Introduction
With a long list of products available such as serums, cleansers, and even DIY recipes, incorporating vitamin C into your skincare regimen has never before been so easy.
The internet is full of an overwhelming amount of information, but don’t let it all confuse or dissuade you. In this article, we’ll set the record straight and showcase all the vitamin C benefits.
Understanding Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a vital vitamin. However, our body can’t produce it. It has multiple roles and has been associated with an impressive list of health benefits.
Vitamin C is water-soluble and is commonly found in many vegetables and fruits, including strawberries, bell peppers, kale, oranges, spinach, and broccoli. The recommended amount of this vitamin for daily intake is 90 mg for men and 75 mg for women.
While the best source of this vitamin is in the form of whole foods, many individuals turn to supplements to meet their needs and take advantage of many vitamin C benefits.
Vitamin C, when discussed on a chemical level, is referred to as L-ascorbic acid. This chemical acts as an antioxidant, helping to neutralize free radicals that cause damage to all of our cells, not just skin cells. Free radicals are also shown to cause diabetes, cancer, eye diseases, and other chronic conditions.
Topical application of vitamin C for the skin is an all-time dermatologist-favorite ingredient known to help prevent signs of aging, protect the skin from sun damage, and reduce wrinkles, acne[1], and age spots.
8 Benefits of Vitamin C for The Skin
Take a look at the top 8 vitamin C benefits when it comes to skincare.
1. Increases the production of collagen
Collagen is one of the most abundant forms of protein found within the human body and is responsible for providing individuals with dewy and plump skin. It also helps prevent the appearance of stretch marks and supports skin elasticity. By the time people reach their mid to late twenties, the collagen amount within the body begins to decrease. Meaning that by the time people reach the age of 75, they could have five times less collagen.
Studies[2] have demonstrated that topical application of vitamin C for the skin enhances collagen production in young and aged skin. This is due to the increase in fibroblast activity within the cells.
2. Diminishes skin discoloration and eye bags
Research shows that vitamin C for the skin can help achieve even skin tone and reduce dark circles under the eyes. This could be a solution for busy individuals or those who dislike wearing make-up daily. And truthfully, who doesn’t want healthier, more youthful, healthy and glowing skin?
Achieving a more even skin tone is a simple life hack that also helps to reduce signs of aging and brighten the complexion.
3. Protects the skin from sun damage
As discussed above, vitamin C for the skin is a powerful antioxidant. The topical application of serums or creams could safeguard the skin from UVA and UVB[3] radiation. This vitamin helps to offset free radicals in the body and limits the generation of new free radicals due to sun exposure. This leads to enhanced strength and skin elasticity.
Still, vitamin C should not be used as a sunscreen alternative. But when used in combination, it can deliver fantastic results and work wonders for the skin.
4. Reduces inflammation and puffiness
When applied in high concentrations, such as a high-quality serum, vitamin C for the skin can act as an anti-inflammatory agent. This may help individuals who wake up with added puffiness around the cheeks, eyes, and jawline in the morning.
5. Vitamin C is hydrating
Inadequate hydration can lead to patchy and dry skin that irritates. Vitamin C for the skin delivers a natural source of moisture to the skin, leaving it hydrated. Vitamin C helps lock in water molecules, making the skin is more radiant and plump. It also helps to reduce excess oil.
Keeping the skin hydrated is important and even more vital during the hotter summer months.
6. Helps with aging
Collagen prevents the appearance of signs of aging, controlling creases and lines. As people age, their skin produces less collagen that leads to sagging and fine lines. Vitamin C benefits the prevention of these consequences by retaining firmness and elasticity while promoting collagen production.
7. Restores damaged skin
Our skin is bombarded daily with pollutants, toxins, changes in weather, etc. All of which affect our skin quality in many ways. Despite having a good skincare routine, sometimes an added layer of attention and care is needed. This is where essential vitamin C uses are emphasized. It helps damaged skin, renewing texture, restoring dead skin cells[4], and providing a fresh boost.
Vitamin C benefits the production of collagen that aids in the natural healing processes of the skin.
8. Vitamin C acts as a defense mechanism
The anti-aging vitamin C benefits aside, the primary role of Vitamin C is to protect the body from environmental stressors.
Vitamin C for the skin is high in antioxidants that play a huge role in neutralizing the negative effects of free radicals and oxidative stress. According to recent research[5], vitamin C provides protection from oxidative stress, acting as the skin’s defense system and helping to lessen the impact of environmental stressors that lead to early aging.
What Are Natural Sources Of Vitamin C?
Vitamin C is water-soluble, which means it can be easily absorbed through the body’s water content. The body doesn’t retain or store vitamin C, so it should be replenished daily. Surplus amounts are flushed out through the kidneys, so there isn’t much point in consuming more than the recommended amount.
Various foods can help boost vitamin C levels in the body. One of the most popular options is to consume the expert-advised 9 servings per day of fruits and vegetables. This will provide the necessary vitamin C requirement while also delivering countless other minerals and vitamins. To guarantee a healthy vitamin C diet, ensure to eat foods, such as collard greens, citrus fruits, bell peppers, broccoli, tomatoes, and spinach.
Although many different opinions surround the ideal amount of vitamin C required daily, most medical professionals suggest taking 500 milligrams per day[6]. This amount is usually present in multivitamins and supplements. Nevertheless, it’s crucial not to consume over 2,000 milligrams per day as too much vitamin C can lead to stomach and bowel irritation.
Ways To Add Vitamin C Into Your Daily Routine
Learning how to use vitamin c for the skin isn’t as complicated as you think. There are a few things that you can keep in mind when deciding which products to purchase and when to use them in your skincare routine.
- Only use vitamin C products in the morning – There’s no law against the use of vitamin C products during your evening skincare routine, but you will most likely get the most benefit from applying them in the morning.
- When to use vitamin C during your skincare routine? – Another quick tip is to make sure you apply vitamin C based-products on freshly cleansed skin but pre-moisturizer application.
- Choose the right concentration – Different products will contain an array of vitamin C concentrations. People with sensitive or dry skin should pick a lower concentration, around the 5% mark. This will be less likely to irritate.
- Don’t use vitamin C with benzoyl peroxide – Vitamin C is well tolerated and considered safe. However, the one ingredient you shouldn’t mix vitamin C with is benzoyl peroxide. Doing so will oxidize vitamin C, make it less potent, and lead to irritation.
- There are plenty of choices – One of the best ways to reap vitamin C uses from your skincare routine is by selecting serums. Serums are lightweight and absorb easily into the layers of the skin. But this doesn’t have to always be the case. There are many alternatives, such as moisturizers, sunscreens, cleansers, and exfoliants.
When To Avoid Vitamin C
There is no stopping vitamin C. It’s a go-to ingredient for all. Whether you want to include an anti-aging treatment in your skincare or simply want to make your skin look a little plumper – vitamin C can help!
There are different products available on the market, but generally speaking, never combine products that contain vitamin C with benzoyl peroxide and retinol to avoid skin irritation.
FAQs
Yes. It contains anti-inflammatory properties which can help lessen swelling, redness, irritation, and acne.
It's not recommended to use Vitamin C and retinol together. This could cause sensitivity and irritation.
Using vitamin C can help prevent signs of aging, enhance collagen production, repair, renew, and heal irritation and skin tone. Moreover, it provides skin hydration. Vitamin C benefits are endless and will lead to an improved complexion.
The most biologically active type of vitamin C and the best form for application in skincare is L-ascorbic acid.
Conclusion
Vitamin C should be an essential part of any skincare routine, both for its collagen-promoting action and antioxidant activity. Vitamin C benefits for the skin are endless, from anti-aging effects to sun damage protection.
The topical application of vitamin C is an effective route to supplement your skincare routine. It is an all-star ingredient that’s worth trying! You won’t regret it.