What Does Vitamin C Do For Your Skin (2023)

FAQs

What Does Vitamin C Do For Your Skin? ›

Topical vitamin C is a science-backed, dermatologist-favorite ingredient that may help slow early skin aging, prevent sun damage, and improve the appearance of wrinkles, dark spots, and acne.

If you have relatively healthy skin and you're looking to boost collagen production, improve skin tone, and protect your skin from damaging free radicals, then daily use of vitamin C serum may be a good option for you. Just be sure to use a high-quality serum and start slowly if you have sensitive skin.

While vitamin C is most notable for helping to brighten and improve hyperpigmentation, retinol is typically considered best-in-class for wrinkles and fine lines. And if you really want to give your skin a one-two punch to get noticeably healthier, you can certainly try incorporating both into your routine.

Vitamin C should not be mixed with acids, which includes all AHAs and BHAs. Vitamin C plays a key role in strengthening the outer layer of our skin barrier, but when combined with an acid, it can enhance the potency of your vitamin C and cause severe irritation.

In short: Vitamin C is a “potent antioxidant” that can potentially help brighten dark spots, aid in smoothing fine lines, and neutralize skin-harming free radicals from the environment, including pollution and UV radiation, Sara Hogan, MD, board-certified dermatologist and fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology, ...

While every situation is different, most people see results from using a vitamin C serum within three months. Whether you're noticing a brighter complexion, plumper skin or improvements in hyperpigmentation, vitamin C can work wonders quite quickly!

Vitamin C (especially L-ascorbic acid) is notoriously unstable—it loses potency when it's exposed to air, light, and water—which is why you want to apply it on clean, dry skin right after washing. You'll also want to let it dry completely, as piling on products right after could potentially deactivate the vitamin C.

Vitamin C and hyaluronic acid are found in our human body. The latter is a molecule that effectively helps moisturize the skin. It is generally recommended to use both to get the same benefits as having different skin care functions. However, applying the vitamin C serum first, then the HA, is recommended.

The answer is a resounding YES! The combination of Vitamin C and Retinol in a skincare regimen can help you achieve glowing, healthy-looking skin, while improving the look of dark spots and uneven skin tone, as well as visibly improving signs of skin aging including fine lines, wrinkles and loss of firmness.

First, vitamin C works to help improve the look of dark spots, fine lines, wrinkles and sagging skin. Then, retinol steps in to help improve skin's elasticity. The result is that retinol and other retinoids may help improve skin's texture while helping to minimize the look of fine lines.

What is the side effects of vitamin C serum on face? ›

Schlessinger says people with very sensitive skin should consult with a dermatologist before use, since potent forms of vitamin C can sometimes irritate sensitive skin. Vitamin C serum may result in yellowing of the skin or clothes, stinging, or dryness, though those effects are rare.

Hyaluronic acid

If you're willing to give the duo a go, follow up your Vitamin C serum with hyaluronic acid-infused moisturiser, like the Pond's Super Light Gel Oil Free Moisturiser With Hyaluronic Acid + Vitamin E. It's got the goodness of Vitamin E AND hyaluronic acid and will give you total skin hydration.

Vitamin C works best in combination with vitamin E, ferulic Acid, vitamin B, and hyaluronic acid. Designed to deliver a high concentration of actives, a vitamin C serum is a popular choice in skincare.

Vitamin C prevents sagging

Sagging skin is common as we age, and is another symptom of lessening collagen. Our skin loses elasticity and firmness and you may see skin sag under your eyes, on your cheeks, on your neck and elsewhere. Using Vitamin C can help tighten skin anywhere the serum is applied.

You may choose to begin applying it every other day, and if tolerated you may apply it daily. It may take up to three months of consistent use to see a noticeable improvement. If you experience substantial discomfort or irritation, please stop using vitamin C and consult with your physician.

“If you use the serum for a month and find your skin to be bright, clear, less sensitive to the sun, and you are feeling fresher, then vitamin C is definitely working,” she said.

Persistent, daily vitamin C use is perfectly safe as part of your morning and evening skincare rituals. In fact, studies recommend applying vitamin C serum twice daily or even every eight hours for enhanced benefits.

Vitamin C serum benefits

One study even recommends applying a vitamin C serum every eight hours, or twice daily for the pinnacle of protection. Vitamin C has photoprotective properties and staves off oxidative stress from the free radicals we meet throughout our day.

This ingredient comes in different strengths and concentrations meaning that all skin types—even acne-prone complexions and sensitive skin—can enjoy its benefits. While it can be applied daily, start with 3-4 times a week if you like to play it safe and work your way up.

Vitamin C moisturizer can be used daily or every other day. You may want to use it less often (or not at all) if you have extremely sensitive or oily skin.