The Science Behind Vitamin C's Anti-Aging Properties for the Skin

There’s a pretty good chance that vitamin C will do your skin wonders – it's renowned for its anti-aging benefits, it can help treat hyperpigmentation, and it can even transform dullness overnight. Whether you’re dealing with acne scars or sun damage, the right vitamin C serum can do your skin wonders.

Now, if you’re already wondering what a vitamin C serum is, we’re here to tell you!

Of course, there’s also a good chance that you already know what vitamin C is; in fact, you may even know how it works on your skin. But for those of us who’d rather not learn the differences between L-Ascorbic Acid, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, and Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, let’s stick with the basics: what does vitamin C do for the skin? And what vitamin C product is best for me?

Let’s start by dipping our toes into the science behind vitamin C.

Vitamin C is a skincare ingredient with a lot of research behind it–especially when it comes to firming the skin and preventing wrinkles. According to one review on vitamin C in dermatology, this supercharged antioxidant is both safe and effective in skincare, particularly when it comes to handling hyperpigmentation, tissue inflammation, and tissue healing.

Vitamin C has also been shown to reduce the appearance of dark spots, and it’s been shown in clinical studies that it does this by inhibiting the production of melanin in the skin. These trials also indicated that most participants who applied vitamin C topically experienced very few side effects.

Moreover, vitamin C may even be helpful for those with acne, likely because of its anti-inflammatory properties. Twice-daily application in placebo studies showed a reduction in acne, with no side effects reported.

Some additional studies have indicated that vitamin C can reduce the appearance of wrinkles. In one study, it was shown that daily use of topical vitamin C for three months improved the appearance of fine and wrinkles, along with an improved overall skin texture and appearance.

Finally, vitamin C has been particularly noted for its potential to protect the skin from harmful ultraviolet rays, specifically when used in combination with a broad-spectrum sunscreen. Studies combining vitamin C with ingredients like ferulic acid can help shield the skin from long-term sun damage.

While there are many skincare ingredients out there that can be irritating (like retinol) and tend to require a gradual introduction into your skincare regimen, vitamin C doesn’t require quite as much vigilance. That being said, it’s still recommended to start out using your vitamin C product a few times a week as you observe the way it affects your skin.

While it’s true that a lot of skincare ingredients can only be used at night, vitamin C is perfectly fine to use then. It’s typically encouraged for daytime use due to the way it defends the skin from free radicals, pollution, and UV rays–all things your skin encounters during the day. Usually, the best way to use vitamin C is by applying a few drops to freshly cleansed skin, followed by a moisturizer and SPF.

Determining the ideal potency for your skin type is crucial to the effectiveness of your vitamin C product. Typically, it’s recommended that those new to vitamin C start with a low concentration of 10%, and increase as tolerated. For oily or normal skin types, L-ascorbic acid is the most concentrated form of vitamin C and can be the most effective, while for dry and sensitive skin, magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, which is a water-soluble vitamin C, is less likely to cause irritation.

To kick things off with vitamin C, a serum is often the best way to go. What does a vitamin C serum do? A vitamin C serum is water-based and lightweight, so it easily sinks into the skin to deliver its benefits.

That being said, no two individuals’ skin types are the same, and there’s a wide range of different ways to get your skin’s dose of vitamin C.

Keep reading to learn which vitamin C is best for your skin.

Vitamin C for Dry Skin: Vitamin C Boost
If your skin’s constantly looking dull and feeling thirsty, this water-activated powder treatment uses stable vitamin C and hyaluronic acid to quench pores while boosting brightness. This Boost features a potent dose of stable Vitamin C, which is formulated to drastically spike skin’s radiance while diminishing the appearance of dark spots. While the pH-balanced formula promotes a brighter complexion, it also supports collagen and elastin production for skin that’s firm, soft and supple.

Vitamin C for Oily Skin: Vitamin C Serum
When you have oily skin, you need a vitamin C product that’s non-greasy, but still offers some hydration. This lightweight, stabilized vitamin C serum uses a base of lightweight, soothing aloe gel, while vitamin C brightens skin tone and promotes collagen production.

Vitamin C for Wrinkle Care: Multi-Vitamin + Antioxidants Potent PM Serum
Potent, highly-stable vitamins work in a synergistic connection to diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, improve firmness and elasticity, and illuminate and even the skin tone. While vitamin C and niacinamide typically aren’t compatible in a formula, we formulated this serum with Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate: the highest quality, most stable form of Vitamin C, which has a pH balance of 6 — the same as Niacinamide. This allows the two vitamins to work harmoniously to restore a youthful, glowing complexion.

Vitamin C for Targeting Dullness: 18.3% Active Ingredients Vitamin C Glow Max Bright Mask
This super-concentrated vitamin C treatment incorporates age-correcting Bakuchiol, CoQ10, Vitamin E, and other glow-inducing nutrients to improve texture and complexion with each use. Dramatically illuminates, promotes collagen, firms, and lessens the appearance of lines and wrinkles while deeply moisturizing and softening.

While there’s still much to learn about the benefits of vitamin C for skin, and what makes the best formulation, the research so far is nothing short of promising. Vitamin C has been shown to help heal blemishes, fade hyperpigmentation, and create an otherworldly glow in your skin.

While many individuals apply it in the morning to capitalize on its UV-defending affinity, others may prefer to use it as a night serum. Then, some use it twice a day.

Like with anything, consistency is the most important thing when it comes to using vitamin C for skincare, so add it in a way that makes daily use a breeze.