What Are The Benefits Of Vitamin C?


sliced fresh citrus on wooden cutting board

Vitamin C, also called L-Ascorbic Acid, is best known for its antioxidant properties. It’s actually present in the skin already, but that hasn’t stopped it’s popularity in skincare grow.

There has actually been a fair few studies on its benefits. A lot of them have found it helps protect skin from environmental damage.

That’s not its only benefit however. It’s commonly use to treat photo aged skin for numerous reasons. It helps with; hyperpigmentation (of a certain kind), skin texture and even collagen synthesis.

Why do we use vitamin C in skincare?

You might be wondering why we even bother using vitamin c in skincare when it’s already in our skin.

Well, topically vitamin c has it’s benefits too! Think of it like taking a supplement. Sure, we get a lot of nutrients from food but we don’t always have the same level of essential nutrients in our system.

They come and go, we may not always be consuming the right food. Taking a supplement is they easiest way to keep those essential nutrients in our bodies. It’s the same with vitamin c, because it has so many useful properties, applying it in the form of skincare is very useful.

What are its benefits?

Topically applied antioxidants exert their benefits by offering protection from damaging free radicals produced when skin is exposed to ultraviolet light or allowed to age naturally. Vitamin c is one of those benefits.

The reason why this is so important? The damage that free radicals can cause are widely accepted as one of the most quickening vectors to aged skin.

Free radicals is an umbrella term for highly reactive molecules, with an unpaired electron. They directly damage cells.

The thing you many not know, is that free radical aren’t just caused by the sun. The production of free radicals increases with age, while the endogenous defense mechanisms that counter them decrease. 

This means it’s hard to prevent skin damage on a cellular level, even if you were sunscreen. This is why vitamin c is such a useful product.

It has six pretty standard benefits:

  1. It firms the skin.
  2. Minimises hyperpigmentation and age spots.
  3. Reduces skin redness.
  4. Protects from environmental damage.
  5. Hydrates the skin.
  6. Consolidates your skin’s natural defence.

Product recommendations

C.E.O. 15% Vitamin C Brightening Serum Sunday Riley

  • alcohol-free
  • silicon-free
  • sulfate-free
  • paraben-free
  • EU-allergen-free
  • reef-safe
  • fungal-acne safe

C-Firma Day Serum Drunk Elephant

  • alcohol-free
  • silicon-free
  • sulfate-free
  • paraben-free
  • EU-allergen-free
  • reef-safe

Papaya Sorbet Enzyme Cleansing Balm Glow Recipe

  • alcohol-free
  • silicon-free
  • sulfate-free
  • paraben-free
  • EU-allergen-free
  • reef-safe
  • fungal-acne safe

Squalane + Vitamin C Rose Oil Biossance

  • alcohol-free
  • silicon-free
  • sulfate-free
  • paraben-free
  • oil-free
  • reef-safe
  • fungal-acne safe

Jet Lag Mask Summer Fridays

  • silicon-free
  • sulfate-free
  • paraben-free
  • EU-allergen-free
  • reef-safe
References

Jaishree Sharad, Cosmeceuticals, Advances in Integrative Dermatology, 10.1002/9781119476009, (393-411), (2019). Wiley Online Library

Antioxidants Used in Skin Care Formulations I. Bogdan Allemann, MD, L. Baumann, MD
Skin Therapy Letter. 2008;13(7):5-8

  • Can You Use Glycolic Acid Everyday?
    It is generally not recommended to use glycolic acid every day, as it can be irritating to the skin. It is typically used once or twice a week. However, the frequency of use may vary depending on the concentration of the glycolic acid and the specific product that you are using. It is important to […]
  • My Top 5 Christmas Beauty Gifts 2022
    The 1st of December can only mean one thing, its Christmas gift guide day! Every year the anxiety inducing panic of gift buying commences and every year, I try to help you distinguish what is actually worthwhile, with a well research ‘Christmas beauty gift guide’. Before we begin let me remind you of how I […]
  • Is Botox Regulated In The UK? Professionals Agree That Regulation of the Aesthetics  Sector Must Now Become a Priority
    By Dr Cormac Convery Contrary to popular myth, most people do not approach the medical intervention of aesthetic surgery lightly. Rather, they are seeking a practical and permanent solution to an issue which has been adversely affecting their lives. In the overwhelming majority of procedures carried out by sensible, qualified professionals, this is exactly the […]
  • CurrentBody, LED Mask Review
    In today’s hot seat is CurrentBody’s Skin LED Light Therapy Mask, also known as the mask loved by  Kristin Davis, Kaley Cuoco, Suki Waterhouse, Nina Garcia, Oscar nominee Carey Mulligan and many more.  Before, CurrentBody sent me this mask, I had never used LED skincare before. I like to play skincare safely. I don’t use […]
  • In Conversation With Nichola Joss, Lymphatic Drainage Massage Expert
    It was an uncharacteristically hot day in London when I went to visit Nichola Joss at the Mandarin Oriental. Nichola and I first met during a consultation through the online service Get Harley (which you can read more about here).  I was testing the service for a blog post and wasn’t sure what to expect. […]

Featured content.

Can You Use Glycolic Acid Everyday?

It is generally not recommended to use glycolic acid every day, as it can be irritating to the skin. It is typically used once or twice a week. However, the frequency of use may vary depending on the concentration of the glycolic acid and the specific product that you are using. It is important to…

Keep reading

Niacinamide Vs Hyaluronic Acid

If you’ve followed Science and Skincare for any amount of time, you’ll be aware of my posts on acids. Niacinamide vs Hyaluronic Acid will be the highly requested addition to the category that made this site popular. Depending on your skincare knowledge, choosing between the two will either be easy or incredibly difficult. However, one…

Keep reading

Mandelic Acid vs Retinol

Mandelic Acid vs Retinol? Which one is right for you? Can you use both? If these are questions that have crossed your mind lately, then you’ve come to the right place. I’ve covered the topic of acids extensively and will continue to do so (because it is incredibly confusing and you have to be careful).…

Keep reading
%d bloggers like this: