Vitamin C is an antioxidant for the skin - provides hydration in your skincare, can brighten the skin, can reduce redness, promotes collagen production, protects against sun damage, and make you feel youthful
Topical vitamin C is a dermatologist-recommended component that has been shown in studies to help halt early skin aging, minimize UV damage, and improve the appearance of wrinkles, dark spots, and acne. Vitamin C is an antioxidant, which means it fights free radicals that come into contact with your skin from outside sources such as air pollution or from within the body as a result of regular activities such as metabolism. Free radicals can harm the skin, and applying topical vitamin C can help counteract them while also improving the skin's overall appearance.
What Is Vitamin C?
Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin that can be found in a variety of plants, including leafy green vegetables and citrus fruits. It is the most abundant antioxidant in human skin and has an important role in skin health and beauty. Because humans cannot synthesize vitamin C, we obtain it mostly from the frequent eating of fruits and vegetables. However, only a little amount of dietary vitamin C reaches the skin. Instead, topical treatment is the greatest way to increase the skin's vitamin C content. As a result, vitamin C can be found in a variety of skincare products, including serums and moisturizers.
What Is the Function of Vitamin C?
Vitamin C plays various important roles in the skin. It protects the skin from UV radiation and provides antioxidant protection against free radicals (though this protective effect is not enough to serve as a replacement for sunscreen). Furthermore, vitamin C aids in the production of various important chemicals and is linked to skin suppleness. That's only the beginning. We'll go over four significant benefits of vitamin C for skin, as well as some vitamin C products that can easily fit into your skincare routine.
Skin benefits of vitamin C
A few clinical investigations have shown that vitamin C can reduce wrinkles. According to one study, using a vitamin C formulation daily for at least three months reduced the appearance of fine and coarse wrinkles on the face and neck, as well as general skin texture and appearance. Vitamin C serum protects the skin from free radicals, improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and brightens and firms the skin.
When combined with a broad-spectrum sunscreen, vitamin C may also help protect the skin from damaging UV rays. Combining vitamin C with other topical compounds, such as ferulic acid and vitamin E, has been demonstrated in clinical studies to reduce redness and help protect the skin from long-term damage caused by damaging sun rays.
Furthermore, vitamin C helps lessen the appearance of dark spots by inhibiting pigment formation in our skin. In clinical trials, the majority of patients who used topical vitamin C saw improvement in their dark spots with little irritation or adverse effects, but further research is needed to establish vitamin C's brightening effects.
Additionally, topical vitamin C can aid with acne by reducing inflammation and controlling sebum (oil) production in the skin. When compared to a placebo, twice-daily administration of vitamin C reduced acne lesions in clinical trials. Other benefits to adding vitamin C into a skincare routine include anti-aging, lightening hyperpigmentation caused by acne or sun damage, and fighting inflammation. Check our blog 6 Anti-Aging Beauty Tips That Will Improve Your Skin Care to learn more about the newest trends in anti-aging skin care.
Where to find topical vitamin C and what to look for on the label
Serums and other skincare treatments include vitamin C. The intensity and effects of vitamin C on the skin can vary depending on the formulation. Consider buying vitamin C products from your dermatologist's office or a reputable online retailer that has a clinical formulation that contains an active form of vitamin C (for example, L-ascorbic acid), a strength of 10% to 20%, and a pH lower than 3.5, as this combination has been studied in clinical trials. Look for serums with a concentration of vitamin C between 10% and 20%.
Who shouldn't use Vitamin C products?
Children should avoid vitamin C because it has only been examined in adults. Before purchasing a vitamin C product, always read the ingredient list. Consider a patch test or consult your doctor before using if you have a sensitivity or a known allergy to any of the substances. Vitamin C is not recommended for those with extremely sensitive skin and can be problematic for those with oily skin. If you have acne-prone or oily skin, look for a formulation that also fights oils or contains acne-fighting chemicals like salicylic acid.
It is excellent for most skin types
Vitamin C has a high level of safety. dependable source Most people can utilize topical vitamin C for an extended period of time with no side effects. According to a 2017 review of data, vitamin C concentrations above 20% may cause slight skin irritation. As a result, its concentration in skin care products often ranges between 10% and 20%.
It reduces the appearance of under-eye circles
Vitamin C serums can help smooth out fine lines by plumping and hydrating the under-eye area. Although vitamin C is more effective at reducing overall redness, some people say it can help alleviate discoloration associated with under-eye circles. According to a small 2019 study on three treatments for dark circles, vitamin C mesotherapy resulted in a significant improvement in the pigmentation of under-eye circles. However, some participants also reported a burning feeling. Some other ways to help get rid of under-eye bags include using a cold compress and adding retinol to your skincare routine. The skin under your eyes is thin and sensitive, so it’s best to stick to products specifically designed for the under-eye area.
How to use topical Vitamin C
Ready to incorporate vitamin C into your daily skin routine? Your skincare routine should generally include:
- Cleanser
- Toner
- Vitamin C serum
- Moisturizer
- Sunscreen
Before you go all-in on vitamin C, test a patch of skin with a lower concentration to see how it reacts. Minor tingling is typical, but if you notice anything more strong, discontinue use and consult your dermatologist.
How Often Should You Take Vitamin C?
- Apply vitamin C topically 1-2 times per day—morning and night—for optimum benefits. For daytime use, follow vitamin C application with a broad-spectrum SPF moisturizer. Follow the instructions on your product's box, as they may differ from one product to the next. If your skin is sensitive to daily use, start with a low concentration a few times a week or every other day, then gradually increase use as tolerated.