What Can Vitamin C do for Your Skin?

Vitamin C is one of the most searched beauty ingredients today and there are good reasons for that. Vitamin C is one of the vitamins that your body can’t produce naturally. You can consume vitamin c via citrus fruits, like oranges but using it for your skin is a different proposition.

So, just what can vitamin c do for your skin?

Vitamin C applied to the skin helps to promote collagen production, which in turn helps to diminish fine lines help firm skin tone. On top of that, vitamin C is an antioxidant, meaning it protects skin cells from damaging free radicals caused by UV exposure. Vitamin C can also help to repair damage from sun exposure because it can brighten and lighten skin tone. 

Thinking about adding it to your beauty regime?

It’s best to apply it in the morning, after cleansing skin and before applying moisturizer or sunscreen. Serums are preferred vs creams because they absorb deeper into the skin. All beauty products take time to start working but products with natural ingredients tend to take a little longer. Even when applying it daily you are likely not too see results for 6-8 weeks. Tip: Many of the serums are very highly concentrated so if you have sensitive skin, do a skin test first, as the high acidity can be irritating.

What should you buy?

I like this list from Harpers Bazar as they highlight drugstore options like L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Derm and specific results by skin focus like brightening, firming or anti-aging benefits.

Tip: Once you get your Vitamin C it is important to keep it sealed and in a cool place because it can break down and oxidize. Check the freshness dates and when in doubt sniff the formulation. If it smells sour or has an off color then it is likely old and shouldn’t be used.

Try Vitamin C use can be maximized with with other Natural Ingredients

Vitamin C on skin can be optimized by combining it with other antioxidant ingredients. My favorite is vitamin E and C together absorb quickly and are stars when it comes to anti-aging, skin brightening and protection from free radical damage. There are other options for mixing vitamin C with other powerful beauty items here in a health line report. Tip: Don’t mix vitamin C with retinol products because the PH levels are not compatible and can lead to sensitivity or irritation.

In summary, Vitamin C can help to brighten and add a youthful appearance to your skin. Be sure to consider your beauty regime and the ability and sequencing of adding it in. 

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Dr. Vanessa Rodriguez is a board-certified general practitioner with more than 15 years of patient care experience. She takes an integrative approach to patient care that considers the whole person – mind, body, and spirit – and is deeply committed to assisting her patients in achieving and sustaining optimal health. Dr. Vanessa is also a skilled writer and medical reviewer, specializing in preventive care and health promotion. Her articles are written in an approachable manner that is simple to comprehend and implement in one’s own life. Dr. Vanessa’s mission is to equip her patients and readers with the knowledge and resources necessary to live their greatest lives.

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