Vitamin C is becoming a popular ingredient in skin care products; it is an antioxidant, neutralizing free radicals and stimulates collagen synthesis as well as preventing the breakdown of collagen. Collagen is what gives the skin “bulk” and keeps lines and wrinkles at bay. But is the Vitamin C in these products in a form that can actually provide the benefits promised?

Unfortunately, you can’t get more Vitamin C to your skin by eating more citrus or taking supplements. The body regulates the amount of C that is absorbed this way and since Vitamin C is water-soluble, any excess you ingest is excreted.

Vitamin C, is unstable and oxidizes quickly once exposed to the air and light. The product should contain stabilizers to keep the Vitamin C from oxidizing. If the product began as white in color but has yellowed, the Vitamin C has oxidized.

One source of Vitamin C that I have tried is Adrienne Arpel’s C-Source Vitamin C capsules. The product comes in individual capsules that protect the stability of the Vitamin C while providing the correct amount for each day’s application. After applying you will be amazed at how smooth and silky your skin feels. Adrienne Arpel is a cosmetics industry icon who still manages to look glamorous and makes quality products.

You can get a 30-day supply of capsules at MSN Shopping for $32.50. Over at the Home Shopping Network website, 36 capsules are selling for $29.50 with free shipping and handling but only on an auto-ship basis, where the product is automatically shipped to you on a regular basis. The best deal I found was at Drugs Depot where 30 capsules are going for $24.99.