Benefits of Vitamin C for Skin You Shouldn’t Miss

What Is Vitamin C?

Vitamin C is also known as ascorbic acid. It is a naturally occurring nutrient that plays many roles in the human body. For instance, many believe that vitamin C is essential for proper immune function. But vitamin C has benefits beyond immunity support.

One of the most important general roles of vitamin C is as an antioxidant. An antioxidant helps defend the organs against free radical cell damage which can cause many issues and health complications.

Free radicals can even damage the skin and cause premature signs of skin aging. Vitamin C is found naturally in some foods such as oranges, strawberries, peppers, broccoli, brussels sprouts, potatoes, blackcurrants, and more.

Vitamin C is generally regarded as safe for consumption and supplementation but taking too much may cause some minor side effects which we will discuss in more detail in a later section.

The Science Behind Vitamin C for Skin

So what does vitamin C do for your skin and what does the science have to say about it? In general, there have been studies that suggest that vitamin C can protect the skin from sun damage.

This may be especially true when vitamin C is combined with a good sunscreen. Vitamin C skin benefits may also extend to collagen production. One National Institutes of Health report stated that:

“Preclinical studies demonstrated that vitamin C has the potential to accelerate bone healing after a fracture, increase type I collagen synthesis, and reduce oxidative stress parameters.”

Dr. Avron Lipschitz, an award-winning Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon with over 15 years of experience, shares:

Dr. Avron Lipschitz

In my practice at Athena Plastic Surgery, I've seen how Vitamin C can improve skin health, particularly via its role in collagen production. During facial rejuvenation procedures, patients who incorporate Vitamin C into their skincare routine often report a noticeable improvement in skin elasticity and resilience. This is largely due to Vitamin C's ability to promote collagen synthesis, fortifying the skin’s structure.

I’ve also found that Vitamin C is effective for addressing hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone, which are common concerns among my patients. By inhibiting melanin production, it promotes a more even skin appearance. This is especially beneficial for individuals who have undergone laser treatments, as Vitamin C helps reduce post-inflammatory pigmentation.

Vitamin C skincare benefits may also have something to do with reduced skin inflammation. Multiple studies suggest that Vitamin C has a soothing effect on the skin by reducing inflammation that can cause irritation of various kinds.

As such, it may be able to reduce your risk of developing conditions like acne, eczema, and dermatitis.

The Benefits of Vitamin C for Skin

In the following section, we will talk about the specific ways in which vitamin C can have a positive impact on skin health and appearance:

Brightens Skin Tone

A significant benefit of vitamin C is that it may reduce the generation of melanin on the skin which can cause dark spots. It also fights the signs of hyperpigmentation caused by sun damage.

Using a skin moisturizer or sunscreen that contains vitamin C is a great way to brighten your skin and avoid dark spots. Use sunscreen daily or any time you know you will be in the sun.

Reducing Wrinkles & Fine Lines

Vitamin C may have a hydrating effect on skin. Hydration is the key to preventing signs of skin aging like wrinkles and fine lines. Vitamin C also plays a role in collagen synthesis - effectively increasing collagen production.

Protecting Against Sun Damage

UV rays can wreak havoc on the skin. Vitamin C has been observed to have photoprotective effects in many clinical studies. This means that it may reduce the extent of UV damage on the skin.

Vitamin C should be used in tandem with sunscreen that has an SPF factor of 50 or higher for proper skin protection. To further protect your skin from sun damage, you can try wearing large-brimmed hats, and sunglasses, and limiting your sun exposure.

Fading Hyperpigmentation

Vitamin C may play a role in regulating tyrosinase - an enzyme that is linked with melanin production in the skin. The National Institutes of Health has also acknowledged that Vitamin C may be useful for depigmentation purposes.

This means that vitamin C may help to reduce the visibility of dark spots on your skin. For the best depigmentation results with vitamin C, use it with sunscreen and apply it in the morning. You may also want to look for products that contain vitamin E to boost the protective action. Also, be consistent with your application.

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*All individuals are unique. Your results can and will vary.

Improves Skin Texture

Because vitamin C has a hydrating effect on the skin in most cases, it can serve to make your skin smoother to the touch. Using a vitamin C skin moisturizer regularly may work to fortify the outer moisture barrier of your skin which can improve its overall texture.

How to Use Vitamin C in Your Skincare Routine?

Effective Ways to Use Vitamin C Daily

To use vitamin C for face benefits, it’s best to start slow. Start by choosing a vitamin C product that contains L-ascorbic acid which is one of the many types of vitamin C that is highly bioactive and most likely to have noticeable effects.

You should also look for a vitamin C cream, oil, serum, or sunscreen that has a concentration of 10% vitamin C or more as anything less may not have the intended effects.

It’s also a good practice to use a vitamin C product with a good sunscreen so that you can protect your skin against most forms of UV damage. And if you’re wondering whether there is a best time of day to apply vitamin C to your face, there is.

Generally, the best time to apply vitamin C is in the morning before you step out into the sun. You may also want to reapply after you have been in the sun for more than a few hours.

Potential Side Effects and Precautions

Although ascorbic acid is considered generally safe for consumption, taking too much may cause side effects. Generally, it is recommended that adults avoid ingesting more than 2,000 milligrams of vitamin C per day. Exceeding this upper limit may cause side effects such as headaches, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting.

Skin irritation is also a small possibility when using topical vitamin C products. That’s why it’s a good idea to do a spot test first. Place a small amount of the product on one area of your skin to see if it causes any adverse reactions or irritation before full