Vitamin C for Skin: The Benefits You Need to Know

Writer and expert5 years ago

Who doesn’t want brighter, smoother and more radiant-looking skin? Vitamin C has earned its place as a must-have ingredient in skincare and for good reason. Skincare experts and dermatologists consistently recommend it as a key player in any routine, alongside SPF and Vitamin A. But what exactly makes Vitamin C so powerful and how can it transform your skin?

What Is Vitamin C and Why Does Your Skin Need It?

When we think of Vitamin C, we often picture oranges and superfoods, but this essential nutrient is much more than just an immune booster. Naturally found in fruits and vegetables like citrus, peppers and leafy greens, it also plays a vital role in skin health.

This potent antioxidant neutralises unstable molecules that cause premature ageing and skin damage and helps revitalise skin that’s been exposed to aggressors such as UV light and pollution. Historically, even sailors carried citrus fruits to prevent scurvy, a disease caused by Vitamin C deficiency. Today, scientific research has confirmed its incredible benefits when applied directly to the skin.

5 Ways Vitamin C Supports Skin Health

More than just a trendy skincare ingredient, Vitamin C has a range of benefits for your skin. Whether you’re looking to protect your skin against environmental damage, support collagen production or achieve a brighter more even complexion. Here’s how incorporating this ingredient into your regime can help transform your skin.

Protects Against Environmental Damage

We live in a world where our skin is constantly battling the elements such as pollution, sun exposure and daily environmental stressors. Vitamin C acts as a powerful shield helping to protect your skin and reduce oxidative stress, which can lead to premature aging, dullness, and uneven skin tone.

Boosts Collagen Production

Collagen is the protein that keeps skin firm and youthful. As we age, collagen production declines, leading to fine lines and loss of elasticity. While topical Vitamin C doesn’t directly create collagen, it helps protect existing collagen and supports the skin’s natural renewal process—keeping your complexion plump and resilient.

Brightens Skin and Reduces Hyperpigmentation

Tired of stubborn dark spots, uneven skin tone, or sun damage? Vitamin C could be your skin’s secret weapon by targeting the root causes of your skin concerns, helping to lighten pigmentation and reveal a more even, glowing complexion.

Supports Skin’s Natural Healing Process

Vitamin C accelerates skin repair by promoting cell regeneration. Whether you have acne scars, redness or irritation, it can help improve skin texture and overall tone, leaving you feeling more confident in your skin’s appearance.

Hydrates and Strengthens the Skin Barrier

Certain forms of Vitamin C, such as magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, have hydrating properties that help the skin retain moisture. This supports a strong, healthy skin barrier, reducing sensitivity and dryness.

Who Can Use Vitamin C?

The short answer? Almost everyone can benefit from this magic vitamin. It’s a versatile ingredient that works for all skin types and is an easy addition to any skincare routine. Plus, it’s well-tolerated by most, making it an accessible option for anyone looking to enhance their skincare regimen.

How to Add Vitamin C to Your Skincare Routine

There are plenty of ways to incorporate this powerhouse ingredient into your routine. From cleansers and moisturisers to serums and treatments, there’s a range of effective ways you can add Vitamin C into your routine.

Serums (Most Effective Option)

Serums pack a punch of Vitamin C, delivering a concentrated dose directly to your skin where it’s needed the most. For maximum benefit, apply in the morning before your moisturiser and SPF. Looking for the best options? Here are a few top picks we recommend:

REN Clean Skincare Radiance Perfection Serum – Enhances skin tone and boosts radiance.
Elizabeth Arden Prevage Anti-Aging Serum– A high-strength formula for daily use to help brighten and protect the skin.

Moisturisers (For Hydration & Glow)

Moisturisers infused with Vitamin C do more than just hydrate your skin, they work to brighten your complexion while sealing in moisture, leaving you feeling fresh and glowing all day long. Here are our favourite products to try:

Omorovicza Elemental Emulsion – Combining the benefits of marine extracts and hyaluronic acid, the Elemental Emulsion provides long lasting hydration deep into the skin.
BABOR Skinovage Complex C Cream – Concentrated vitamins C, A and E to help energise the look of skin while strengthening its resistance.

Cleansers (For an Easy Boost)

A Vitamin C cleanser is an effortless way to introduce the ingredient into your daily routine, supercharging your skin without adding an extra step. Here are a couple of recommendations to get you started:

IMAGE Skincare Vital C Hydrating Facial Cleanser – Packed with vitamins and antioxidants to brighten skin.
Lumene Nordic C Cleansing Gel Scrub – A Vitamin C-rich formula that cleanses and exfoliates the skin instantly for radiant skin day after day.

Haircare & Treatments (For Stronger, Shinier Hair)

Yes, even your hair can benefit from Vitamin C! Look for hair masks or treatments that harness the power of this ingredient to nourish and restore shine. Try these products to give your locks the boost it deserves:

Kérastase Elixir Ultime Le Bain Oil Infused Shampoo – A luxurious shampoo with Vitamin C to restore that silky shine and strength.
Philip Kingsley Treatment Vitamin C Jelly - A detoxifying hair and scalp treatment to deeply cleanse and remove impurities.

Supplements (Beauty from Within)

If you want to increase your Vitamin C intake from the inside out, consider adding supplements to your routine to help support overall skin and hair health. Explore our selection of vitamins and supplements to support your skin’s vitality, such as:

Bioglan Beauty Collagen Tablets – Supports skin radiance from the inside out with a blend of essential vitamins designed to help boost collagen production.