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Vitamin C Topical Cream
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate Topical Cream: A Source of a Fat-soluble Form of Vitamin C L-Ascorbic acid, commonly known as Vitamin C, is a water-soluble organic acid that has many biological functions. Perhaps the most important role for vitamin C is the production of the connective tissue protein, collagen. Vitamin C is a cofactor in the hydroxylation of the amino acids proline and lysine, which give strength to collagen fibers. (The disease known as scurvy is the result of a vitamin C deficiency. In 1932, Albert Szent-Györgyi proved that vitamin C could prevent scurvy, subsequently winning the Nobel Prize for his efforts). Vitamin C is also required for the synthesis of other proteins, including the neurotransmitter dopamine, the hormone epinephrine (adrenaline), and carnitine, a compound involved in fatty acid metabolism. In addition to its normal physiological functions, vitamin C also has protective and therapeutic applications. The structure of vitamin C is such that it can readily react with free radicals to protect cells from oxidative damage. This antioxidant property helps protect cells from damage caused by environmental insults such as ultraviolet radiation and cigarette smoke, as well as from free radicals generated by such normal activities as the metabolism of certain foods. While the potential of vitamin C in cancer prevention and treatment has been recognized for some time, recent in vitro research indicates that vitamin C has selective toxicity to certain types of cancer cells. Vitamin C also has antiinflammatory effects, may help prevent and treat cardiovascular diseases (notably heart disease, stroke and hypertension), may slow the development of cataracts, and may have utility in the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases. However, the use of megadoses of vitamin C for treating the common cold, popularized by biochemist Linus Pauling in the late 1960s and early 1970s, remains controversial to this day. There are two very important facts about vitamin C that must be emphasized: First, although most animals can synthesize vitamin C in their bodies, human beings are unable to produce their own vitamin C and thus must consume this substance in foods, beverages or by nutritional supplementation. Secondly, because vitamin C is water-soluble, it is not stored in the body, and in fact is continuously excreted. Thus, vitamin C must be consumed on a regular basis to maintain adequate levels in the body. As collagen is by far the most abundant protein in the skin, vitamin C plays a particularly critical role in maintaining skin health. Vitamin C’s essential function in collagen production results in proper skin growth and maintenance. Appropriate levels of vitamin C contribute to the repair of UV radiation-induced skin damage, prevention of oxidative damage caused by free radicals, proper wound healing, and the alleviation of inflammatory skin diseases such as psoriasis. Vitamin C also helps to prevent premature aging and wrinkling of the skin, as proper collagen production results in skin that is firm yet smooth and flexible. One approach to overcoming the limitations inherent in maintaining adequate levels of vitamin C in the skin is the topical application of a fat-soluble form of vitamin C that can readily enter and remain in the cell membrane (water-repelling fats known as phospholipids are major cell membrane components). This can be achieved by chemically combining vitamin C with palmitic acid, a saturated fatty acid, resulting in what is known as a vitamin C ester. One such fat-soluble form of vitamin C is ascorbyl palmitate. Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, the fat-soluble Vitamin C selected for this topical cream product, is chemically related to ascorbyl palmitate, but it contains four times the amount of hydrophobic palmitic acid moieties, enhancing its ability to enter the cell membranes. The biological properties of Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, such as its antioxidant effects and its ability to stimulate the production of collagen, are comparable to that of regular (water-soluble) vitamin C. Because esterase enzymes in the digestive system readily degrade the fat-soluble forms of vitamin C, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate is no more effective (and certainly is more expensive) than regular vitamin C as an oral preparation. However, for topical application, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate’s fat solubility makes it more readily capable of getting into cell membranes and maintaining its stability within the cells. (Important note: There is an oral nutritional supplement on the market known as “Ester-C®”. Despite its name, however, Ester-C® is a water-soluble product and should not be confused with such true fat-soluble vitamin C ester preparations as Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate topical cream.) With respect to the specific dermatological benefits of topical Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate , California dermatologists R. E. Fitzpatrick and E. F. Rostan reported on a 2002 clinical trial of a Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate-containing preparation being tested for its ability to halt or reverse skin photodamage. Briefly, study participants applied the ascorbate-containing preparation to one side of their face and a placebo preparation to the opposite side (the study was blinded so the patients did not know which preparation was used on a given side of their faces). Clinical parameters such as skin wrinkling, skin pigmentation, skin hydration and skin inflammation were determined prior to testing and then monthly for 3 months. There were visible and statistically significant improvements, particularly decreased photoaging, on the facial sides treated with the Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate formulation. Furthermore, biopsies taken at the end of the study showed evidence of the synthesis of new collagen. In separate proprietary studies, damage to skin cells caused by both long-wave (UVA) and medium-wave (UVB) radiation was inhibited by Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate. (UVA and UVB are responsible for premature aging, DNA damage and skin cancer). Also, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate application may help establish an even skin tone and reduce visible dark spots and local skin discoloration. The antioxidant properties of Vitamin C may play a role in the treatment of autism. Autistic patients may have decreased protection from and/or increased sensitivity to damage caused by chemical free radicals or UV radiation (referred to in the literature as oxidative stress). Dr. Woody R. McGinness believes that the use of antioxidants in these patients may markedly improve autistic behavior. (A review of the role of oxidative stress in autism, and the use of antioxidants in its treatment authored by Dr. McGinness can be found in Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine, volume 10, pages 22-36, 2004). As Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate cream is applied to the skin rather than being given by mouth, it bypasses the common problem of getting autistic children to ingest this needed nutritional supplement. Thus, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate cream may be of particular value in providing the antioxidant (and perhaps other biological) benefits of vitamin C to autistic patients. Ingredients: Deionized Water, Medium Chain Triglycerides, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Sepigel 305, Lecithin, Alcohol, Glycerin, Sodium Hydroxymethyl-glycinate, Potassium Sorbate, Citric Acid. 2 ounces This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or disorder. The statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
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