What is Cipla's VC15?

VC15 is the first vitamin C serum in India. It contains L-ascorbic acid at a concentration of 15%. It is a stable formulation. VC15 promises to be non-irritating and non-comedogenic. It is available in a bottle of 15 ml along with a dropper.

What is Vitamin C and Why does one need an External Supply of Vitamin C?

Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin and L-ascorbic acid is the active form of vitamin C. It is an important component of the skin. Exposure to sunlight and environmental pollution decreases vitamin C from the centre layers of the skin. Hence, the skin needs an external supply of vitamin C, which can now be provided with VC15.

Why Should one apply VC15 Locally Rather than taking Vitamin C Tablets?

Oral vitamin C is prescribed for various skin ailments. Since the absorption of vitamin C from the intestine is limited, oral supplementation with vitamin C does little to increase its skin concentration. Therefore, application of vitamin C locally is the preferred method to increase its presence in the skin.

Why is VC15 Available as a Serum Formulation?

Serums are water based and clear, hence, most skin types can use them. A serum is able to penetrate into the deeper layers of the skin because it is made up of smaller molecules. So, to achieve the maximum benefits, VC15 is available as a serum formulation.

Who will Benefit from VC15?

Patients with signs of photodamaged/ aging skin (dryness, dull complexion, rough texture, fine lines, wrinkles, age spots), melasma/ hyperpigmentation, and acne (prevention of acne scars) can benefit from VC15.

How does VC15 Help the Skin?

The following properties of topical vitamin C support its different uses:

How soon does a User see Results with VC15 in Photodamaged Skin?

According to a trial conducted with VC15 in Indian patients with photodamaged skin, where it was used for 12 weeks, improvement was evident in skin hydration, texture and pigmentation by 8 weeks of therapy.

A 56-year-old female with brown spots and dryness before (a) and after 12 weeks of therapy (b) with VC15

How soon does a User see Results with VC15 in Melasma?

According to a trial conducted with VC15 in Indian patients with melasma where it was used for 16 weeks, improvement was by 8 weeks of therapy.

A 39-year-old female with melasma before (a) and after 16 weeks of therapy (b) with VC15

How much and for How Long VC15 Should be Used?

One should use 7 to 10 drops of VC15 once daily, regularly. Duration of VC15 use depends on the severity of the skin problem. Hence one should use VC15 as per the dermatologist's advice.

What are the Side Effects Associated with Topical Vitamin C?

The side effects reported with use of topical vitamin C are mild and typically resolve in the first 2 months of therapy. These minor side effects included stinging, erythema, and dry skin.

Glossary

Non-comedogenic: Comedones are the first stage of pimples. Certain products on application may cause comedones. Non-comedogenic products do not cause comedones.

Photodamaged skin: Damage to the skin due to long-term sun exposure.

Hyperpigmentation: Dark patches on the skin

Melasma:Disorder of hyperpigmentation

Photoprotection: Protection from sunlight

Collagen: Protein present in the skin, which provides support to the skin

Antioxidant: Oxidants are substances that are generated due to sun exposure, pollution, smoking, etc., and which damage the normal tissue of the skin. Antioxidants are substances that neutralize the action of the oxidants.

Depigmentation: Lightening of the dark patches

Anti-inflammatory: Inflammation is a response of the skin to any kind of injury which presents as redness, swelling, pain and itching. Anti-inflammatory substances reduce the signs of inflammation.