Vitamin C For Skin: Benefits, Side Effects & Best Products

L-ascorbic acid, or Vitamin C, is essential and naturally found antioxidant.

Vit C scores high on its antioxidant properties, but its acidic nature also helps increase the skin-healing and nourishing process. Vitamin C helps in increasing the skin’s natural regeneration process. Although we have enough Vitamin C in our body, we don’t possess the enzyme that helps synthesize our Vit C. Blame it on evolution or natural selection. It seems human beings have lost the ability to produce Vit C naturally.

The primary sources of Vit C are mainly fruits and vegetables. Citrus fruits and berries – such as watermelons, strawberries, mangoes, tomatoes, cherries and pineapple – are mostly found to be high sources of this Vitamin.

Vit C can reduce sun damage caused by constant exposure to UV rays from the sun. However, you shouldn’t replace your sunscreen with Vit C topical supplements because it doesn’t absorb UV light. The antioxidants present in Vit C give you protection against sun damage by neutralizing free radicals.

That’s why topical application of Vitamin C Serum such as from Bodytales helps increase photoprotection compared with oral intake of supplements. When you combine Vit C and E, you get enhanced protection against sun damage and reduce redness, uneven complexion and skin irritation.

After a wound or rash, the body’s inflammatory responses increase the production of free radicals at the injury site. When Vit C is applied, it increases the epidermal layer and collagen production.

So, Vit C intake and application help the body enhance its response to immunodeficiency. By blocking the formation of LPS, Vit C helps in neutralizing endotoxins. Both nutritional intake and topical application of Vit C at the wound site have proven highly beneficial.

Collagen is an essential structural protein present in the skin. Collagen is responsible for maintaining solid and supple skin. Collagen is abundantly found in young skin, and as you age, your collagen levels keep depleting, causing wrinkles and sagging skin.

In order to synthesize collagen, your body needs something called ‘procollagen.’ Procollagen is built by amino acids glycine and proline, and Vitamin C plays a crucial role in producing Procollagen.

The loss or deterioration of collagen and elastin fibers in the skin and changes to the layers of the skin might contribute to the process of skin aging. The effect of Vit C application on the skin depends on the person’s health.

Sebum or water production in our skin decreases as we age. Ascorbic acid is proven to affect epidermal water loss. With Vit C, your body promotes barrier lipids, helping the body retain water and appear plump.

Here, we will help you make the entire selection process easier and more effective.

First, look for ascorbic acid – the most stable form of Vitamin C – especially for skincare.

Next, make sure you use a serum – let it play a prominent role. Compared with toners or even creams, Vitamin C serums are almost magical. Look where the product is sourcing its Vitamin C from – Kakadu plum is the best bet. It has the goodness of Vitamin C – your skin will thank you for it.

Your dermatologists will also tell you that pure Vit C is the most effective in countering years of skin damage and reversing the tell-tale signs of aging.

Although 5% serums are generally considered suitable for your skin, try to pick the 20% Vit C serum, which quickly brightens and adds glow to your skin.