The Complete Guide to Vitamin C

In the world of skincare, vitamin C stands out as a powerhouse antioxidant ingredient synonymous with brighter, more even-toned skin. This essential nutrient, naturally present in the body, works tirelessly to maintain healthy skin by stimulating collagen production and providing crucial antioxidant protection against UV-induced photodamage. As collagen production naturally decreases with age, vitamin C becomes increasingly important for maintaining skin firmness, elasticity and a coveted glow.

Whether you're battling dark spots, fine lines, dullness or uneven skin tone, vitamin C serums and treatments offer science-backed solutions for virtually every skin concern. Read on for our comprehensive Skin Laundry guide to vitamin C and discover why dermatologists and skincare experts universally recommend incorporating this transformative ingredient into your daily routine.

What Is Vitamin C?

Vitamin C (also known as L-ascorbic acid) is a water-soluble vitamin naturally present in the skin's dermal and epidermal layers. However, these levels significantly deplete as we age and after repeated exposure to oxidative stress caused by environmental pollutants, cigarette smoke and UV irradiation.

Here's the challenge: our bodies cannot produce additional vitamin C on their own, and the vitamin C we consume through diet — from citrus fruits, berries and leafy greens — is only available to the skin in limited amounts after being distributed throughout the body's various systems.

The good news? Extensive scientific research demonstrates that applying vitamin C topically through serums, creams and professional treatments can deliver concentrated doses directly into the skin, effectively replenishing your reserves of this crucial antioxidant where you need it most.

What Does Vitamin C Do for Your Skin?

When it comes to topical vitamin C, the skincare benefits are extensive and well-documented:

1. Powerful Antioxidant Protection

Vitamin C acts as a potent antioxidant shield, protecting skin cells from free radical damage caused by UV exposure, pollution and environmental stressors. This protection helps prevent premature skin aging and keeps your complexion looking fresh and healthy.

2. Brightens and Evens Skin Tone

One of vitamin C's most celebrated benefits is its ability to fade dark spots, hyperpigmentation and sun damage. It works by inhibiting tyrosinase, the enzyme responsible for melanin production, resulting in a more luminous, even-toned complexion with continued use.

3. Reduces Fine Lines and Wrinkles

Vitamin C has been clinically proven to stimulate collagen synthesis, the protein responsible for skin structure and firmness. Increased collagen production helps diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while improving overall skin texture and elasticity.

4. Enhances Sun Protection

While vitamin C should never replace your daily SPF, studies show it provides additional protection from harmful UV rays by neutralizing free radicals generated by sun exposure. When used alongside broad-spectrum sunscreen, it creates a powerful defense system against photodamage.

5. Calms Inflammation and Treats Acne

Thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, vitamin C can help soothe irritated skin and reduce redness. It also aids in healing acne breakouts and minimizing post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (those stubborn dark marks left behind after blemishes heal).

6. Improves Skin Hydration

Vitamin C helps strengthen the skin's barrier function, reducing transepidermal water loss and helping your skin retain moisture more effectively for a plumper, more hydrated appearance.

7. Accelerates Wound Healing

Vitamin C plays a crucial role in tissue repair and regeneration, helping skin recover faster from damage, breakouts and environmental aggressors.

When and How Often Should You Use Vitamin C?

While vitamin C can be used both morning and night, scientific research suggests different benefits depending on application time:

Morning Application: Most dermatologists recommend using vitamin C in the morning to take advantage of its antioxidant protection against daytime environmental stressors, UV exposure and pollution. Apply it after cleansing and before sunscreen for optimal photoprotection.

Evening Application: Studies indicate vitamin C is particularly beneficial after UV exposure, making it an excellent choice for your evening routine during summer months. It can be used in place of retinol when you want to give your skin a break from potentially irritating ingredients.

Vitamin C is generally safe for daily use. However, if you're new to vitamin C or have sensitive skin, start with application every other day and gradually increase to daily use as your skin builds tolerance. However there are some best practices when it come to layering and combining Vitamin C skincare products with other active ingredients.

Vitamin C Pairs Well With:

• Hyaluronic acid: Boosts hydration while vitamin C brightens
• Niacinamide (vitamin B3): Despite old myths, these ingredients work beautifully together to brighten and strengthen the skin barrier
• SPF: Essential for daytime use to maximize UV protection

Exercise Caution When Mixing With:

• AHAs/BHAs: Can be used on the same day but at different times (vitamin C in the morning, acids at night) to prevent irritation
• Retinol/retinoids: Best used at separate times — vitamin C in the morning, retinol at night — to maximize benefits and minimize sensitivity
• Benzoyl peroxide: Can oxidize vitamin C, rendering it less effective; use at different times of day