Volumes have been written on Vitamin C over the last thirty years. It is well known that Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant, indispensable for the formation of healthy collagen, with strong anti-aging benefits. Vitamin C is a superstar when it comes to healing inflammation, i.e. stressed skin, sunburns, wounds, and blemishes. Vitamin C helps protect against illness because it strengthens the body's white cells, your front line of defense against invading bacteria and viruses. Vitamin C helps keep your blood vessels strong and less likely to leak, attributes important if you suffer from broken capillaries in facial skin or along the legs.

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid), Vitamin C ester (ascorbyl palmitate), and now superstar Vitamin C derivative aminopropyl ascorbyl phosphate (AAP) have worked miracles in healing inflammation, diminishing wrinkles, reducing hyperpigmentation, and increasing collagen production. These molecules defend against free radicals in the skin created by sunlight, ozone, and harsh chemicals. (Free radicals are rogue molecules that destroy cell membranes or otherwise alter cell structure.) Vitamin C saves your skin because it is essential for the production of collagen, the strong protein that essentially holds all of our tissue in place. Its wound healing properties make it so very effective for those suffering from acne, eczema, and psoriasis.

Skin conditions that have responded to Vitamin C preparations include fine lines and wrinkles (especially on sun damaged skin), sagging skin that has lost firmness as a result of decreased collagen production, acne, and sunburned, irritated, or inflamed skin.

Interestingly, humans alone are unable to synthesize Vitamin C and must depend on external sources for sufficient amounts. Health problems result when we do not add lots of Vitamin C to our diet. Topical skin preparations that contain Vitamin C are important for delivering this crucial nutrient directly and quickly to areas in need of its healing power.

Foods high in Vitamin C include citrus fruits, orange juice, red and green peppers, dark green leafy vegetables, parsley, rose hips, and turmeric. Most brightly colored fruits and vegetables are solid sources of this vitamin.

Abbey products that contain Vitamin C include: VITAMIN C TONIC HERBAL RINSE, VITAMIN C COMPLEX CREME, EYE NOURISHMENT CREME, THE YELLOW CREME, FACE FIRMING CONCENTRATE, HEALING HANDS, AND LIGHTEN UP.

How can one freckle turn into several overnight, and why do age spots suddenly appear after years of spot-free skin?

The answer is melanin, the black or brown pigment found in skin, hair, and eyes. The skin's general condition is determined primarily by heredity, but hormonal changes (including pregnancy) also affect melanin levels, which is why most people see changes in their skin pigmentation as they age.

Those uncontrollable factors aside, exposure to ultraviolet rays in sunlight is the prime contributor to irregular skin tones. Sunlight causes the skin's pigment cells, melanocytes, to multiply, giving the skin protective pigment that acts as a natural filter to keep harmful ultraviolet radiation from penetrating further into the skin. Deep skin tones, including a tan, are the skin's physiological defense against damaging UVA and UVB radiation in sunlight. Sunlight is not selective and causes melanocytes to go into overdrive producing spots and areas of discoloration. Note that deep skin tones are not immune to sunburn and UV related hyperpigmentation. While steps may be taken to reduce or eliminate the spots, re-exposure to sunlight will cause them to return. Vigilance and a multi-pronged approach are needed for spot free skin.

As certain as the warnings are about too much sun, nature beckons and sunburn happens.

WHAT TO DO:

COOL IT WITH A CIDER BATH. Sunburned skin needs to cool off to prevent heat retention by the skin which will continue to damage tissue. Begin with a COOL BATH OR SHOWER to help dissipate the heat trapped within the lower layers of the skin. COOL. Icy cold is too severe. Add one cup of APPLE CIDER VINEGAR to the water. If showering, mix the vinegar with water, soak a wash cloth in the solution, and lightly smooth over the skin.

NATURE'S REMEDY: ALOE GEL. There is no better remedy than PURE ALOE GEL for sunburn: 99-100% pure, not the common 45-50% dilution. DO NOT use a heavy lotion or cream as it traps the heat in the skin and causes it to continue to fry, promoting swelling, redness, and pain. Aloe prevents trapping the heat. A new burn soaks up aloe gel amazingly fast so keep applying it until the skin can't absorb any more. Apply three to five times a day until the burn is healed.

LAVENDER ESSENTIAL OIL. Lavender essential oil is a superb healer for burned skin. It is one of the few essential oils that can be safely applied directly to the skin without dilution. Add a few drops of lavender EO to the aloe gel to soothe pain and speed healing.

EAT TOMATOES. Volunteers who ate a daily dish of tomato paste for ten weeks showed 40% less sunburn than those who did not.