The only nutrient that can transform the appearance of your skin is undoubtedly Vitamin C.
Did you know that Vitamin C is an essential vitamin? If not, then let me explain you. As an essential vitamin, it means our body can't produce Vitamin C itself; thus, we depend on taking it from external sources to fulfill the body's needs. You can either go for edible sources or topical applications.
In this fast-paced life, consuming rich Vitamin C foods daily isn't easy. But still, you can get maximum benefits of Vitamin C for skin by taking good quality supplements or with the applications of serums, facial moisturizers, essential oils, and other beauty products, which is the easiest way to get vitamin C.
Let's take a leapfrog and dive deep to uncover the noteworthy beauty benefits of Vitamin C for skin and your body.
Antioxidant Protection
Vitamin C (also known as L-ascorbic acid) has strong antioxidant properties. It supports you in neutralizing free radicals (toxins) moving in your body.
What is it, and where it comes from? Free radicals can come in contact with your skin either with air population or can produce inside your body as a metabolism by-product.
If it's not removed well can cause severe wear and tear of the skin in the longer run. But the good news is vitamin C kicks out free radicals and effectively fights against them to reduce harmful oxidative stress.
These powerful Vitamin C activities are enough to add them to your beauty regimen and naturally improve the overall appearance of your skin from the inside out.
Collagen Production
The second benefit of vitamin C for skin is no less than the first one.
No one wants to look older than the actual age. Fair enough! But what if there is one single nutrient that can make you look even younger – it's hands down Vitamin C, the powerful anti-aging product.
This only vitamin boosts collagen formation in the body, which is effective in relieving signs of premature aging and reducing the appearance of fine lines and coarse wrinkles on your face and neck.
Collagen is a major structural protein of the skin to keep it youthful. That's why vitamin C promotes continuous collagen production to retain its elasticity and protects your skin from sagging.
Brightening
Here comes the most awaited benefit of Vitamin C for skin – Its brightening effects.
But the good news is that, unlike chemical-treated brightening products, vitamin C is completely safe for all skin types to use as a skin-lightening agent.
Research has confirmed that vitamin C can hold back melanin production under the layer of skin. Our body naturally produces melanin. It is a pigment that contributes to darker skin color.
By preventing melanin production, vitamin C can reduce dark spots and hyperpigmentation. It helps in skin lightening and brightening.
Reduce Hyperpigmentation
Yes, you read it right. Vitamin C skin care products can actually cut down on blemishes, sun-tan and reduce hyperpigmentation to give your skin an uninterrupted glow.
Hyperpigmentation is the dark patches on your skin. It happens due to the overactivity of melanin in certain areas.
But since Vitamin C reduces melanin production, it is one of the most dermatologist-favorite products for reducing the pigmented spots on the skin.
Wound Healing
With its effects on collagen production, it's no surprise that vitamin C supports the wound-healing process at the injured site. This vitamin helps your body promote more collagen synthesis to rebuild the lost connective tissues.
Research also shows that Vitamin C shows a positive effect on skin regeneration. It is also one of the essential nutrients that aid in skin healing and growth by collagen formation.
Studies also claim that a Vitamin C deficiency can take wounds longer to heal. So by now, it is obvious to add this key vitamin into your daily life to get rid of scars.
Sun Protection
Vitamin C works best at bedtime. But if you want to take the sun-protectant benefits of vitamin C to limit UV exposure, then don't forget to add it to your morning skincare routine.
Vitamin C has the potential to protect you from long-term damage by shielding your skin from harmful sun rays. For optimum results, you can also combine a broad-spectrum SPF sunblock with Vitamin C.
Reduce Acne
Dealing with acne-prone skin? In addition to other benefits of vitamin C for skin, you can use it for acne and for reducing scars.
We know that acne is noticeable, so it is distressing at the same time. But studies prove that topical application of Vitamin C has a positive effect on treating acne and scars.
With its anti-inflammatory properties, Vitamin C controls sebum (oil) production within the layer of skin. Thus, relieving redness and inflammation.
Reduce Undereye Circles
Since the skin around the eye area is thin and delicate, that's why it is best to use natural products. However, Vitamin C is good for reducing discoloration but also shows significant improvement in the appearance of dark circles.
Vitamin C fades under eye pigmentation by plumping and hydrating the eye area.
Hydrates Skin
Increasing the skin hydration status is one of the most sought-after benefits of vitamin C for skin. Applying it nicely and incorporating it into your daily lives can promise to get the best glowing, healthy and fresh skin you will ever have
An adequate intake of Vitamin C and good quality topical application can reduce your skin's dryness and revitalizes it by allowing your skin to lock and retain more moisture into your skin.
Also Read: Top 15 Superfoods For Glowing Skin in 2023
Reduces Redness
Vitamin C is an anti-inflammatory agent which helps you to keep the redness, swelling, dark spots, and irritation at bay.
- Soothing your skin internally and reducing puffiness.
- Neutralize free harmful radicals to inhibit the wear and tear of the skin.
- Regulate the immune system to suppress the inflammatory response.
These properties of vitamin C, in turn, leave your skin with a more even, clear and smooth skin complexion.
Benefits of Vitamin C for Skin – FAQs
Do vitamin C supplements help skin?
A big yes! Apart from nourishing your skin, the benefits of Vitamin C for skin are many. It can boost your immunity, promotes collagen synthesis, and reduce acne.
How long does it take for vitamin C supplements to work on skin?
The water-soluble nature of vitamin C makes it more rapidly dissolve nutrients and shows results within a few hours, or it might take half a day. For maximum benefits, take supplements in the morning.
Do vitamin C tablets lighten skin?
Vitamin C tablets and skincare products can lighten the dark spots and pigmentation on your skin effectively and help brighten your skin's appearance.
What vitamins to take to look younger?
Vitamin C is the single vitamin that arguably takes the crown for giving the youthful appearance of your skin by stimulating collagen production and improving fine lines and coarse wrinkles.
Should I take vitamin C in the morning or at night?
You can also take it any time of the day, with or without food. However, the best time to take Vitamin C is in the morning. Also, including it in your morning skincare routine protects your skin from harmful UV exposure.
Conclusion
Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that fights free radicals and reduces oxidative stress in the body.
When it comes to reducing fine lines, wrinkles, and other signs of your skin's wear and tear, vitamin C is your go-to friend. It also helps fade pigmentation and smooth the skin tone by removing dullness and under-eye dark circles.
The best part is, whether you have oily, dry, or a combination skin of these two, you can still enjoy the full benefits of vitamin C for skin - as long as you're taking supplements and applying them daily.
Therefore, consistency is the key to incorporating Vitamin C into your daily skincare routine in a way that works for you.