The Benefits of Vitamin C in your Skincare

Vitamin C is considered an essential ingredient in skin health, with a multitude of skin benefits but particularly for its antioxidant qualities and collagen synthesis capability. Science-backed and loved by dermatologists, vitamin C has been shown to help slow early skin aging, prevent sun damage, and improve the appearance of wrinkles, dark spots, and acne. In addition, vitamin C can assist in combating harmful free radicals that affect your skin due to sources such as air pollution.

What are the skin benefits of vitamin C?

There are a number of clinical studies that have shown that vitamin C skincare has a wide range of benefits. 

1) Anti-Aging

When applied topically, the use of vitamin C in your skincare is great for anti-aging as it can improve wrinkles as well as overall skin texture and appearance. As we age, our skin produces less collagen leading to more wrinkles and loss of skin laxity, thus vitamin C's ability to stimulate collagen production also means it can help reduce fine lines while maintaining the collagen you currently do have. Furthermore, as free radicals can accelerate skin aging, vitamin C's antioxidant properties also target aging in that aspect.

2) Protects skin from free radicals

Our skin is in constant contact from external sources that can cause skin damage such as sun exposure, air pollution, poor diet, cigarette smoke and UV radiation. These elements can create free radicals which are unstable molecules that cause skin damage. However, the use of antioxidants in Vitamin C skincare can protect your skin from free radicals and and result in less cell damage.

3) Sun protection

While vitamin C skincare does not provide direct protection from radiation,  it is an important secondary line of defense against sun damage with studies showing that the antioxidant properties of vitamin C can boost the effectiveness of sunscreen protection.  The use of vitamin C can also help repair existing sun damage and protect from future damage when used in combination with a broad-spectrum sunscreen. Additionally, vitamin C has been clinically shown to diminish redness when used in combination with topical ingredients like ferulic and vitamin E making it a great skincare product for sunburns and sun spots. 

4) Reduces hyperpigmentation 

Known for its ability to combat hyperpigmentation, vitamin C skincare products are also commonly used to reduce the appearance of dark spots and age spots because vitamin C inhibits the production of melanin skin pigment which can lead to a brighter, more even skin complexion.

5) Reduces acne 

Vitamin C skincare is also great for acne-prone skin due to its anti-inflammatory properties, ability to control sebum oil production and accelerate wound healing.  It also aids in fading post-acne spots and stimulates collagen to improve skin texture and scars. 

What kind of topical vitamin C is best? 

There is a plethora of vitamin C skincare products, from serums to moisturizers, but the type of vitamin C can affect how beneficial the ingredient is to your skin. Ascorbic acid or L-ascorbic acid is a form of vitamin C that's specially formulated for your skin but it is sensitive to high heat, high pH and sunlight which can lead to a shorter shelf life, especially if stored incorrectly - which is why you should purchase the best vitamin C skincare products that are protected in dark or tinted glass bottles. 

Other types of vitamin C, including magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, sodium ascorbyl phosphate, tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate and tetraisopalmitoyl ascorbic acid, are often paired with ingredients such as vitamin E and ferulic acid which enhances the stability of the vitamin C skincare, aiding in shelf life and product absorption. The addition of these stabilizing ingredients can also make it more tolerable for those with more sensitive skin. 

When looking for the best vitamin C skincare products, you should also look for vitamin C that is not too weak or strong with an ideal concentration of 10-20%. Anything less than 10% may not provide the benefits you're looking for but a higher concentration than 20% may irritate your skin if you're new to vitamin C. 

How to use vitamin C? 

Apply a few drops of your vitamin C serum to your face and neck after the use of a gentle cleanser and before applying moisturizer and sunscreen. 

If you experience a mild tingling sensation with the use of vitamin C, you may want to begin applying it every other day. It may take a few months of consistent use to see a noticeable improvement but it is important to stop using vitamin C and consult a dermatologist if you experience substantial discomfort or irritation.

Discover our assortment of evidence based vitamin C skincare products curated by our dermatologists here. 

Sources: 
https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/why-is-topical-vitamin-c-important-for-skin-health-202111102635
https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/health-disease/skin-health/vitamin-C
https://www.houstonmethodist.org/blog/articles/2024/aug/vitamin-c-serums-are-they-worth-the-hype/
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/vitamin-c-serum