www.vitarawellness.com me if there isn’t a place taking part in the event near to where they live.” The website also offers information on companies that go above and beyond for cancer survivors including Walgreens which has trained sales associates to help those affected through their “Feel More Like You” campaign, and Great Clips’ “Clips of Kindness” for those starting chemotherapy and concerned about hair loss. Each year, Paget calls the businesses on her roster to ensure they are once again showing their support. “At 80, it is a wonderful feeling to hear a business say they were waiting for my call, or that they already have Cancer Survivor Beauty and Support Day on their calendar. It just shows that you are never too old to have an idea, pursue it and continue to grow your vision!” She adds that the real beauty of the day, however, is the support it gives those in need. Businesses interested in taking part can simply download the flyer at www.cancersurvivorbeautyandsupportday.org where the list of participating businesses can also be found. For more information, contact Barbara Paget at bnpcsbsd@aol.com. Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is a current darling of the skincare industry. It is essential for collagen production, helps neutralize free radicals from sun and pollution and can fade dark spots and discoloration. Plus it can help maintain skin firmness and brightness. So, what’s not to love? Nothing, but it’s tricky. Vitamin C isn’t just one thing. There are multiple forms, and each behaves differently on your skin. If you know what type is likely to work best on your skin, you’re less likely to spend ridiculous amounts of money on a product that may be totally wrong for you. Here are the different forms of vitamin C and their individual superpowers: Ascorbic acid (also known as L-ascorbic acid). This is the super model of the vitamin C products. It can deliver impressive results but it’s finicky and breaks down quickly when exposed to light, heat or air, and it can irritate sensitive skin. It lives in water-based serums stored in dark, air-tight bottles, but if it’s not offered in a concentration range from 10 to 20%, it’s not worth the dough. Sodium ascorbyl phosphate. This is the boy-next-door version. It’s more stable than ascorbic acid and better suited for sensitive or acneprone skin. It still offers antioxidant benefits and helps brighten, but it tends to be gentler and less likely to cause redness or breakouts. Great for younger skin. Magnesium ascorbyl phosphate. If you have sensitive skin, this form may be enough for you. It can sooth redness and provide moisture while gently brightening. Like going to prom with your cousin; it’s nice, but may not be as impactful as you’d hoped. Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate. This is the one you marry—especially if you’re a desert dweller of a certain age. It’s not irritating and penetrates the skin more deeply than its cousins while remaining stable for longer periods. It lives in oil and in great formulas it’s used at 10%. You may find it combined with other nourishing ingredients like coenzyme Q10 for added anti-aging benefits. True or False? “If it tingles, it’s working.” False. Tingling can indicate irritation, not effectiveness. A well-formulated vitamin C product should absorb smoothly without discomfort. “Higher percentages are always better.” Not true. More isn’t always more. Over 20%, L-ascorbic acid can actually cause inflammation. “You can’t use vitamin C with retinol.” Old myth. While layering vitamin C and retinoids in the same routine may cause irritation, newer, stable derivatives like tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate can be paired with retinoids—especially when staggered (vitamin C in the morning, retinoid at night). “You get what you pay for.” Not anymore. It’s true that vitamin C is an expensive ingredient, but it’s a flat out lie that you need to spend in the three digits to achieve top-notch results. Helpful tips Apply it in the morning. That’s when your skin faces the most environmental stress; vitamin C helps shield against it. Pair with sunscreen. The antioxidant boost enhances your sun protection. Be patient. You might notice a brighter glow in a few weeks, but long-term benefits like firmer skin and fading discoloration usually take eight to 12 weeks of consistent use. The bottom line: only you know you. Try a sample or a mini-size before making a mistake and let your skin tell you all you need to know. Take the time to explore lesser-known brands, read the labels, respect your wallet and trust your own knowledge rather than the hype. Brook Dougherty of Indio is the founder of JustUs Skincare and welcomes your questions. She can be reached at (310) 266.7171 or brook@justusskincare.com. For more information, visit www.justusskincare.com. www.DesertHealthNews.com May/June 2025 Different types of vitamin C have different benefits. Cancer Survivor Beauty and Support Day helps heal inside and out. Vitamin C is a current darling of the skincare industry. Feeling Beautiful and Well Continued from page 7 www.cetinasalon.com Salon services using natural, artisanal ingredients without harsh chemicals Haircut and styling • Certi ed organic colorist • Lashes and brows Holistic facials • Special occasion makeup • Makeup and hair styling tutorials Sugar hair removal • Organic spray tanning • Skin dry brushing • Wood therapy Infrared sauna blanket for detox and inammation Detoxing scalp and hair treatments All services are customized with herbs, oils and natural minerals curated by our team. 760.778.1374 | 354 S. Indian Canyon Drive | Palm Springs Cetinasalon.com Cetina raw natural beauty Vitamin C in Skincare Magic, myths and reality By Brook Dougherty Health & Beauty The Valley's Leading Resource for Health and Wellness 14 Want to take your wellness to the next level? Dedicated to supporting you on your journey towards a healthier, happier you With professional and compassionate care, the Vitara team offers a myriad of therapies that support the body’s natural systems to help you look and feel your best. •Medical Weight Loss •Bioidentical Hormone Replacement •Vitara RCX™ Regenerative Cell Therapy • Nutritional IV Therapy • Non-invasive Body Sculpting • Peptide Therapy (760) 208.4011 73345 Highway 111 Ste. 203B Palm Desert VitaraWellness.com JEFF SMITH, D.O. Medical Director ANDY LOVATO, P.A. TAYLAR EVJE, R.N.
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