Skincare experts and beauty bloggers the world over can’t stop talking about the skincare benefits of vitamin C. Read on to find out what this on-trend ingredient can really do for your skin!
Skin benefits of vitamin C
External factors, such as pollution and sun damage, have the potential to leave our complexions looking tired, dull, and grey, while oxidative stress linked to our environment (and lifestyle) can accelerate signs of premature aging. Fortunately, vitamin C, while essential for a healthy diet, can also significantly improve the appearance of our skin, thanks to its significant antioxidant properties - essential for helping to undo signs of free radical damage.
Vitamin C’s skin benefits don’t stop there. Linked to increased collagen production[1] - responsible for giving skin a youthful, plump appearance - vitamin C has also been associated with reducing visible signs of photoaging.[2]In fact, certain formulations of vitamin C have even been shown to offer clinically visible improvements in the appearance of wrinkles.[3]
New products on the market are even more exciting. A new innovation in the world of skincare, skin cures enriched with vitamin C deliver skin a concentrated boost of all the benefits this impressive ingredient has to offer. Featuring hyaluronic acid and vitamin E alongside impressive levels of vitamin C, Vichy’s Liftactiv Antioxidant & Anti-Fatigue Fresh Shot leaves skin visibly firmer after just ten days, reducing signs of fatigue and smoothing fine lines for a brighter, more radiant complexion.[4]
Vitamin C speeds up cell repair - in other words, it boosts cell metabolism.
Dr. Nina Roos, Dermatologist
How does vitamin C help fight tired skin?
An impressive list of benefits - but how exactly does vitamin C work beneath the surface of the skin? We asked dermatologist Dr. Nina Roos to explain. Nina says: “Vitamin C speeds up cell repair - in other words, it boosts cell metabolism. This means that skin is better able to recover and deal with visible signs of fatigue. Vitamin C also stimulates collagen synthesis, helping skin to keep its elasticity, as well as helping to fight against damage linked to oxidative stress.” In other words, vitamin C helps to reduce the appearance of dull or tired skin - often linked to a buildup of dead cells. All in all, an excellent recipe for glowing skin!
Sources:
[1] Boyera, N. Galey, I. and Bernard, B.A. ‘Effect of vitamin C and its derivatives on collagen synthesis and cross-linking by normal human fibroblasts’ in Internet Journal of Cosmetic Science 20.3 (1998) pp. 151-158 [Accessible at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18505499/]
[2] P. Telang, ‘Vitamin C in dermatology’ in Indian Dermatology Online Journal (2013) 4.2, pp. 143-146. [Accessible at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3673383/]
[3] Boyera, N. Galey, I. and Bernard, B.A. (Cited above)
[4] Vichy LiftActiv Fresh Shot, tested on 40 women in clinical conditions. 15% pure vitamin C.