Vitamin C for the skin: what does it do?

Want fresh, radiant skin? Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that protects your skin, evens out your complexion and gives it a natural glow. Find out all about the benefits of vitamin C for your skin and how to add it to your daily routine in this blog.

What is vitamin C?

Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is a powerful antioxidant that is essential for both healthy skin and overall health. Since your body cannot produce vitamin C on its own, you need to obtain it through your diet or by using skincare products such as serums.

In skincare, vitamin C helps neutralize free radicals, protects and repairs the skin, and provides a fresh, radiant complexion.

What does vitamin C do for the skin? Benefits

Vitamin C has a potent effect on the skin and contributes to a healthy, glowing complexion. It protects and supports the skin in several ways, which are further explained below.

1. Powerful antioxidant against free radicals

Vitamin C is a strong antioxidant that protects the skin from free radicals caused by UV radiation, pollution, and other factors.

These free radicals lead to oxidative stress, which can cause skin aging, wrinkles, and even skin cancer. Vitamin C neutralizes these harmful particles, reduces cell damage, and slows down the aging process.

2. Stimulates collagen production: Anti-aging

Vitamin C stimulates collagen production, a protein that provides structure, firmness, and elasticity to the skin. As you age, collagen production decreases, leading to sagging skin and wrinkles.

Vitamin C supports the enzymes involved in collagen formation, making the skin firmer, smoother, and younger-looking. It also plays an important role in the skin’s healing process.

3. Anti-inflammatory: Reduces redness and irritation

Vitamin C has anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce redness and irritation on the skin, making it ideal for people with sensitive skin or conditions like rosacea.

By reducing inflammation, vitamin C helps calm the skin and diminishes the appearance of redness and blemishes.

4. Reduces pigmentation and darks spots

Vitamin C helps reduce hyperpigmentation, such as dark spots and age spots, by inhibiting melanin production, the skin’s pigment. This results in a more even and radiant complexion. Additionally, vitamin C can fade scars and discoloration, contributing to smoother, more even skin.

5. Strengthens the skin barrier

Vitamin C supports the skin’s barrier function by strengthening the lipid layer of the epidermis, which helps retain moisture and prevent dryness.

A well-hydrated skin not only looks healthier but also feels smoother and softer. Moreover, vitamin C promotes cell renewal, helping to remove dead skin cells and reveal a fresh, glowing complexion.

6. Protection against UV damage

Although vitamin C is not a replacement for sunscreen, it provides additional protection against the harmful effects of UV rays. Vitamin C helps protect the skin from UV-related damage by neutralizing the harmful free radicals generated by UV light.

Is vitamin C good for all skin types

Vitamin C is generally safe for most skin types, but the concentration and form of vitamin C can determine how your skin reacts. For sensitive skin, a serum with a low concentration of vitamin C is often the best choice.

If you have oily or combination skin, opt for a lighter formula like a serum. For dry skin, a combination of vitamin C and hyaluronic acid can work wonders.

Vitamin C deficiency: Symptoms

A deficiency in vitamin C can cause various symptoms that are visible on the skin, including:

• Dry, rough, and flaky skin
• Increased sensitivity
• Skin rashes
• Delayed wound healing
• Reduced elasticity
• Increased sensitivity to UV radiation

How fast does vitamin C work?

Many people wonder how quickly vitamin C works. The effects of a vitamin C serum can become visible within a few weeks, depending on the product concentration and your skin type. You will notice that your skin looks fresher and more even, with a natural glow. For long-lasting results, consistent use is essential.

How to incorporate vitamin C into your skincare routine

Vitamin C can easily be added to your daily skincare routine by using it in serums (such as The Day Formula and The Night Formula), moisturizers, or toners. However, it’s important to combine vitamin C use with sunscreen, as this ingredient can increase your skin’s sensitivity to the sun.

Vitamin C also works particularly well in combination with other antioxidants, such as vitamin E and ferulic acid, which can enhance its effectiveness and further protect the skin against harmful free radicals.

Note that vitamin C may be less effective when used with low-pH ingredients, such as niacinamide. Therefore, choose compatible products for optimal results.

Use: More isn't always better

When it comes to vitamin C, more isn’t always better. Overuse can lead to irritation, especially for sensitive skin. Start with a lower concentration and gradually build up. Listen to your skin and stop using it if you experience redness or rashes.

General tips for increasing vitamin C

• Eat Vitamin C-rich foods: Add more fruits and vegetables to your diet, such as oranges, kiwis, strawberries, papaya, broccoli, and bell peppers, to nourish your skin from the inside out.
• Protect your skin from the sun: Always use sunscreen with at least SPF 30 when using vitamin C products, as they can make your skin more sensitive to UV rays.
• Use herbs rich in Vitamin C: Add herbs like parsley, thyme, and cilantro to your meals for extra vitamin C and flavor.
• Quit smoking: Smoking depletes the levels of vitamin C in your body. By quitting, you retain more vitamin C from your diet.