Why Advanced Vitamin C THD is our favourite form of Vitamin C

Vitamin C THD (Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate) is a stable, oil-soluble form of vitamin C that can penetrate the skin more effectively than other forms of vitamin C. It is synthesized through a chemical reaction between ascorbic acid and 2-ethylhexanol.

The synthesis process involves several steps:

1. Esterification: Ascorbic acid is first converted to an ester form by reacting it with ethanol and a catalyst such as sulfuric acid. The resulting product is ascorbyl ethyl ether.
2. Trans-esterification: Ascorbyl ethyl ether is then reacted with 2-ethylhexanol in the presence of a catalyst such as sodium methoxide. The reaction produces tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate (THD).
3. Purification: The THD product is purified by removing any remaining impurities or catalysts through processes such as filtration or distillation.

 The resulting vitamin C THD is a stable, oil-soluble form of vitamin C that can be used in skincare products for its antioxidant properties and ability to brighten and even out skin tone, promote collagen and elastin, and reduce hyperpigmentation.

 Benefits of Vitamin C THD in skin care:

 Products containing Vitamin C THD offer several benefits for the skin.

1. Antioxidant properties: Vitamin C THD is a potent antioxidant that helps to protect the skin from free radicals, which can cause oxidative damage and contribute to premature ageing.
2. Brightening and even out skin tone: Vitamin C THD can help to brighten and even out skin tone by inhibiting the production of melanin, which can cause dark spots and uneven pigmentation.
3. Collagen synthesis: Vitamin C THD promotes collagen synthesis, which is essential for maintaining skin elasticity and firmness. This helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
4. Sun damage protection: Vitamin C THD can also help to protect the skin from sun damage by neutralising free radicals and reducing inflammation. However, it should not be used as a substitute for sunscreen.
5. Stability: Vitamin C THD is a stable form of vitamin C, meaning that it does not degrade as quickly as other forms of vitamin C when exposed to air or light. This makes it an effective ingredient in skincare products.

The antioxidant properties of Vitamin C THD:

Antioxidants are substances that help to protect the skin from free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can damage cells and contribute to premature ageing.

When applied topically, vitamin C THD penetrates the skin and helps to neutralise free radicals by donating an electron to the unstable molecule. This process stabilises the free radical and prevents it from causing further damage to the skin. Vitamin C THD is particularly effective at neutralising free radicals caused by environmental stressors such as UV radiation, pollution, and cigarette smoke.

In addition to its free radical scavenging abilities, vitamin C THD also helps to regenerate other antioxidants such as vitamin E, which further enhances its antioxidant activity. This makes it a valuable ingredient in skincare products, particularly those designed to protect the skin from environmental stressors and combat the signs of ageing.

By incorporating vitamin C THD into your skincare routine, you can help to protect your skin from the damaging effects of free radicals and maintain a healthy, youthful complexion.

 The effect of Vitamin C THD on skin tone:

 Vitamin C THD is a potent ingredient that has been shown to be effective at brightening and evening out skin tone. This is achieved through several mechanisms:

1. Inhibition of melanin production: Melanin is the pigment that gives colour to the skin, and excessive production of melanin can lead to dark spots and uneven pigmentation. Vitamin C THD has been shown to inhibit the production of melanin by reducing the activity of the enzyme tyrosinase, which is involved in melanin synthesis. By slowing down melanin production, vitamin C THD can help to prevent the formation of dark spots and even out skin tone.
2. Skin cell turnover: Vitamin C THD can also help to promote skin cell turnover, which can help to remove dead skin cells and promote the growth of new, healthy cells. This can help to improve the texture and tone of the skin, resulting in a brighter, more even complexion.
3. Antioxidant activity: Vitamin C THD is a potent antioxidant, which means that it helps to protect the skin from free radicals that can damage skin cells and contribute to premature ageing. By protecting the skin from oxidative stress, vitamin C THD can help to maintain the health and vitality of the skin, resulting in a brighter, more youthful complexion.

 Vitamin C THD and collagen synthesis:

 Collagen is a protein that is essential for maintaining the structure, elasticity, and firmness of the skin. As we age, the production of collagen in the skin decreases, leading to the formation of fine lines and wrinkles. Vitamin C THD has been shown to promote collagen synthesis, which can help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and improve the overall health and appearance of the skin.

The mechanism by which vitamin C THD promotes collagen synthesis is complex and involves several different processes. Some of the key ways in which vitamin C THD promotes collagen synthesis include:

1. Stimulation of fibroblast activity: Fibroblasts are the cells responsible for producing collagen in the skin. Vitamin C THD has been shown to stimulate fibroblast activity, increasing the production of collagen in the skin.
2. Protection against oxidative stress: Oxidative stress can damage collagen fibres and contribute to the breakdown of collagen in the skin. Vitamin C THD is a potent antioxidant that helps to protect the skin from oxidative stress, thereby preserving collagen fibres and promoting collagen synthesis.
3. Regulation of gene expression: Vitamin C THD has been shown to regulate the expression of genes involved in collagen synthesis, helping to promote the production of collagen in the skin.

 How Vitamin C THD protects against UV damage:

 UV radiation from the sun can damage the skin and contribute to premature ageing, including the formation of fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation. Vitamin C THD is a potent antioxidant that can help to protect the skin from UV damage by neutralising free radicals and reducing inflammation.

The mechanism by which vitamin C THD protects against UV damage involves several different processes:

1. Free radical scavenging: UV radiation generates free radicals in the skin, which can damage skin cells and contribute to premature ageing. Vitamin C THD is a potent antioxidant that can neutralise free radicals, protecting skin cells from damage and preventing the breakdown of collagen and elastin fibres.
2. Reduction of oxidative stress: UV radiation can cause oxidative stress in the skin, which can damage DNA and contribute to the development of skin cancer. Vitamin C THD helps to reduce oxidative stress by neutralising free radicals and stimulating the production of antioxidant enzymes in the skin.
3. Anti-inflammatory effects: UV radiation can cause inflammation in the skin, which can contribute to the development of skin cancer and accelerate the ageing process. Vitamin C THD has anti-inflammatory effects, which can help to reduce inflammation in the skin and promote healing.

 Why Vitamin C THD is a more stable form in skincare:

 The stability of vitamin C is an important consideration when it comes to skincare products because it can impact the effectiveness of the ingredient. Vitamin C is known to be unstable, meaning it can easily degrade when exposed to light, air, and water. This can make it difficult to formulate skincare products that contain vitamin C and ensure that the vitamin C remains stable and effective over time.

The stability of vitamin C THD is one of its most useful characteristics. Unlike other forms of vitamin C, such as ascorbic acid or L-ascorbic acid, vitamin C THD is highly stable and does not degrade as easily when exposed to light, air, and water.

This increased stability has several benefits for skincare products. First, it allows for longer shelf life and greater potency over time, meaning that the product will remain effective for longer. Second, it allows for greater flexibility in formulation, meaning that vitamin C THD can be incorporated into a wider range of products, including those that are anhydrous.

 References:

1. Kameyama K, et al. "Inhibitory effect of magnesium L-ascorbyl-2-phosphate (VC-PMG) on melanogenesis in vitro and in vivo." J Am Acad Dermatol. 1996;34(1):29-33.
2. Lin FH, et al. "Ferulic acid stabilizes a solution of vitamins C and E and doubles its photoprotection of skin." J Invest Dermatol. 2005;125(4):826-832.
3. Pinnell SR, et al. "Topical L-ascorbic acid: percutaneous absorption studies." Dermatol Surg. 2001;27(2):137-142.
4. Pullar JM, et al. "The Roles of Vitamin C in Skin Health." Nutrients. 2017;9(8):866.
5. Telang PS. "Vitamin C in dermatology." Indian Dermatol Online J. 2013;4(2):143-146.
6. Yun HY, et al. "The Antioxidative and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, a Stable Vitamin C Derivative." J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2017;10(10):28-31.
7. Zussman J, et al. "The stabilization and effectiveness of topical vitamin C formulations." J Cosmet Dermatol. 2012;11(4):310-317.