Vitamin C is a vital component of any anti-aging regimen. Benefits are seen from primarily topical use, but ingestion of the vitamin C rich foods helps as well. Vitamin C fights free radicals that can age skin and is required for the synthesis of collagen. In case you didn't know, collagen is what keeps skin smooth, supple and wrinkle free.

As we age, collagen production decreases making products that can boost production essential for maintaining a youthful appearance. A growing body of scientific evidence shows that a good vitamin c cream or vitamin c serum can stop the clock on aging. In one study, researchers applied Vitamin C on one arm of study participants to see if it made any difference in the cellular structure of skin. When they compared arms, the arm that had the Vitamin C applied had higher levels of collagen and reduced wrinkling.

However, while Vitamin C is definitely a potent weapon in the fight against aging, it's important to know what to look for in vitamin C anti aging treatments. Read on to find out why most vitamin C creams aren't worth the bottle they are packaged in and how to find one that is.

Vitamin C, in its pure L-ascorbic Acid state, is an unstable vitamin that rapidly oxidizes (meaning it is essentially rendered ineffective) when exposed to air or light. Because it is so unstable, it can be difficult to sort out which products at the local drugstore will be effective and which are a waste of money.

When buying Vitamin C anti aging treatments, look for vitamin C solutions of at least 10% and for dark bottles that protect the cream from light (or keep bottles in a cupboard, away from sunlight). Also, check the ingredients to see what form of Vitamin C is used as some are more stable than others.

Look for Magnesuim Ascorbyl Phosphate as it is less likely to oxidize than the L-ascorbic Acid form of Vitamin C and does not irritate the skin as much, making it a good choice for sensitive skin types.

An alternative is Ascorbyl Palmitate, but while it is more stable than L-ascorbic acid, it is not as effective as L-ascorbic acid or Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate at increasing collagen production in the skin.

Unfortunately, both Magnesuim Ascorbyl Phosphate and Ascorbyl Palmitate are hard to find. Almost impossible in fact. Overwhelmingly, manufacturers choose to use the less stable, and therefore less effective, L-Ascorbic Acid. In two hours of reading ingredient labels online for this article, not one product could be found that used these two ingredients. Mostly because they are expensive.

There is one other option though and science says it may be the best one yet for Vitamin C anti aging products. Read on to find out what it is.

A new class of Vitamin C derivatives has been developed in recent years. Known as Tetrasubstituted Lipophilic Ascorbates or Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate this Vitamin C derivative is not only stable, it is more effective than any other form of Vitamin C. In 2002 the Journal of Dermatology Surgery published a study testing the Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate form of Vitamin C. Patients experienced visible improvement while using the Vitamin C serum and lab biopsies showed increased levels of collagen.

Unfortunately, due to the fact this is new technology, many companies do not use Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate in their anti aging products.However, Benev does. Benev Vitamin C Serum uses this new class of Vitamin C and offers several concentrations. (At a minimum, vitamin C anti aging serums should be at least 10% in concentration to be effective. Higher concentrations can be used once consumers have experience with weaker Vitamin C formulations.)

Within 12 weeks of using Benev Vitamin C Serum, expect to see fine lines disappear along with discolored skin. Skin will also appear brighter and smoother. Note that a Vitamin C anti aging treatment must be used continually to prevent further wrinkling and sagging of the skin. For optimal results, Vitamin C should be combined with other known anti aging products (i.e. Vitamin D, Retin A, Glycolic Acid etc...) Prevention is just as important as treatment.

See the link below to purchase Benev. Or, if money is tight, it is possible to inexpensively make your own vitamin C serum.