How vitamin C helps your skin

Hyaluronic acid, retinol, niacinamide, ferulic acid… The list of "must-have" skincare ingredients is constantly growing, and while many of these ingredients are beneficial, there is one skincare superhero almost all experts and skincare gurus agree should be part of your everyday routine: vitamin C. A potent antioxidant, this holy-grail ingredient boasts an array of benefits and is key for optimising skin health – think brighter, smoother, plumper skin.

What is vitamin C? 

Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble nutrient that is widely known for its antioxidant benefits, that can help protect skin cells from daily aggressors like air pollution, sun damage, and premature ageing.

How does vitamin C benefit the skin?

According to Nicole Sherwin, founder of Eco Diva Natural, and the skin experts at Lamelle Laboratories, some of the key benefits of vitamin C are: 

•    Collagen-production promotion

Vitamin C plays a pivotal role in collagen synthesis, this is, when new collagen fibres are created. More collagen means firmer, more elastic skin with an overall tighter effect.

•    Antioxidant protection

Free radicals (such as pollution and UV radiation) wreak havoc on skin cells, causing oxidative stress and premature ageing. Vitamin C helps neutralise these free radicals, protecting your skin from damage and helping to maintain its radiant glow.

•    Increasing the efficacy of your SPF

Using an effective vitamin C product alongside your SPF can increase your protection from sun damage. That’s because vitamin C’s antioxidant qualities prevent oxidative damage and neutralise the damage caused by free radicals.

•    Helping reduce acne and breakouts

Vitamin C can help reduce acne thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties that not only help control the skin’s natural sebum production but help reduce inflammation and speed up the process of healing breakouts.

How can you incorporate vitamin C into your skincare routine?

While vitamin C can be incorporated into both morning and evening routines, many experts suggest applying it in the AM. Why? Because the antioxidant helps to protect from things like pollution and UV light, which you’re typically exposed to throughout the day. This also means you can use your heavier acids and exfoliants at night, without interference.        

It’s also important to note that, as for any active ingredient, the incorporation must be gradual. Start with a product with a low vitamin C concentration of  around 10%, three times a week, and build to a higher one of 15–20% used daily or every other day. And remember, consistency is key - with continued use you’ll notice a brighter, more even, and glowing complexion.