10 reasons why we love Vitamin C for skin (and you should too!)

Ahhh…Vitamin C….what’s not to love about it? There are many Vitamin C benefits, far too many to mention right here, but that’s no reason why we can’t spend the next few minutes (and paragraphs) talking you through some of the main benefits. If you happen to have already read ‘What’s the big deal about Vitamin C for skin?’ then you’ll know the answers to key questions, including ‘what is Vitamin C?’, ‘what does Vitamin C do?’ and ‘which foods are high in Vitamin C?’ You’ll hopefully also have found that the article provided you with a bit of an intro to the relationship between Vitamin C and the skin, which is where that article ends and this one begins… Over the next few paragraphs, we’re going to share some of the main Vitamin C benefits for skin with you, so let the positive Vitamin C vibes begin!

1. Most people can use it

Because Vitamin C is a naturally-occurring antioxidant, it has an excellent safety profile¹. This means that it’s ok for most people to use topically without experiencing any side effects.² However you should always check the ingredients list of products you use on your skin if you have any allergies or sensitive skin issues.

2. You can match it to your skin type

This is because it’s available in different concentrations, ranging from 5% strength to 30%. As an indicator, if you have dry or sensitive skin, then you may want to use a lower concentration. Meanwhile, oiler skin tends to be able to tolerant more higher concentrations.³ Top tip: Serums are the most effective way of getting vitamin C as they are more concentrated.

3. It can help minimise the appearance of UV damage

Vitamin C’s known to be able to reduce the appearance of UV damage caused by molecules called ‘free radicals.’ However, it’s important to note that it doesn’t work in the same way as sunscreen so it's important to always wear sunscreen. It doesn’t absorb UV light, its antioxidant properties help to protect against UV-induced damage caused by free radicals instead.⁴

4. Brown spots and pigmentation are no challenge

Vitamin C contains a property that inhibits your skin's melanin production, which is what causes skin discoloration, such as dark spots and hyperpigmentation. When applied consistently and continuously, Vitamin C has been known to: a) help prevent marks from forming and b) combatting existing brown spots.⁵

5. You can mix it with other vitamins for maximum impact

The effectiveness of Vitamin C is said to increase when combined with other antioxidants, such as vitamin E, providing double protection against free-radical damage.⁶ It helps speed up new cell regeneration.

6. It helps speed up new cell regeneration

Because topical Vitamin C’s acidic, it removes dead cells from the skin’s surface and makes way for new cells. This process essentially encourages the skins natural healing process by encouraging it to produce more collagen and elastin.⁷

7. You can easily incorporate it into your skincare regime

While most people get their Vitamin C skincare fix via serums, there are plenty of other Vitamin C products, e.g. cleansers, moisturisers, exfoliants and sunscreens out there that you can use instead. This is the ideal option if you don’t fancy adding another step to your existing regime.

8. It can help soothe sunburnt skin

Remember how we mentioned a bit further up how Vitamin C can help encourage cell regeneration? Well, this cell-boosting property has been known to work wonders in encouraging the skin to replace damaged skin with new skin cells.⁸

9. You can use it under your eyes

The skin that’s underneath our eyes is the most delicate⁹, which is why it’s important you gently apply products to this area, and not be too vigorous when applying them. As well as helping to combat brown spots and pigmentation, Vitamin C serums can reportedly also reduce the appearance of under-eye dark shadows.¹⁰

10. You’ll be spoilt for choice

Vitamin C skincare ranges these days are incredibly diverse in that there are multiple different types of products, not to mention ingredient combinations, to choose from. Start your Vitamin C skincare journey by checking out these Vitaskin Vitamin C products.

A few final words….

As with all skincare products, it’s important you apply Vitamin C properly (i.e. follow the instructions) to feel the full effects. Start slowly and make sure you do a patch test before applying it to your entire face. You can apply Vitamin C in the morning or at night however, it’s important to note that if you’re heading out, then you need to make sure it’s fully absorbed into your skin, as it can become less effective when exposed to light.¹¹ As for where it should fit with the rest of your skincare regime? Some people say Vitamin C serums should be applied to freshly-cleansed skin pre-moisturiser. However, moisturisers with antioxidant properties should be applied last.¹² General word on the street is (when using Vitamin C serums) cleanse, tone, apply vitamin C serum, and then moisturise.¹³ Now can you see why Vitamin C’s got such a cult following? For more on the Vitamin C benefits for skin, check out this article, ‘Get glowing skin with Vitamin C’ Shop Vitamin C Skin Care Last updated: 15 June 2020 Sources 1 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3673383/ 2 https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/vitamin-c-serum-benefits 3 https://www.self.com/story/vitamin-c-for-skin-tips 4 https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/health-disease/skin-health/vitamin-c 5 https://www.allure.com/story/vitamin-c-benefits-for-skin 6 https://www.allure.com/story/vitamin-c-benefits-for-skin 7 https://bit.ly/36kO0Ro 8 https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/vitamin-c-serum-benefits#photoaging 9 https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/eye-care 10 https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/eye-care#3 11 https://www.self.com/story/vitamin-c-for-skin-tips 12 https://www.self.com/story/vitamin-c-for-skin-tips 13 https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/vitamin-c-serum-benefits#how-to-use