Vitamin C Benefits for Skin Care

When you think of Vitamin C, orange juice and multivitamins are probably the first things called to mind. But Vitamin C is more than just a product of citrus fruit: it is also a great topical ingredient. Dermatologists and other skin care experts have discovered an array of benefits, making it a favorite addition to skin care products everywhere. No matter what your skin care needs are, incorporating Vitamin C into your daily ritual is a must.

What is Vitamin C?

Vitamin C is an essential dietary nutrient that humans must consume, and for good reason. It’s a potent antioxidant, fighting off free radicals and boosting the immune system, and it contains collagen and other proteins that are essential for the growth and repair of the body’s tissues. Vitamin C is most commonly found in citrus fruits, but can also be consumed through other fruits like Berries, Papaya, Mango, and vegetables like Green Peppers and Spinach. Many people also opt to take Vitamin C supplements.

One lesser-known source of Vitamin C is the Amla Fruit, also known as the Indian Gooseberry. This ancient “super berry” hails from India and contains as much as 20 times the amount of Vitamin C as an orange. Whether it is in fresh produce, juice, or tablet form, Vitamin C is an important component of any healthy diet, as the body is not able to obtain the nutrient on its own. Applied topically, this acid can provide just as many benefits to the outside of the body as it does inside.

Natural vs. synthetic Vitamin C for topical use

Despite the many options for natural Vitamin C, some skin care companies have opted to use synthetic Vitamin C instead. There are a few benefits to this swap: It makes the formula more stable and longer-lasting, and also less sensitive to temperature. But many prefer natural Vitamin C, with good reason.

The biggest downside to synthetic Vitamin C formulas is that they aren’t very compatible with sensitive skin. In addition, they can’t be combined with many common ingredients found in other daily-use skin care items, reducing the potential benefits. For those with sensitive skin or interested in maximizing the benefits of this powerful ingredient, products formulated with naturally-derived Vitamin C from fruits like the Amla Fruit are the best choice.

Benefits of Vitamin C for skin

Vitamin C alone has many benefits, but when combined with other ingredients, it can tackle a wide variety of skin concerns. Read on to learn about how this nutrient maintains healthy, beautiful skin, inside and out.

Fights free radicals

Our skin is exposed to free radicals in many ways: Chemicals in the products we use, pollution in the atmosphere, and UV exposure. Free radicals are unstable atoms and they damage the skin cells, which accelerates the aging process and, worse, potentially lead to diseases by creating an imbalance of antioxidants. Vitamin C has the ability to neutralize free radicals, restoring a balance of antioxidants and protecting the skin against disease and premature aging.

Soothes inflammation

When you have a sunburn, you may find yourself reaching for Aloe first, which is great for soothing the tender skin! But Vitamin C would also be a great addition, as it reduces inflammation and promotes wound healing, reducing the long-term damage of too much sun.

Boosts production of collagen & elastin

Collagen provides structure and support in the body, and elastin ensures that the skin and muscles can maintain shape as they stretch and contract. Together, these proteins create firm, plump, and youthful-looking skin — but production of these proteins decreases with age. Luckily, Vitamin C can boost production by triggering healing with its acidic properties.

Brightens & evens skin tone

Even if you avoid sunburn, hyperpigmentation and dark spots are another summer skin care concern. Melanin protects the skin from UV rays, so excessive sun exposure triggers more production, but this can result in uneven skin tone. Vitamin C helps prohibit the production of melanin, which slows down and even reverses the hyperpigmentation, thus evening the skin tone. It also brightens the skin by helping to slough away dead skin cells, similar to a chemical exfoliant.

Notes to keep in mind

Now, some things to keep in mind when incorporating this ingredient. Vitamin C in its natural form can oxidize, or combine with oxygen and lose electrons if it isn't stable. Oxidized Vitamin C is not harmful, but it is less potent. We employ a stable form of Amla Fruit-derived Vitamin C in our new Firming Vitamin C Treatment, which means the oil treatment will stay potent and effective for at least 6 months after opening. People using any form of topical Vitamin C should also make sure to follow up with a liberal amount of sunscreen, as your skin will be more sensitive to UV rays. Finally, be aware that those with sensitive skin may experience irritation when combining Vitamin C with other acids. Experiencing an adverse reaction, in this case, is less common when using naturally-derived Vitamin C products, but it’s still something to be mindful of. When in doubt, make sure to patch test or — even better — consult a dermatologist.

Niacinamide & Vitamin C

As mentioned above, synthetic forms of Vitamin C don’t always play well when combined with other ingredients. One, in particular, is Niacinamide — a form of Vitamin B3 that usually assists with redness and inflammation. These two powerhouse ingredients can be a skin care dream team, but if the Vitamin C being used is synthetic, the two will actually cause a chemical reaction that leads to breakouts and cancels out each of the nutrients’ benefits. When using a Vitamin C-based product that is naturally derived, there isn’t a need to worry about an adverse reaction if you choose to layer Niacinamide with your Vitamin C treatment.

Best ways to use Vitamin C in your skin care ritual

There are a variety of Vitamin C products for every step in your skin care ritual, such as moisturizers, toners, and spot treatments, but the most common (and effective) forms are in serums and oils. These treatments are typically applied to cleansed skin after using a toner and before applying your favorite moisturizer and SPF. This way, the Vitamin can be fully absorbed into the skin and sealed in as you hydrate, and if used in the morning, have time to settle before you apply makeup.

See what natural Vitamin C can do for your skin

As you can see, there are plenty of reasons to try all-natural Vitamin C. If your curiosity has been piqued and you want to add Vitamin C to your skin care ritual, our new Firming Vitamin C Treatment, created with natural Vitamin C from traditional Amla Fruit, is the perfect way to do it. Any skin type will see benefits like healing and brightening from consistently using this lightweight, fast-absorbing treatment. Add it to your skin care ritual today.