There are a few ingredients that are always thrown around when it comes to skincare, and vitamin C is definitely one of them. As of late, the only time weve been hearing of vitamin C is in regards to our immune system. However, this ingredient is just as necessary for our skin as it is for our overall health.

The antioxidant helps to address a number of skin concerns and this is why it continues to be a dermatologists best skincare ingredient, and why its constantly found in every lotion, face cream, and serum known to man.

Vitamin C is an essential nutrient used by the body for the growth and repair of tissues. Unfortunately, the body cannot produce it on its own so the best way to get it is through supplements or your diet.

Now while you can eat your way to a healthy vitamin C intake, you cant do the same for your skin. This is because, when it comes to your skin, the topical application of vitamin C works out better than oral intake. In fact, a studypublished in Dermatologic Therapy found that the topical application of vitamin C resulted in 27 times higher levels of vitamin C in the skin than even the highest possible oral intake.

Free radicals are unstable molecules that damage cells, and in doing so, they encourage premature aging, and they may even trigger skin cancer. Being an antioxidant, vitamin C works to protect the skin by working to neutralize free radicals, thus preventingpremature aging and leaving the skin with ayounger and fresherappearance.

Loss of moisture can not only lead to dull and dry skin, but it can also accentuate the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.

Vitamin C helps the skin retain moisture by supporting the skin barrier. Additionally, magnesium ascorbyl phosphate is a vitamin C derivative used in skincare, and it has been shownto help hydrate the skin (1).

Vitamin C doesnt only have benefits for your skin.

Firstly, it helps to protect your locks from free radical damage (which can cause breakage and hair loss). Secondly, it helps to stimulate the production of collagen. This is an important protein that helps to keep your hair healthy. Lastly, vitamin C helps the body absorb iron, which is a necessary mineral for healthy hair growth.

As we age, the levels of collagen begin to decline and this greatly contributes to the formation of fine lines and wrinkles, as well as a loss of volume. Thankfully, vitamin C helps to stimulate the production of collagen, and in doing so, it helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

In fact, a studypublished intheClinical, Cosmetic and Investigational DermatologyJournal found that vitamin C helped to increasecollagen production among study participants in all age groups.

Whats more, its antioxidant properties help to neutralize the free radicals that speed up the breakdown of collagen.

Prolonged sun exposure and poor sun protection wont only accelerate the aging process, but it can also cause skin concerns like flakiness, redness, and sunspots.

One animal studyfound that vitamin C helped to reverse sun damage. If youre interested in human trials, a 1999 study found that a 3-month vitamin C treatment helped participants withmild to moderately photo-damaged skin. In fact, they experienced a significant improvement in skin tone and roughness. As of this writing, there are not any recent human trials looking at vitamin C and sun damage.

Hyperpigmentation happens when the body produces too much melanin in certain areas of the skin. This leaves you with unwanted brown spots and discoloration. That said, if you have concerns about uneven skin tone, vitamin C has been found to address the overproduction of melanin.

According to astudypublished intheJournal of Drugs and Dermatology,participants noticed a73%improvement in skin pigmentation after using vitamin C.

When it comes to buying an effective vitamin C beauty product, there are a few things that you need to remember.

Vitamin C comes in various forms, yet L-ascorbic acid has been found to be the most stable and effective form. That said, when shopping for products, make sure that they list L-ascorbic acid as an ingredient.

For instance, the Skinceuticals CE Ferulic serumcontains 15% L-ascorbic acid and its been found to improve the appearance of wrinkles and appearance.

The concentration of vitamin C also plays a role with research showing that a concentration higher than 8 but lower than 20 is quite effective (2). Take the Exuviance AF Vitamin C20 Serum Capsuleswhich contain 20% L-ascorbic acid and have been found to effectively address skin concerns such as sun damage and dullness.

Vitamin C breaks down when its exposed to light or air. Its important that any product you purchase comes in a dark glass bottle.

The LOral Revitalift Derm Intensive Vitamin C Serumcomes in the form of a metal tube, which helps to keep the product stable, ensuring that it delivers great benefits to your skin.

Store your product in a cool, dark place and away from extreme heat. Additionally, if you notice that the product has become yellow or brown, this means that its been oxidized and is likely going to be less effective.

Vitamin C is more effective if its paired with complementary ingredients, particularly vitamin E and ferulic acid.Ferulic acid has been found to stabilize the powerhouse ingredientwhereas vitamin E helps to boost antioxidant protection.

Paulas Choice Resist C15 Super Boosternot only contains vitamins C and E, as well as ferulic acid, but it also contains peptides, which helps to boost your skin health.

If you have sensitive skin, its best to start with a lower concentration. Reach out to your dermatologist to find a product that is best suited for your skin type.

That said, its also advisable to not use vitamin C and retinol at the same time. This can cause irritation. Rather, use vitamin C products in the morning and retinoids at night.

As lockdown regulations lift, more and more of us are making our way outside. So, for those still battling with skin concerns, these post-lockdown buys will not only prep your skin for the outside, but theyll also help to address skin issues brought on by being stuck indoors all day.

Al-Niaimi, F., & Chiang, N. (2017). The Journal of clinical and aesthetic dermatology,10(7), 1417.

Burke, K. E. (2007). Interaction of vitamins C and E as better cosmeceuticals.Dermatologic therapy,20(5), 314-321.

Crisan, D., Roman, I., Crisan, M., Scharffetter-Kochanek, K., & Badea, R. (2015). Clinical, cosmetic and investigational dermatology,8, 463470. https://doi.org/10.2147/CCID.S84903

Pullar, J. M., Carr, A. C., & Vissers, M. (2017). Nutrients,9(8), 866. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu9080866

Telang P. S. (2013). Indian dermatology online journal,4(2), 143146. https://doi.org/10.4103/2229-5178.110593

Traikovich, S. S. (1999). Use of topical ascorbic acid and its effects on photodamaged skin topography.Archives of otolaryngologyhead & neck surgery,125(10), 1091-1098.

Zussman, J., Ahdout, J., & Kim, J. (2010). Vitamins and photoaging: do scientific data support their use?.Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology,63(3), 507525. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaad.2009.07.037

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Vitamin C : Beauty Benefits of This Anti-Aging Powerhouse Ingredient - Longevity LIVE