Homemade Skin Care Recipe: Vitamin C applied topically

Tip description / details:
Having read about the anti-aging benefits of Vitamin C applied to the skin, we reasoned that the best way to apply this would be to mix Vitamin C powder (obtainable easily and cheaply from your local pharmacy) with either a skin care cream or with natural Aloe Vera gel. Because the Vitamin C is mixed in only at the time of application, there is no danger of applying something which has already oxidised (which could, in itself, cause free radical damage). Aloe Vera, in particular, has known benefits for the skin and, if you use a natural (preferably organic) product, you know what you are putting on your skin - an advantage, given that commercial face creams normally have a large number of 'chemical' ingredients.

Ingredients:
Vitamin C powder Any face cream or natural Aloe Vera gel

How to prepare:
Because Vitamin C oxidises very easily, we simply, at time of application, mix a small quantity of Vitamin C powder (about 1/8 to 1/4 of a teaspoon) with the Aloe Vera gel or face cream in the palm of the hand and then apply that, just as you would any face cream.

How to use:
Apply as a day or night skin-care treatment. I also use the Aloe Vera/Vitamin C combination as an after-shave lotion. Be aware that any excessive Vitamin C which has not been throuroughly rubbed in will turn an orange colour when it (naturally) oxidises, in contact with the air. So, don't use too much, because you will stain your bedclothes an orange colour. Also, make sure that you wash your hands after using the product, otherwise you can get orange staining on your fingernails! Vitamin C is also absolutely brilliant for quickly healing minor cuts and scratches (although it does sting a bit initially)

Results (observed by submitter):
Well, everyone is always amazed at how old we are when we tell them (I'm 50 and my wife is 44)! Our skin always feels soft and flexible.

Costs involved:
minimal