Vitamin C, which also goes by ascorbic acid and L-ascorbic acid, is a vitamin that isn’t actually produced by the body. Instead, the only way to get it is through supplements or your diet. Citrus fruits like oranges are famously rich in vitamin C. And it has vital functions throughout the body.
Vitamin C is an essential nutrient in tissue repair and the enzymatic production of various transmitters.
Here’s everything you need to know about the benefits of vitamin C for skin, including how to choose the best formula, when to apply it, and exactly what this all-star vitamin can do for your skin. Get ready to glow.
While you can certainly eat your way to a healthy vitamin C intake, your skin in particular reaps the biggest benefits when it’s applied topically versus ingested via an oral supplement or your diet, no many how much grapefruit you eat.
Topically, it’s 20 times more potent than the oral intake.
In short: everything.
vitamin C promotes collagen production, which has the potential to thicken the dermis, diminish fine lines, and is essential for firm, youthful skin. On top of that, vitamin C is an antioxidant, meaning it protects skin cells from damaging free radicals caused by UV exposure.
It also inhibits melanin production in the skin, which helps to lighten hyperpigmentation and brown spots, even out skin tone, and enhance skin radiance.
Vitamin C helps to repair damage from sun exposure and collagen loss by encouraging healthy cell turnover and regeneration.
You can maximize the benefits of vitamin C by combining it with other antioxidants. This works best with vitamin E and ferulic acid.
It is known to treat a huge variety of inflammatory skin conditions. Minimizing redness can create a more even complexion.
Collagen production is tied to skin elasticity and firmness. When your collagen levels begin to drop, your skin may begin to sag.
Applying a vitamin C serum may boost collagen production, resulting in an overall tightening effect.
Vitamin C serum is typically applied once or twice per day. A good rule of thumb is to cleanse, tone, apply vitamin C serum, and then moisturize.
It can be safely used in conjunction with other active ingredients, although use alongside niacinamide may render vitamin C less effective..
Vitamin C can help heal blemishes, reduce hyperpigmentation, and give your skin an out-of-this-world glow.
Consistency is key for maximum effect, so add it to your routine in a way that makes sense for you. Some people apply it in the morning to take advantage of its UV-protectant properties, while others find that it works best as a night serum.
