What Does Vitamin C Do for Your Skin? (7 Benefits, Explained)
What is Vitamin C and How Does it Work for the Skin?
Also known as L-ascorbic acid, Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin found naturally in some foods. We need Vitamin C to:
- Form blood vessels, cartilage, muscle, and collagen
- Heal
- Absorb and store iron
- Brighten the skin and protect it from aging
As we cannot synthesize Vitamin C ourselves, we need to either eat it as part of our diet or as a supplement. Foods that contain it include citrus fruits, berries, tomatoes, cabbage, potatoes, peppers, broccoli, sprouts, and spinach.
So, is Vitamin C good for your skin? The answer is yes! As a vital antioxidant, Vitamin C also plays a crucial role in skin health by aiding in the skin’s natural regeneration process. It also helps to protect the skin from free radical damage caused by UV exposure and pollution. As well as eating it in your diet, you can apply it topically to the skin. The absorption of nutrient-based Vitamin C is limited and only small amounts can be absorbed. Therefore, Vitamin C for skin application specifically may be a much more effective technique.
Types of Vitamin C for the Skin
Vitamin C for the skin is found in many forms, which can be tricky to navigate if you are new to skincare. Here are some of the most common Vitamin C skincare products:
- L-Ascorbic Acid
L-Ascorbic Acid is the most potent and widely used form of Vitamin C in skincare. Although it is highly effective in repairing and rejuvenating the skin, it can be irritating at higher concentrations, typically above 10-15%. This type of Vitamin C may not be suited to those with sensitive skin, but it is often found in Vitamin C serums for combination skin.
- Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
This is a more gentle type of Vitamin C that is less likely to irritate the skin. This makes it suitable for those with sensitive skin. Despite being milder, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate still offers antioxidant protection and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate
Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate is another gentle form of Vitamin C, known for being hydrating. Although it is compatible with all skin types, it is particularly good if you have dry and sensitive skin, thanks to its moisture-boosting properties.
- Ascorbyl Palmitate
A fat-soluble form of Vitamin C, Ascorbyl Palmitate is often found in oil-based formulations, like Vitamin C oil for the face. It is a less potent option, meaning that it should not cause skin irritation, making it a good option for most skin types, including sensitive skin.
- Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
An oil-soluble form of Vitamin C, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate offers deep skin penetration. It has impressive antioxidant benefits, stimulates collagen production, and helps to brighten and even out the skin tone, warding off anti-aging effects. A non-irritating and stable product, this is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin.
- Ascorbic Glucoside
A stable and water-soluble form of Vitamin C, this is very gentle on the skin, making it another good option for those with sensitive skin.
There are many Vitamin C benefits for skin. Here are seven of the most common ones explained:
Benefit #1 Protects Against Sun Damage
One of the most popular Vitamin C skin benefits is its protection against the sun. Harsh ultraviolet light can cause severe skin damage without proper protection. But Vitamin C, with its high levels of antioxidants, can add an extra barrier against the sun’s harmful rays. Your skin cells store Vitamin C to help prevent damage from a variety of things, including UV rays, pollution, and smoking. But this doesn’t mean it can replace sunscreen!
Too much sun exposure can cause the skin to develop excess free radicals, which may damage cells and collagen. The antioxidants in Vitamin C can blunt the effects of free radicals, minimizing harm to your skin. While Vitamin C shouldn’t be used instead of SPF, it does offer some much-needed extra protection.
Benefit #2 Reduces Hyperpigmentation
Hyperpigmentation refers to the overproduction of melanin in certain areas of the skin. This can appear as anything from sunspots and acne scars to age spots and melasma. While not harmful, hyperpigmentation is a common skin concern.
Vitamin C inhibits melanin production, making it a popular solution for those looking to fade hyperpigmentation. Over time, this can diminish discoloration and even out your complexion overall. With regular use, Vitamin C can even prevent hyperpigmentation before it appears.
Benefit #3 Hydrates and Brightens
Hydration is key to getting the glass skin you’ve been striving for. Without it, your skin risks becoming dry and scaly. But moisturizer isn’t the only way to keep your complexion properly hydrated.
Vitamin C has been found to help the skin retain water, keeping it moisturized throughout the day. It may even strengthen your skin’s outermost layer for greater protection against water loss. The nutrient also works to smooth the skin and combat dullness. This can leave your complexion hydrated and glowing when used consistently.
Benefit #4 Boosts Collagen Production
Collagen is a protein that occurs naturally in the body as part of connective tissue, supporting everything from tendons to hair. Your body produces less collagen as you age, which can result in visible signs of aging. Vitamin C is an important part of collagen growth. Adding it to your skincare routine can speed up production, leave your skin plump, and prevent it from sagging. It can also help preserve existing collagen to keep your complexion firm and youthful.
Benefit #5 Smoothes Out Wrinkles
In addition to collagen, Vitamin C promotes the growth of elastin, another natural protein. High elastin production makes your skin more flexible, reducing the effect of factors like sun exposure and environmental pollutants.
By boosting your elastin levels, you can also prevent and smooth out wrinkles in your complexion. Higher elasticity means suppler skin that resists the development of fine lines. Applying Vitamin C for the face means smooth and glassy skin while also boosting your elastin levels to minimize the effects of aging.
Benefit #6 Fades Scars
Extra collagen production combined with anti-inflammatory properties makes Vitamin C extremely useful for repairing damaged tissue. Having a Vitamin C deficiency may actually make conditions like acne take longer to heal. Applying the nutrient regularly can help blemishes heal faster, making them less likely to scar.
Existing scars may also benefit from Vitamin C, thanks to the collagen boost that supports connective tissue. Over time, you might notice that scars left by acne or other injuries fade away for a clearer complexion.
Benefit #7 Evens Skin Tone
An uneven skin tone can be caused by a variety of factors, including rosacea and hormones. But no matter what the cause is, Vitamin C may be able to help.
Because Vitamin C is anti-inflammatory and full of antioxidants, it is naturally suited to reducing skin redness. It can also help repair damaged capillaries that cause blotchiness for a more even complexion. Applying Vitamin C after cleansing may, in time, give you the ultra-smooth skin tone you’ve been looking for.
When to Use Vitamin C in Your Skincare Routine
Vitamin C can do a lot for your skin. For the best results, it’s important to incorporate the nutrient properly into your skincare routine. Here are some tips to help you out.
Knowing when to apply Vitamin C is essential for achieving the desired effects. It’s best to apply the nutrient after cleansing but before dabbing on your moisturizer for the greatest success with each product.
If you’ve opted for a Vitamin C serum, the time of day is also an important factor. It’s usually best to apply the product at night, as the body naturally repairs itself during sleep. However, some formulas advise applying the serum in the morning for the best results. Vitamin C serum advantages include faster absorption, being lighter than moisturizers, and soothing and smoothing properties for the skin.
Who Should Avoid Vitamin C?
Vitamin C is generally safe for all skin types, but individuals with sensitive skin should be more careful when using Vitamin C products. Those with sensitive skin may benefit from starting with lower concentrations and performing a patch test before full application. If you notice any redness, stinging, itching, or irritation when using a product containing Vitamin C, stop using it immediately. If this does happen, don’t worry – as we explained earlier, there are other more mild forms of Vitamin C that you can try.
It’s important to avoid combining Vitamin C with other potentially irritating ingredients, such as acids and retinoids, to prevent adverse reactions. Prose offers custom skin serums tailored to individual skin needs, minimizing the risk of side effects and ensuring a better match for your unique skin type.
How to Enhance Vitamin C Skin Benefits
Combine It With a Healthy Diet
Supplements and foods rich in Vitamin C (like oranges, berries, and peppers) can spread the effects across your entire body. This may boost collagen in the lowest layers of your skin, keeping your complexion radiant from the inside out.
Vitamin C is a healthy addition to any diet and enhances overall wellness. However, research suggests the best way to experience the nutrient’s effects is by applying it topically to your skin.
Consistency is Key
As with all skincare products, regular use is the key to success. Applying Vitamin C serum daily will help you to maintain high levels of Vitamin C in the skin. You should start to see the long-term benefits of Vitamin C, including brighter skin, increased collagen production, and reduced pigmentation. It can take up to three months to start seeing results, but the longer you use it, the more likely you are to notice blemishes and scars healing, too.
You can apply Vitamin C morning or night – during your morning skincare routine, combined with a good SPF, or before bed to help hydrate your skin while you sleep. Just make sure to be consistent!
Combine with Other Antioxidants
In skincare, combining different products is another way to get results. Vitamin C works particularly well when paired with other antioxidants like Vitamin B3 (niacinamide), Vitamin E, Hyaluronic Acid, and Ferulic Acid. These combinations enhance the stability of the product, boost its effectiveness, and provide additional protection against free radicals. They can also help with the absorption of Vitamin C in the skin.
Ingredients that you should not mix with Vitamin C include Salicylic Acid and Retinol. These ingredients are best used separately, at different times of day.
Use the Right Concentration
The safest concentration of Vitamin C for the skin is between 10-20%. You may find that lower concentrations are not as effective, while higher concentrations can cause irritation and do not actually add any extra benefits. Prose customizes each and every formula, ensuring that it is always tailored to you and your unique skin needs.
Find a Formula Made Just for You
Ready to design a Vitamin C skincare routine and find other ingredients your skin (and hair) will love? Take the Prose skin consultation today to find a formula unique to you.
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