One of the most ubiquitous skincare ingredients, vitamin C – also known as ascorbic acid – is infamous in the beauty world for a reason – it actually works. From uneven skin tone, dull complexion, and dark spots, to fine lines and acne scars, this antioxidant is used to address a multitude of skin concerns. But how exactly does this nutrient work on the skin? And can you just drink a glass or two of orange juice for the same results?
You’ll also enjoy:
Stay A Scent Ahead with These Indie Fragrances
Luxury Toothpastes Worth Smiling About
Get Younger, Brighter, More Radiant Skin with These Facial Serums for Men
Here’s everything you need to know about using vitamin C for skin, plus the best products on the market.
What is vitamin C?
Vitamin C is a powerful nutrient required for the growth and repair of cell tissue. However, this nutrient cannot be produced by the body, meaning it must be consumed orally (it’s found in citrus fruits, berries, broccoli, and kiwis) or applied topically. A potent antioxidant, ascorbic acid has the ability to neutralise free radicals and aid in the skin’s natural repair and regeneration process.
In the same way that consuming antioxidant-rich foods aids in combating free radicals, using topical antioxidants helps your skin fight the effects of daily environmental stressors which contribute to the creation of free radicals, like air pollution and exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays. Topical ascorbic acid application helps keep the skin healthy by preventing signs of premature ageing and protecting the skin from precancerous cells caused by UV exposure.
Ascorbic acid is a highly reactive (read: not stable) nutrient, which breaks down and loses its antioxidant properties when exposed to heat, light, or air. To get the most out of your ascorbic acid products, choose options that come in air-tight, dark or opaque packaging, and store them in a cool, dark environment to prevent oxidisation.
The benefits of vitamin C for skin
This essential nutrient is beneficial to the skin as it:
- Promotes collagen production: collagen provides our skin with support and structure. After age 25, collagen production gradually declines, leading to fine lines and wrinkles. This antioxidant regulates collagen synthesis and is an essential cofactor in collagen production.
- Fades dark spots: can help lighten discolouration, brown spots, and hyperpigmentation by blocking the skin’s melanin production (without altering your skin’s normal pigment).
- Protected against external stressors: as an antioxidant, ascorbic acid works to protect the skin from environmental stressors like pollution and UV rays which create free radicals in the skin. Free radicals contribute to dull skin and wrinkles; by neutralising these, it keeps the skin healthy and improves of ageing.
The 7 best vitamin C products
1. Ole Henriksen Banana Bright Vitamin C Serum
A potent combination of 15% vitamin C, 5% PHAs, and hyaluronic acid, Ole Henriksen’s serum works to brighten, exfoliate, and hydrate the skin. This serum also contains banana powder-inspired pigments for instant colour correction and the antioxidant vitamin E which nourishes and moisturises the skin while also improving the stability of the formula’s ascorbic acid.
2. Drunk Elephant C-Firma Day Serum
Combining 15% vitamin C with fruit enzymes, this day serum is a powerful tool to brighten your complexion and protect against external stressors. Pumpkin ferment and pomegranate extract work synergistically to dissolve dead skin cells and minimise the appearance of pores, while Indian gooseberry slows down visible signs of ageing and promotes skin firmness and elasticity.
3. Dr. Dennis Gross C+ Collagen Brighten + Firm Vitamin C Serum
Stabilised vitamin C and collagen amino acids work cohesively to target dullness, hyperpigmentation, uneven skin tone and texture, and loss of firmness. This gel-serum also contains lactic acid for gentle exfoliation and prevents further skin degeneration with free radical protection.
4. Sunday Riley C.E.O. Glow Vitamin C + Turmeric Oil
Ascorbic acid and turmeric oil work together to brighten skin and provide a strong protective antioxidant effect. Golden turmeric oil boosts the skin’s radiance and evens out tone, while evening primrose calms and soothes the skin.
5. Lumene Nordic C [Valo] Glow Boost Essence
Formulated with arctic spring water, hyaluronic acid, antioxidant-rich wild arctic cloudberry, and vitamin c, this serum brightens dull skin and leaves it feeling smoother, plumper, and more hydrated. The antioxidant properties of cloudberry and vitamin C work together to protect against free radical damage.
6. SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic
C E Ferulic combines 15% L-ascorbic acid with vitamin E and ferulic acid to provide environmental protection and enhance the ascorbic acid’s anti-ageing benefits. This serum is lauded for its fine line and wrinkle-fighting properties and is loved by beauty editors and dermatologists alike.
7. Fresh Vitamin Nectar Glow Moisturiser
A multivitamin moisturiser, Fresh Vitamin Nectar Glow Moisturiser combines vitamins E, C, and B5 with lemon and orange extracts, and minerals to combat dullness and even out skin tone and texture. A lightweight, fast-absorbing formula, this moisturiser is perfect to pair with a potent ascorbic acid serum.
FAQ
While ingesting antioxidant rich foods or supplements is great for your immune system, it doesn’t benefit your skin in the same way as topical application.
Ascorbic acid helps the skin by neutralising free radicals, stimulating collagen production, brightening the skin, and fading dark pigmentation.
The best products to use are Drunk Elephant C-Firma Day Serum and SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic.
Words by AR Staff
