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 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
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.
The Best Vitamin C Serum
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.
L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives 12% Vitamin C Serum is another good choice. 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 Powder
Because ascorbic acid is water-soluble, liquid formulations can lose efficacy over time. In solid form, it is much more stable. This powder-to-foam facial means that you won’t lose 20% vitamin C over time. Just add to water and watch your skin take on a healthy glow.
If you have a serum or moisturizer that you love, don’t stop using it! Just add ascorbic acid to it! This powdered formulation can be added to any liquid or gel to add a boost of ascorbic acid. Plus, if you need to travel, powder formulas won’t count against your 311.
Vitamin C Peel
Vitamin C doesn’t just come from oranges. Kakadu plum is one of the highest potency fruits around. These daily-use peel pads slough off dead skin while leaving skin moisturized and luminous.
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.
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