Increasing the rate at which your skin refreshes itself (AKA cellular revolution) means you can capture that coveted glow. Vitamin C to the rescue! While many people think of vitamin C (also known as ascorbic acid) for its immunity-boosting properties when ingested, there are also plenty of benefits of vitamin C for the skin. Ascorbic acid naturally occurs in the top two layers of the skin: the dermis and epidermis. However, aging and exposure to environmental pollutants and excessive sunlight decrease the amount of naturally occurring ascorbic acid, creating a need for a boost of the chemical, either topically or by supplements.
The Benefits of Vitamin C for Skin
According to a report by Oregon State University, vitamin C benefits the skin by boosting the rate at which collagen is produced. More collagen, more youthful-looking skin. It also limits the damage that skin sustains due to UV light. Photodamage caused by UV light causes sunspots and speeds up fine lines and wrinkles. Topically applied ascorbic acid is especially effective against sun damage, especially when combined with vitamin E or ferulic acid.
Luckily, there are numerous vitamin C products on the market now, in serums, powders, moisturizers, and more. Vitamin C is water-soluble, so the formulation you use DOES matter. And in some cases, high volumes of ascorbic acid in supplemental form can dry skin a bit. So make sure you pair it with a good quality moisturizer for a one-two punch.
Our Favorite Vitamin C Products For Skin
Brightening Serum
A dark spot correcting Clean-ical Vitamin C & E Serum expertly formulated with patented Advanced Encapsulation Technology to visibly brighten and even out skin tone, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and fight oxidative damage from free radicals.
82% agree this serum restored a more luminous glow*
78% agree my skin looks healthier after using this product *
*Independent consumer study carried out on 50 real women over 4 weeks.
Anti-Aging
This rejuvenating, age-defying serum intensely hydrates, repairs, and protects skin while you sleep. A restorative blend of collagen-boosting Natural HA Dermal Filler, soothing Aloe, and moisture-infusing Swiss Apple Stem Cells, this serum works while you sleep to intensely hydrate and renew skin for a radiant morning
Luminating Oil
Elevate your skin’s radiance with our irresistible body oil blend. Crafted with hydrating Squalane, antioxidant-rich acai oil, vitamins C and E, and Kakadu plum, it nourishes and illuminates your skin, delivering deep hydration and all-over radiance. Perfect for indulgent post-shower pampering, it leaves your body with a luminous glow.
Age Defying Supplement
Start with the basics! This supplement includes Polypodium leucotomos to help shield the skin from the effects of sun exposure, Alpha lipoic acid (ALA) to protect against damaging oxidative stress, and the antioxidant power of vitamin C that helps boost skin cell protection and collagen production.
Vitamin C Moisturizers and Cleansers
Vitamin C is an effective antioxidant, and its pure form of l-ascorbic acid has been shown to improve multiple signs of skin aging while brightening the skin.
This lightweight vitamin C moisturizer absorbs instantly to soften and moisturize even the most sensitive skin. Over time, users report that the Hydro Moisturizer diminishes age spots and discoloration, as well as diminishing the look of fine lines and wrinkles.
Of course, we all focus on our facial skincare, but don’t forget about your neck and chest! To avoid the dreaded chicken neck, smooth on this ultra-firming cream that specifically targets the elasticity of the skin in your neck and décolleté. Ascorbic acid is the workhorse here, stimulating the collagen that firms this often-forgotten part of the body.
Vitamin C Serums
If you’re serious about the C, use what the pros use. This highly concentrated serum packs a punch and softens the blow with moisturizing hyaluronic acid. Users say that its light fragrance and visible skin-lightening effects are worth the price.
This serum brightens dull skin and minimizes existing wrinkles. It also helps prevent new lines from developing. An effective vitamin-C serum can sometimes cost upwards of $100, but this one is available at drugstores for under $30, and it has the highest concentration of vitamin C available.
Vitamin C Peel
This two-step peel rejuvenates skin with the power of ascorbic acid. Start with an exfoliating peel made of lactic and ascorbic acids to smooth and refresh your skin. Step two activates the active ingredients, leaving the skin moisturized with carrot seed oil. This once-a-week treatment will take your skin to the next level of freshness.
Vitamin C For Eyes
Sometimes, you just need an undereye boost in the morning. These gel patches combine ascorbic acid with B3 to depuff and visibly brighten your under-eye area. Aloe soothes as well for a fresh start to the day, no matter what last night was like.
