamin C helps combat free radicals generated by UV light, potentially preventing skin damage and premature aging.
• 😀 Despite laboratory studies suggesting benefits, there is a lack of rigorous clinical trials proving the effectiveness of topical Vitamin C for anti-aging or skin cancer prevention.
• 😀 Topical Vitamin C is unstable and degrades quickly, leading to concerns about whether it remains effective in skincare products.
• 😀 Some companies modify Vitamin C to make it more stable in serums, but it is unclear whether these modified forms can penetrate the skin and have relevant biological effects.
• 😀 Studies show that Vitamin C concentrations over 20% may not provide additional benefits for skin health.
• 😀 The effectiveness of Vitamin C serums in preventing wrinkles or fine lines is not strongly supported by evidence from large, well-controlled trials.
• 😀 Vitamin C serums are non-regulated cosmetics, meaning their claims are not subject to the same scrutiny as drug products.
• 😀 The focus of an effective skincare routine should be on sun protection and moisturizers, rather than relying on expensive serums with uncertain benefits.
• 😀 The speaker suggests that Vitamin C serums are a 'gamble' due to the lack of evidence and their high cost, urging viewers to invest in sun protection instead.
• 😀 While some people may see benefits from Vitamin C serums, the speaker remains skeptical and recommends focusing on affordable, scientifically supported skincare practices like sunscreen use.

Q & A

Why does the speaker choose not to use Vitamin C serums in their skincare routine?

The speaker believes that the evidence supporting the effectiveness of topical Vitamin C serums is lacking. They feel that Vitamin C serums are expensive, unstable, and do not provide significant benefits based on scientific studies, especially when it comes to preventing aging or skin cancer.

What is the role of Vitamin C in skin health?

Vitamin C is crucial for collagen and elastin synthesis, which are important for maintaining skin structure, elasticity, and hydration. It also combats reactive oxygen species (free radicals) produced by UV exposure, helping to protect the skin from photoaging and skin damage.

Why is Vitamin C considered unstable when used topically?

Vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, is highly unstable when exposed to air and light. It degrades quickly in topical formulations, which limits its effectiveness on the skin. Even modified forms of Vitamin C have uncertain stability and absorption into the skin.

What scientific evidence exists for the use of Vitamin C serums in skincare?

While laboratory studies on skin models and cells show some benefits of Vitamin C, such as boosting collagen production, human clinical trials are limited. These studies often have small sample sizes, subjective outcomes, and lack rigorous controls, making the evidence inconclusive.

What alternative skincare practices does the speaker recommend?

The speaker advocates for a minimalist skincare routine focused on moisturization and sun protection. They emphasize the importance of sunscreen use as the most effective way to prevent photoaging and skin cancer, rather than relying on topical serums like Vitamin C.

How do Vitamin C serums compare to other skincare products in terms of regulation?

Vitamin C serums are considered non-drug cosmetics, meaning they are not subject to the same regulatory scrutiny as pharmaceuticals. Manufacturers can make claims about their products without scientific backing, which makes it hard to trust their effectiveness.

What is the speaker's view on the vitamin C serum market?

The speaker is skeptical of the Vitamin C serum market, suggesting that many products are essentially the same and are marketed with exaggerated claims. They compare it to buying lottery tickets, where the chances of getting significant results are low.

What concentration of Vitamin C is considered ideal in serums, according to the speaker?

The speaker suggests that an ideal concentration of Vitamin C in serums is 20% or less, specifically in the form of L-ascorbic acid. They also mention that adding ferulic acid could help stabilize Vitamin C.

What is the speaker’s opinion on expensive Vitamin C serums?

The speaker considers expensive Vitamin C serums a waste of money, as they believe that the evidence for their effectiveness is insufficient. They suggest opting for cheaper alternatives if you choose to use them at all.

What does the speaker recommend for those seeking to improve their skin health?

The speaker recommends focusing on sun protection and maintaining a simple skincare routine. They stress the importance of using sunscreen consistently and moisturizing to keep skin healthy, rather than spending money on expensive and unproven skincare products like Vitamin C serums.