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*Feel like you need a dictionary every time you look at the ingredient list of a beauty product? Still unsure of the difference between retinol and retinoids? What about the unique benefits of vitamins B, C, and E? Are alpha and beta hydroxy acids the same thing? The skincare aisle can be overwhelming, but you don’t need a PhD in cosmetic chemistry to navigate it. With expert help, The AEDITION is demystifying and simplifying the beauty industry — [one label at a time](https://aedit.com/aedition/category/read-the-label).*

If there's one skincare truth it is this: pigmentation, dull skin, and wrinkles are virtually unavoidable. There is, however, a very strong probability that vitamin C can improve the appearance of many of those skin concerns. Found on skincare ingredient labels under names like L-ascorbic acid and tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, vitamin C is an antioxidant that is widely praised for its ability to brighten skin, lighten pigmentation, and protect against UV damage.

Often associated with citric fruits (oranges and lemons did, after all, [help sailors with scurvy at sea](https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-37320399)), it’s a water-soluble vitamin that is not naturally produced by the body. Instead, it is something we absorb through topical products, supplements, or foods. While vitamin C supplements are known for their immune-boosting powers (look no further than [COVID-19 patients being treated with large doses of the natural remedy](https://nypost.com/2020/03/24/new-york-hospitals-treating-coronavirus-patients-with-vitamin-c/)), an orange a day will not keep the wrinkles away. Instead, you'll need a well-formulated skincare product with vitamin C.

## **What Is Vitamin C?**
“Vitamin C is an antioxidant that has a number of proven benefits for the skin,” says board certified cosmetic dermatologist [Sejal Shah, MD](https://aedit.com/provider/sejal-shah-md-17984), of SmarterSkin Dermatology in New York City. “It is known for anti-aging, brightening the complexion, evening out skin tone, preventing free radical damage, and restoring and regenerating the skin.” 

Like its fellow antioxidants, vitamin C defends against environmental stressors (think: free radical damage), in addition to improving the appearance of the skin. “It protects the skin from any of the bad elements you come into contact with on a daily basis, like UV rays or air pollution,” says [Bella Schneider](https://www.bellaschneiderbeauty.com), clinical skincare pioneer and founder of [Bella Schneider Beauty](https://www.bellaschneiderbeauty.com/bsb-collections) and the La Bella Spas in California. “It also evens out and brightens skin tone, texture, fine lines, acne scars – you name it.”

## **Benefits of Vitamin C** 
While there is no silver bullet in skincare, vitamin C certainly has a lot to offer thanks to its preventative and corrective benefits. 

- **It’s Anti-Aging**: “It decreases the activity of metalloproteins (MMPs), which are enzymes that break down collagen,” says board certified cosmetic dermatologist [Julie Russak, MD](https://aedit.com/provider/julie-russak-md-4645), of the Russak Dermatology Clinic in Manhattan. This helps improve skin texture and decrease the appearance of fine lines. And, because the efficacious formulation has acidic properties, Schneider explains that a topical vitamin C “encourages skin tissue to heal quickly by turbo-charging the production of collagen and elastin, which are key elements to keeping skin plump and youthful-looking.” 

- **It’s Protective**: Because it is a potent antioxidant, vitamin C is great for “decreasing the effects of UV and environmental damage,” Dr. Russak says. The [oxidative damage caused by the sun](https://aedit.com/aedition/cosmetic-procedures-treatments-to-correct-sun-damage) leads to premature aging and has potential skin cancer dangers that vitamin C aids in preventing. 

- **It Evens Skin Tone**: “Vitamin C inhibits melanin synthesis and has anti-inflammatory activity,” Dr. Shah shares. As a result, topical application helps brighten and lighten hyperpigmentation and skin discoloration concerns such as scars, dark spots, and stretch marks.

## **Finding the Right Vitamin C Product** 
Despite its workhorse classification, vitamin C is actually a *very* difficult ingredient to formulate with. The best vitamin C products are usually housed in dark, airtight environments, though technological advancements have been made to better stabilize the antioxidant. To ensure you are using the best the market has to offer, our experts recommend keeping the following points in mind: 

- **The Name**: L-ascorbic acid is the most active and studied form of vitamin C, but that doesn’t mean it is for everyone. “It is very unstable and has poor penetrability into the skin,” Dr. Russak says. “To improve penetration, it has to be at a very specific pH (below 3.5) and at a high enough concentration to have a meaningful amount to penetrate the skin.” A more stable alternative can be found in tetrahexyldecyl (THD) ascorbate, which is “a chemically modified form of L-ascorbic acid that gets converted into an active form intracellularly,” Dr. Russak explains. The result? It is more easily absorbed by the skin. Schneider warns that those with extremely sensitive skin should look for milder and less acidic forms of vitamin C like magnesium ascorbyl phosphate for a gentler experience.

- **The Form**: “Serums keep vitamin C the most stable and have the best delivery system,” Dr. Russak shares. “Creams are good for more sensitive skin because they tend to have more ingredients that decrease irritation.” Gel-based formulas, however, may be a bit too aggravating for most. “Gels have more alcohol-based content and are more irritating when combined with ascorbic acid,” she adds. 

- **The Package**: Because vitamin C oxidizes on contact to the air and exposure to light can degrade its benefits, Schneider recommends formulations in airtight, dark or opaque glass jars or vials for longer term potency and stabilization. 

## **When to Use Vitamin C**
Unlike certain active ingredients that are only safe to use in the morning or at night, vitamin C can be incorporated into both morning and evening skincare routines. Here’s how to make it work for you: 

- **A.M. Usage**: “I typically recommend using it as a serum underneath moisturizer/SPF in the morning, daily,” says Dr. Shah. Schneider agrees, adding that “while vitamin C does help protect against free radicals, it’s not a sunscreen replacement.” You still [need a SPF for sun protection](https://aedit.com/aedition/what-you-need-to-know-about-sunscreen).
- **P.M. Usage**: When adding it to your evening routine, be mindful of other nighttime ingredients, such as bedtime favorite [vitamin A](https://aedit.com/aedition/guide-to-vitamin-a-retinol-retinoids-in-skincare). “For sensitive skin, using a strong retinol can make the skin very sensitive to vitamin C,” Dr. Russak warns. “Also, if using any strong acid peels before applying a vitamin C serum, the skin can become very irritated.” 

So, what actives play well with vitamin C? “Ingredients such as vitamin E and ferulic acid help boost a vitamin C serum’s potential,” Schneider says. And, if you are prone to skin sensitivity, ingredients like niacinamide can help to temper the potent antioxidant. “Lipophilic formulations that tend to have anti-inflammatory ingredients or additives, such as niacinamide, are better for sensitive skin,” Dr. Russak explains. Some of our favorite hybrid formulas include the [SkinCeuticals CE Feurlic](https://www.dermstore.com/product_C+E+Ferulic_5230.htm) and [Saint Jane Beauty C-Drops](https://saintjanebeauty.com/products/the-c-drops). The latter combines vitamin C with 500 milligrams of full-spectrum CBD. 

## **Best Candidates for Vitamin C**
“I tell all my clients to use vitamin C daily and never stop,” Schneider shares. “It doesn’t matter whether [they’re 18 or 80](https://aedit.com/aedition/category/coming-of-age).” Just remember to not get overzealous if you have sensitive skin. As with any new ingredient or product, take your time introducing it into your routine.

Dr. Shah recommends that those with sensitive or reactive skin should “test the product on your skin first and gradually introduce it into your skin regimen.” While it targets skin concerns such as fine lines and pigmentation, she adds that the anti-inflammatory properties “may even help conditions such as [rosacea](https://aedit.com/aedition/what-its-like-to-live-with-and-treat-rosacea) and acne.” 

## **The Takeaway**
Vitamin C benefits the dermis with its skin-brightening attributes, collagen-boosting elements, and toning qualities. It can help with everything from correcting hyperpigmentation to preventing UV damage, but it’s important to find the right formula. Fickle when exposed to light and air, the powerhouse antioxidant tends to work best in serum form — combined with a moisturizer and SPF during the day and non-retinol products at night.

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From protecting skin from UV rays to boosting collagen production and lightening pigmentation, vitamin C appears to do it all. So, what’s the best way to use it? The AEDITION breaks it down.

A Guide To Topical Vitamin C In Skincare

Read The Label: All Your Vitamin C Questions Answered 

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While the chances of it happening are slim, a laceration, physical trauma, or complication from a past cosmetic surgery procedure can happen at any time. In a moment when hospitals are grappling with depleted supplies and the [spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19)](https://aedit.com/aedition/message-from-aedit-founder-regarding-covid-19-coronavirus-pandemic), patients might be concerned about whether or not the emergency room is their best option in the face of an unexpected aesthetic emergency. While limiting contact through social distancing is recommended, getting proper help is still possible and encouraged.

To understand the most effective methods for getting medical assistance during this time, The AEDITION spoke with two board certified providers about what to do if urgent care is needed. 

## **Is the Emergency Room the Best Option?** 
When it comes to non-aesthetic health emergencies, the ER remains the best place to seek care — especially in critical situations. But, for patients who are experiencing complications in the aftermath of a cosmetic or plastic surgery procedure, it may be best to reach out to your plastic surgeon first. 

“I would encourage people to stay away from the ER because of the many sick COVID-19 patients. That being said, the first thing the patient should do is call their plastic surgeon,” explains [Kevin Tehrani, MD](https://aedit.com/provider/kevin-tehrani-md-91), a board certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon and founder of New York’s Aristocrat Plastic Surgery & MedAesthetics. “Most plastic surgery practices will still be open for follow-up appointments and any emergencies that may have arrived as a result of their procedure.” 

The reasoning behind staying away from a hospital in this critical time is due to social responsibility on all fronts. “During a pandemic, most people will want to stay as far away from a hospital as possible, to reduce potential exposure to COVID-19 patients and also to avoid the inevitable long wait times because these places are overburdened,” explains Beverly Hills-based board certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon [Jonathan Cabin, MD](https://aedit.com/provider/jonathan-cabin-md-956). “In addition, many socially-minded patients may want to avoid hospitals to prevent extra patient burden when they are dealing with an onslaught of very sick patients.”

Post-op complications aren’t the only aesthetic concern that might need tending to right now. When dealing with lacerations (i.e. cuts that go through the skin and, sometimes, the muscle), Dr. Cabin explains that “there is a lot of skill that goes into not only closing up a laceration, but doing so in a way that leads to optimal healing and minimal scarring.” While many level one and level two trauma centers have plastic and reconstructive surgeons on call who can treat you, not every hospital does. 

If you have a relationship with a board certified plastic surgeon and the laceration occurs during normal business hours, you can certainly reach out and see if they would be able to treat you. But, if you don’t or the trauma occurs in the middle of the night, going to the emergency room remains a viable option.

## **If the ER Is the Only Option**
Of course, in the event of an emergency when rapid attention is required, the ER is a must. “In any true post-operative emergency – for example, sudden extensive bleeding – the best thing is to go straight to the nearest ER,” Dr. Cabin says. In an effort to get the best care and limit potential exposure to COVID-19, he recommends patients call ahead to the ER to let them know you are coming. And don’t forget to keep your plastic surgeon in the loop, too. “You should also try to alert your surgeon as to what is going on so that they can be involved in your care,” he says. “This is always the best option.”

## **Dealing With a Post-Op Emergency**
In matters of health, safety and affirmative action are vital. Dr. Tehrani advises that patients call their plastic surgeon “as soon as the trauma happens to see if they can temporarily treat themselves without leaving the house at all.” 
 
When experiencing a plastic surgery emergency during a pandemic, taking extra precautions is not just important for the patient but for the caretakers as well. If an in-person appointment is necessary, the suggested course of action is for patients to call ahead and make an appointment. “We will do a pre-screen over the phone to ensure no one is infected prior to coming into our office,” Dr. Tehrani explains. “We also advise patients to not come into the office if they are sick.”
 
Those who show no symptoms and are able to travel to the office should remember to sanitize prior to the visit. “Patients should be taking all the preventative measures before coming into our office such as [washing their hands](https://aedit.com/aedition/how-to-wash-hands-best-creams-tips-to-prevent-dry-skin), practicing social distancing, and staying at home,” Dr. Tehrani says. “As soon as the patient is seen, we advise them to wash their hands and sanitize — we have hand sanitizers in every room of our facility — and go straight home.” 

## **Dealing With an Aesthetic Emergency**
While not related to a post-op crisis, lacerations are still considered an aesthetic emergency that are best cared for by a plastic and reconstructive surgeon. “Lacerations are rarely life-threatening but are, nonetheless, considered urgent because, when not treated within a certain timeframe (usually six to eight hours), there is a higher risk of infection, [scarring](https://aedit.com/aedition/minimizing-scars-after-surgery), and – in certain locations like with the face – functional issues,” Dr. Cabin explains. “That being said, certain lacerations also involve damage to vital blood vessels, nerves, cartilage, or bone, and thus may be considered true emergencies for other reasons.”

As mentioned above, patients who have an existing relationship with a plastic surgeon can reach out to the practice directly. “Patients have the option to call a plastic surgeon, who can potentially see them in the office,” Dr. Cabin says. “Some plastic surgeons — myself included — will also offer house calls for patients who can’t or don’t want to leave their home.”

And if you don’t have a surgeon on speed dial? “Call any doctor you know and trust and ask them if they can refer you to a plastic surgeon they respect,” he suggests. “If this isn’t possible, patients can also try calling into their local emergency room or urgent care, explaining the situation, and asking for a referral.” 

## **What to Do If You Need to Leave the House**
If the situation does require a trip to the ER or a plastic surgeon’s office, here’s how to keep yourself safe and well: 

- **Only Bring One Person**: “Try to come with, at most, one friend or family member to limit the number of people and decrease chances of viral exposure,” Dr. Cabin says, adding a person exhibiting any signs of illness (think: fever, cough, aches, breathing trouble) should only be treated in an emergency room.
- **Use Protective Gear**: “If you have a mask at home, it is best to put it on before seeing the doctor to protect the doctor from potential COVID-19 infection,” Dr. Cabin explains. If you do not have a mask and cannot safely locate one, he says the doctor will likely be able to provide one.
- **Medicate Mindfully**: If you have a laceration, avoid taking taking any aspirin or NSAIDS (i.e. Advil, ibuprofen, Motrin) for pain prior to seeking medical attention, as they can cause excessive bleeding. “If you are in pain, take Tylenol,” Dr. Cabin recommends. 
- **Clean the Wound**: To ensure minimal damage is done before your visit, cover the laceration with a clean bandage ASAP. If it is a deeper cut with a lot of bleeding, Dr. Cabin says to “hold pressure with a pressure bandage or with your hand.” 

## **Staying Healthy After Your Visit**
Along with keeping everything sanitary and practicing social distancing, recovery needs to be done in accordance with [doctor’s orders](https://aedit.com/aedition/the-ultimate-guide-to-the-post-surgery-products-that-help-your-recovery). When recovering in the midst of a widespread virus, it is possible to do so with limited outside interaction. “Every patient is given careful, typed instructions and all supplies needed for care,” Dr. Cabin explains. “So, they are not required to go to the pharmacy unnecessarily.” If a patient feels that they’re experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 or have tested positive, “it is important to let the doctor know so that they can take precautions after this exposure,” he says.

## **The Takeaway** 
“Patients should know that many plastic surgeons, including myself, are here to help,” Dr. Tehrani says. “Many of our offices are still open because we are seeing follow-up patients and, therefore, have the resources to help healthy patients with their emergency aesthetic needs.” 

When dealing with an aesthetic emergency, quick thinking and rapid action are vital to prevent further damage. Taking the necessary precautions during a pandemic can be beneficial not just for the patient but for healthcare providers as well. So, while going to the ER remains a viable option, it may be avoidable in favor of a trip to the plastic surgeon — assuming you call ahead.

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Although rare, lacerations, aesthetic trauma, and plastic surgery emergencies do happen. The AEDITION spoke with two board certified providers about what to do if urgent care is needed.

What To Do If You Have A Plastic Surgery Emergency

Here’s What To Do If You Have A Plastic Surgery Emergency

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*In light of the [COVID-19 pandemic](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html), AEDIT founder and CEO, [William A. Kennedy III, MD](https://aedit.com/author/william-a-kennedy-iii-md-1) (above right), explains our approach to content and how we are supporting our users and providers during this unprecedented time.*

Dear AEDIT Community, 

Responding and helping those in need has always been at the forefront of my life. As a doctor, we are trained to put the needs of others before ours and are committed to the purpose of medicine: to save lives. Being in service during the COVID-19 pandemic has brought a whole new meaning to this purpose. Together, across the globe, we are dealing with one of the most challenging occurrences we have ever faced and are still trying to find a solution. The negative impacts caused by the virus are too many to list, and the emotions we are all feeling are endless. 

Now, more than ever, it is important to be there for one another and support each other as best we can — and I want you to know **we are here for you.** 

AEDIT was founded on the same principles that drove me to become a doctor: to help others. While this time has caused us to uproot and reconfigure the ways we are used to working, we have also been granted the time to truly reflect on what we are building and why. How can we be at your service and provide the support you need? As a team, we are doing what we can to use this unfortunate circumstance as a fortunate time to create a product that truly serves and empowers you. 

While the pandemic has caused us to press pause on the launch of some of our new features, right now we are able to respond by publishing more content covering topics we hope you will enjoy during this time. **If there is anything you would like to see or hear from us, please let us know. We are listening.** 

To our AEDIT community, we will get through this. And to my fellow doctors and medical staff, your dedication cannot be matched; thank you for the risk you are taking and your commitment to the health and wellbeing of others. I am hopeful there are brighter times ahead. 

Stay well, 

![BillSignature](//images.ctfassets.net/zw35sfestf1t/6NmK5fRFEfGASVS75dHNyo/bab408091e02ba319e6aa7241911a7bf/BillSignature.png)

William A. Kennedy III, MD, Founder & CEO 

In light of the coronavirus outbreak, AEDIT founder and CEO, William A. Kennedy III, MD, explains our approach to content and how we are supporting our users and providers during this time.

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