Woman applying vitamin C serum to her face
Ani Dimi/Stocksy

If you are in the skin care game, you will likely hear of vitamins C.

“One of the best ingredients for pro-aging support is thescorbic acid, and it’s the key to maintaining a smooth, even, and glowy complexion.”

There is no way to know if you are getting the vitamins C and E in your diet. The most direct way to reap these benefits is by using a product like a serum.

Learn how to introduce a new product, how to add a new supplement to your routine, and more.

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We rely on a diverse group of writers, educators, and other experts to share their tips on everything from the way product application varies to the best sheet mask for your individual needs.

There are many benefits to using the vitamins on your skin. For example, the vitamins C and E.

  • It is safe for most skin types.
  • hydration
  • Can make your skin look better.
  • Reducing redness is possible.
  • Reducing hyperpigmentation can be done.
  • The appearance of under-eye circles can be reduced.
  • It promotes the production of collagen.
  • It may help prevent sagging.
  • It may protect against sun damage.
  • It may soothe sunburns.
  • It may help heal wounds.

1. It’s safe for most skin types

Vitamin C has an excellent safety profile. Most people can use topical vitamin C for an extended period of time without experiencing any adverse reactions.

A 2017 review of research notes that vitamin C may cause minor skin irritation in concentrations above 20%. Because of this, its concentration often ranges between 10% and 20% in skin care products.

Vitamin C is also safe to use with other skin care actives, including alpha hydroxy acids, retinols, and SPF.

2. It’s hydrating

According to a 2017 research review, most healthy skin and organs contain high concentrations of vitamin C, suggesting that vitamin C accumulates in the body from circulation.

The authors of the review said that ascorbic acid is the best form of ascorbic acid for skin penetration.

Magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, another vitamin C derivative used in skin care, has been shown to have a hydrating effect on the skin, according to a 2022 review. It decreases transepidermal water loss (TEWL), allowing your skin to retain moisture better.

According to a 2019 study, an antipollution, antioxidant serum containing Deschampsia antarctica extract, ferulic acid, and vitamin C reduced TEWL by 19 percent, improving the skin barrier function.

3. It’s brightening

The skin can be smooth with the help of vitamins C and C. This makes skin look younger.

A 2017 review notes that vitamin C use has been shown to impede melanin production. Melanin is the pigment responsible for skin color.

Dark spots and hyperpigmentation can be mitigated by the use of vitamins C and C. It may help your skin look better.

4. It helps reduce redness and even out your skin tone

Vitamin C has also been shown to act as an anti-inflammatory agent through its antioxidant capacity, according to a 2015 review. This means it soothes your skin and can reduce puffiness.

The anti-Inflammation action of the Vitamins C and C-derived compounds may help.

  • neutralize free radicals that cause oxidative damage
  • The immune system should be improved to discourage an inflammatory immune response.

The anti- inflammatory properties of vitamins C can help reduce redness and make your complexion more even.

The reduction of dark spots, redness, and irritation makes the skin tone clear.

5. It helps fade hyperpigmentation

hyperpigmentation can be faded by the effect of vitamin C.

Hyperpigmentation — including sunspots, age spots, and melasma — occurs when melanin is overproduced in certain areas of the skin. It can also happen in areas where acne has healed.

Vitamin C inhibits melanin synthesis by downregulating the activity of an enzyme known as tyrosinase. It’s widely used in dermatology for reducing pigmentation of hyperpigmented spots on the skin.

It has been used to treat gum hyperpigmentation.

Dealing with acne? In addition to vitamin C serums, there are other options for treating hyperpigmentation acne.

6. It reduces the appearance of under-eye circles

The under-eye area can be hydrated with the help of ascorbic acid.

Although vitamin C is more effective at reducing overall redness, some people say it can help alleviate discoloration associated with under-eye circles.

According to a small 2019 study on three treatments for dark circles, vitamin C mesotherapy resulted in a significant improvement in the pigmentation of under-eye circles. However, some participants also reported a burning feeling.

Some other ways to help get rid of under-eye bags include using a cold compress and adding retinol to your skin care routine.

The skin under your eyes is thin and sensitive so it is best to stick to products specifically designed for that area.

7. It It promotes the production of collagen.

Over time, the naturally occurring Collagen is depletes. Fine lines and wrinkling can be caused by lower levels of collagen.

Vitamin C is well known for boosting collagen production through the process of collagen synthesis. In fact, collagen synthesis can’t happen without vitamin C.

The two enzymes required for the synthesis of collagen are dependent on the cofactor for vitamins C and C.

  • The prolyl hydroxylase is a stabilizing factor in the collagen molecule.
  • lysyl hydroxylase provides structural strength.

You can also boost collagen production through your diet.

8. It may help prevent skin sagging

Skin elasticity and firmness are related to the production of ganache. Your skin may begin to lose elasticity when your collagen levels drop.

Applying a vitamin C serum may boost collagen production, resulting in an overall tightening effect, reports a 2017 review. This is true for sagging due to natural aging, oxidative stress damage, or extreme weight loss.

It can help reduce the appearance of sagging skin, making it look more toned and firm.

9. It protects against sun damage

Excessive exposure to oxidant stress via pollutants or ultraviolet (UV) irradiation is associated with depleted vitamin C levels in the skin.

Researchers are unsure of the cause or effect of lower levels of the vitamins C and C6 in mature or photo damaged skin.

Sun damage is caused by molecules called free radicals. These are atoms with a missing electron. Free radicals search for other atoms from which they can “steal” an electron — and this can lead to significant damage to the skin.

The vitamins C and E are rich in anti-oxidants. Free radicals are rendered harmless by the use of Antioxidants.

10. It may help soothe sunburns

In addition to minimizing redness, vitamin C accelerates cell turnover, according to a 2017 review. This replaces the damaged cells with healthy new ones.

The above review states that the application of vitamins C and E in combination with other compounds has been shown to reduce injury due to UV irradiation. The combination decreases inflammation caused by excessive UV exposure.

It is important to note that researchers found that only a small amount of vitamins C and E can be used to reduce sunburn.

11. It generally helps boost wound healing

It should be no surprise that applying a coat of vitamins C can speed up wound healing. Your risk of wound infections and scarring is reduced by healthy wound healing.

It is possible that a deficiency in this key vitamins can make wounds take longer to heal.

A 2017 review found that taking vitamin C supplements had a positive effect on skin healing and growth by boosting antioxidant levels in the body and the skin.

This is partly because wound healing and vitamins C and C-linked to the formation of collagen.

All skin products have the potential to cause side effects, even if they are well-tolerated.

You should always do a patch test to assess your risk of allergic reaction. Here is how.

  1. A small area of skin that is easy to conceal is the forearm.
  2. Wait 24 hours for a small amount of product.
  3. You can apply it to your face if there are no side effects. If you develop a rash, redness or hives, stop using it.

“Follow the instructions on the product’s label when you are ready to apply it.”

It is best to introduce new products one at a time, so that the skin reaction can be mitigated.

The amount of vitamins C and C is applied once or twice a day. A good rule of thumb is to cleanse, tone, and apply aRetinol. It is important to apply skin care products with clean hands.

It can be used with other active ingredients, but it may make the effectiveness of the vitamins less effective.

According to a 2020 review, a combination of tyrosine, zinc, and vitamin C was shown to increase the bioavailability of vitamin C 20 times more than just vitamin C alone.

Make sure to check the use-by date of your product. The product may have changed color or it may have been dark. The product is still safe to use, but it no longer has the same benefits.

You should always do a patch test before applying. This is the only way to know how your skin will react to the serum.

If your skin is especially sensitive, avoid products with L-ascorbic acid is ascorbic acid.. Products with The magnesium ascorbylphosphate is a type of sulfate. may be less likely to cause irritation.

Product formulation and packaging affect stability.

The following vitamins are designed to retain their potency.

  • L-ascorbic acid is ascorbic acid.
  • Ascorbyl palmitate is a type of palmitate.
  • The magnesium ascorbylphosphate is a type of sulfate.

You should make sure the product is water-free. The bottle should be very tight.

You can check out our favorite vitamin C serums organized by how dry or oily your skin is.

It is possible to heal blemish, reduce hyperpigmentation, and give your skin an out-of-this-world glow with the help of vitamins C and C.

Adding consistency to your skin care routine is important for maximum effect.

Some people apply it in the morning to take advantage of its UV-protectant properties, while others prefer to use it as a night serum. Others apply it twice daily.

If you begin to experience irritation or discomfort, stop using.