Vitamin C (Vit. C) is one of the naturally occurring antioxidants in nature. Humans lack an enzyme required for the synthesis of Vit. C and must acquire it from natural sources such as citrus fruits, green leafy vegetables, strawberries, papaya and broccoli. Traditionally, Vit. C-rich foods like lemons were carried by sailors on long journeys to avoid Scurvy, a disease of bleeding gums.
The bioavailability of Vit. C in the skin is not sufficient when it is taken orally. Therefore, the use of topical vitamin c creams/gels/serum/powder is favoured in the practice of dermatology.
Vit. C does not absorb UV light but exerts a UV-protective effect by neutralizing free radicals, while this effect is not seen with sunscreens. Although Vit. C alone can provide photoprotection, it works best in conjunction with Vitamin E (Vit. E), which potentiates the action of Vit. C four-fold.
Here we take a look at the top 10 benefits of Vitamin C.
Antioxidant Property
Vitamin C is the most abundant antioxidant in your skin. UV rays, pollution, and smoking can all damage your skin by creating free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that pull electrons from your cells and cause damage. Your skin cells store vitamin C to prevent damage from such environmental factors.
Anti-inflammatory Action
Vit. C has a potent anti-inflammatory activity and can be used in conditions like acne vulgaris and rosacea. It can also promote wound healing and prevent post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Collagen Production
Collagen is one of the major components of your skin. Your body needs vitamin C to synthesize this protein. A group of 60 healthy women applied a vitamin C-based solution to their face for 60 days. The researchers found that the vitamin C solution was highly effective at inducing collagen synthesis.
Skin Lightening
Vitamin C inhibits an enzyme called tyrosinase which is required for the production of melanin (the pigment that gives your skin its colour). By reducing tyrosinase, Vit. C can help to make your skin tone lighter.
Evens Skin Tone
Vit. C can help in not only reducing the skin tone but also in making the skin tone uniform by making it even. However, Vit. C is an unstable compound and is often combined with other depigmenting agents such as soy and liquorice for better depigmenting effect.
Replenishes Vitamin E
Vitamin E is another important antioxidant that protects your skin from oxidative damage. After your skin is exposed to sunlight, levels of vitamin E decline. has found that vitamin C helps replenish vitamin E after sun exposure.
Reversing Sun Damage
Sunlight is good for the body but it can also harm the skin. Applying Vit. C to your face helps to reduce sun spots, free radical damage and signs of aging.
Prevents Sagging Skin
Your skin naturally produces less collagen as you get older. A loss in collagen is one factor that causes your skin to sag as you age. Applying Vit. C to your face helps improve your skin’s production of collagen, especially if you spend a lot of time in the sun or are low on dietary vitamin C.
Prevents Wrinkles
As you get older, your skin tends to become less elastic and thinner, which can contribute to wrinkles. Although the formation of wrinkles is largely genetically predetermined, repeated exposure to UV rays can break down collagen and elastin and prematurely age your skin.
Gives Your Face a Radiant Glow
Vitamin C is one of the few skincare products for quick & long-lasting, brightened, glowing skin. The power of vitamin C in the face serums gives your skin a radiant glow.
Check out: Things to know before starting Vitamin C