Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsBoosts CollagenReduces HyperpigmentationHas Anti-Aging EffectsProtects Against Sun DamagePromotes Wound HealingHydrates SkinReduces RednessHow to Use Vitamin CRisksFAQ
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Boosts Collagen
Reduces Hyperpigmentation
Has Anti-Aging Effects
Protects Against Sun Damage
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrates Skin
Reduces Redness
How to Use Vitamin C
Risks
FAQ
Vitamin C—also known as ascorbic acid—is a water-soluble nutrient that plays an important role in keeping your body and skin healthy. If you’re curious about what vitamin C does for your skin, this incredibleantioxidanthas many benefits, including the potential to:
Researchers have discovered that when it comes to healthy skin, topical vitamin C is significantly more effective than consuming it.It’s no surprise that this potent antioxidant is commonly found in face cleansers, serums, oils, andmoisturizers.
This article discusses the benefits of vitamin C for skin, how to use products with it, and potential risks.
Laura Porter / Verywell
Vitamin C is absolutely essential for producing collagen in the body. Collagen is the building block of skin, hair, muscles, and tendons, and it is what keeps our skin looking youthful and smooth. As we age, collagen production slows down, which may lead to sagging skin.
When applied topically, vitamin C accelerates the production of both collagen and elastin, which help keep the skin plump and firm.
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Topical vitamin C can help prevent premature aging of the skin, restoring a youthful, smooth appearance to the skin.
Not only does vitamin C boost collagen production, which can reduce wrinkles and increase elasticity of the skin, but it also help prevent the loss of collagen that results from natural aging.
Studies show that vitamin C in the skin can help protect against UV damage.
Exposure to UV radiation from the sun(as well as tanning beds) can create free radicals in the skin, which may damage skin cells and lead to the breakdown of collagen. This causesphotoaging(or premature aging). Signs of sun damage include wrinkles, sagging skin, uneven skin tone or texture, skin redness, and broken capillaries (spider veins).
Vitamin C plays a key role in tissue repair and regeneration due to its anti-inflammatory properties and its ability to encourage collagen production—an essential component of connective tissue. That said, it’s not surprising that poor wound healing is a common symptom of a vitamin C deficiency.
A 2022 systematic review published inAntioxidantsfound that takingvitamin C supplementswas able to improve healing outcomes in people with certain types of wounds, particularly pressure ulcers.
Without sufficient moisture, the epidermis (top layer of skin) starts to dry out, which leads to itchy, scaly skin and premature aging. Hydration is vital to keeping your skin healthy and youthful-looking.
According to a 2017 review article published inNutrients,vitamin C may play an important role in the formation of the outermost layer of skin—enhancing the skin’s ability to protect itself from water loss.
Fortunately, vitamin C is clinically proven to help skin retain water, keeping it plump and smooth and preventing it from becoming too oily or dry. Researchers found that individuals who were given a supplement containing vitamin C showed significant and sustainable improvements in skin hydration, elasticity, and roughness.
Blotchy, uneven, and red skin can result from a number of factors, including inflammatory skin conditions (e.g.,eczemaandrosacea), sun exposure, hormones, and medical conditions.
But you don’t have to live with skin redness, thanks to vitamin C. A significant body of research shows that this powerhouse vitamin minimizes redness thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Vitamin C also helps mend damaged capillaries that cause skin redness, creating a smoother, more even complexion.
Learn About Other Vitamins That Support Skin Health.
How to Use Vitamin C for Skin Care
Whether your skin is dry, oily, or a combination, vitamin C is beneficial for skin health, helping it look and feel healthier and younger longer. There are two ways to use vitamin C for skin care: nutritional intake and applying it topically.
Nutritional Intake
This is because dietary intake of vitamin C is sufficient to reach lower levels of your skin, but generally won’t reach the top layers of the skin. However tasty, eating a pint of blueberries isn’t likely to help your skin get that youthful glow (even if it’s great for the rest of your body). That’s where topical vitamin C comes in.
The Best Time to Take Vitamin C Supplements, According to Science
Topical
Topical vitamin C is absorbed directly into the topmost layers of the skin, allowing it to get to work immediately on smoothing the skin, reducing fine lines and dark spots and protecting against free radicals.
Vitamin C is available in facial moisturizers and serums. Serums are more concentrated than moisturizers and more easily absorb into the skin, which is why more skincare specialists recommendvitamin C serums.
Sometimes, less is more. Most research says that vitamin C is best implemented into your skincare routine when used as a topical serum. Even serums containing low concentrations (under 1%) of vitamin C still deliver antioxidant protection and skin benefits.
How Often Should You Use Vitamin C?
Ready to incorporate vitamin C into your daily skin routine? Your skincare routine should generally include:
Before you go all-in on the vitamin C, test a patch of skin with a lower-concentration formula to see how your skin reacts. Some minor tingling is normal, but if you experience anything more intense, stop using the product and talk to your dermatologist.
Vitamin C is generally safe when consumed in foods or applied topically. However, those with sensitive skin or allergies may experience a yellowish discoloration of the skin.
Research on Future Possible Uses UnderwayContinuous efforts are being made to research other benefits of vitamin C, including its effects on hair growth, wound healing, smoking-related skin aging, scars, and stretch marks.
Research on Future Possible Uses Underway
Continuous efforts are being made to research other benefits of vitamin C, including its effects on hair growth, wound healing, smoking-related skin aging, scars, and stretch marks.
Summary
Vitamin C is one of the most well-researched skin care ingredients. When you’re young, levels of this powerful antioxidant in the skin are abundant, but they naturally deplete as you age. Vitamin C skincare products such as serums and moisturizers can help supplement, leading to skin that feels firmer and has a brighter, more even complexion.
When purchasing a vitamin C serum, look for dark bottles. Vitamin C breaks down when exposed to light or air, so dark glass bottles help maintain its efficacy and stability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Learn MoreWhich Vitamin C Serums Should I Buy?
Vitamin C is one of the best antioxidants to protect the skin and promote a healthy look. Niacinamide is another antioxidant that can reduce lines and make skin brighter.Learn MoreHow to Use Antioxidants for Skin Health
Vitamin C is one of the best antioxidants to protect the skin and promote a healthy look. Niacinamide is another antioxidant that can reduce lines and make skin brighter.
Learn MoreHow to Use Antioxidants for Skin Health
Learn MoreFacts About Melanoma
16 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Pullar J, Carr A, Vissers M.The roles of vitamin C in skin health.Nutrients. 2017;9(8):866. doi:10.3390/nu9080866Al-Niaimi F, Chiang NYZ.Topical vitamin C and the skin: mechanisms of action and clinical applications.J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2017;10(7):14-17.Reilly DM, Lozano J.Skin collagen through the lifestages: importance for skin health and beauty.Plastic and Aesthetic Research. 2021; 8: 2. doi:10.20517/2347-9264.2020.153Sanadi RM, Deshmukh RS.The effect of Vitamin C on melanin pigmentation - A systematic review.J Oral Maxillofac Pathol. 2020;24(2):374-382. doi:10.4103/jomfp.JOMFP_207_20Boo YC.Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) as a cosmeceutical to increase dermal collagen for skin antiaging purposes: emerging combination therapies.Antioxidants. 2022;11(9):1663. doi:10.3390/antiox11091663De Dormael R, Bastien P, Sextius P, et al.Vitamin C prevents ultraviolet-induced pigmentation in healthy volunteers: Bayesian meta-analysis results from 31 randomized controlled versus vehicle clinical studies.J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2019;12(2):E53-E59.Kawashima, S., Funakoshi, T., Sato, Y.et al.Protective effect of pre- and post-vitamin C treatments on UVB-irradiation-induced skin damage.Sci Rep.2018;8(16199). doi:10.1038/s41598-018-34530-4Skin Cancer Foundation.Surprising Signs of Sun Damage.Correia G, Magina S.Efficacy of topical vitamin C in melasma and photoaging: A systematic review.J of Cosmetic Dermatology. 2023;jocd:15748. doi:10.1111/jocd.15748Bechara N, Flood VM, Gunton JE.A systematic review on the role of vitamin c in tissue healing.Antioxidants. 2022;11(8):1605. doi:10.3390/antiox11081605Bolke L, Schlippe G, Gerß J, Voss W.A collagen supplement improves skin hydration, elasticity, roughness, and density: Results of a randomized, placebo-controlled, blind study.Nutrients. 2019;11(10):2494. doi:10.3390/nu11102494American Academy of Dermatology Association.10 Reasons your face is red.Jaros A, Zasada M, Budzisz E, Dębowska R, Gębczyńska‐Rzepka M, Rotsztejn H.Evaluation of selected skin parameters following the application of 5% vitamin C concentrate.J Cosmet Dermatol. 2019;18(1):236-241.Telang PS.Vitamin C in dermatology.Indian Dermatol Online J. 2013;4(2):143-146. doi:10.4103/2229-5178.110593Wohlrab J, Kreft D.Niacinamide - mechanisms of action and its topical use in dermatology.Skin Pharmacol Physiol. 2014;27(6):311-315. doi:10.1159/000359974Yang G, Yan Y, Ma Y, Yang Y.Vitamin C at high concentrations induces cytotoxicity in malignant melanoma but promotes tumor growth at low concentrations.Mol Carcinog. 2017;56(8):1965-1976. doi:10.1002/mc.22654
16 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Pullar J, Carr A, Vissers M.The roles of vitamin C in skin health.Nutrients. 2017;9(8):866. doi:10.3390/nu9080866Al-Niaimi F, Chiang NYZ.Topical vitamin C and the skin: mechanisms of action and clinical applications.J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2017;10(7):14-17.Reilly DM, Lozano J.Skin collagen through the lifestages: importance for skin health and beauty.Plastic and Aesthetic Research. 2021; 8: 2. doi:10.20517/2347-9264.2020.153Sanadi RM, Deshmukh RS.The effect of Vitamin C on melanin pigmentation - A systematic review.J Oral Maxillofac Pathol. 2020;24(2):374-382. doi:10.4103/jomfp.JOMFP_207_20Boo YC.Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) as a cosmeceutical to increase dermal collagen for skin antiaging purposes: emerging combination therapies.Antioxidants. 2022;11(9):1663. doi:10.3390/antiox11091663De Dormael R, Bastien P, Sextius P, et al.Vitamin C prevents ultraviolet-induced pigmentation in healthy volunteers: Bayesian meta-analysis results from 31 randomized controlled versus vehicle clinical studies.J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2019;12(2):E53-E59.Kawashima, S., Funakoshi, T., Sato, Y.et al.Protective effect of pre- and post-vitamin C treatments on UVB-irradiation-induced skin damage.Sci Rep.2018;8(16199). doi:10.1038/s41598-018-34530-4Skin Cancer Foundation.Surprising Signs of Sun Damage.Correia G, Magina S.Efficacy of topical vitamin C in melasma and photoaging: A systematic review.J of Cosmetic Dermatology. 2023;jocd:15748. doi:10.1111/jocd.15748Bechara N, Flood VM, Gunton JE.A systematic review on the role of vitamin c in tissue healing.Antioxidants. 2022;11(8):1605. doi:10.3390/antiox11081605Bolke L, Schlippe G, Gerß J, Voss W.A collagen supplement improves skin hydration, elasticity, roughness, and density: Results of a randomized, placebo-controlled, blind study.Nutrients. 2019;11(10):2494. doi:10.3390/nu11102494American Academy of Dermatology Association.10 Reasons your face is red.Jaros A, Zasada M, Budzisz E, Dębowska R, Gębczyńska‐Rzepka M, Rotsztejn H.Evaluation of selected skin parameters following the application of 5% vitamin C concentrate.J Cosmet Dermatol. 2019;18(1):236-241.Telang PS.Vitamin C in dermatology.Indian Dermatol Online J. 2013;4(2):143-146. doi:10.4103/2229-5178.110593Wohlrab J, Kreft D.Niacinamide - mechanisms of action and its topical use in dermatology.Skin Pharmacol Physiol. 2014;27(6):311-315. doi:10.1159/000359974Yang G, Yan Y, Ma Y, Yang Y.Vitamin C at high concentrations induces cytotoxicity in malignant melanoma but promotes tumor growth at low concentrations.Mol Carcinog. 2017;56(8):1965-1976. doi:10.1002/mc.22654
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Pullar J, Carr A, Vissers M.The roles of vitamin C in skin health.Nutrients. 2017;9(8):866. doi:10.3390/nu9080866Al-Niaimi F, Chiang NYZ.Topical vitamin C and the skin: mechanisms of action and clinical applications.J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2017;10(7):14-17.Reilly DM, Lozano J.Skin collagen through the lifestages: importance for skin health and beauty.Plastic and Aesthetic Research. 2021; 8: 2. doi:10.20517/2347-9264.2020.153Sanadi RM, Deshmukh RS.The effect of Vitamin C on melanin pigmentation - A systematic review.J Oral Maxillofac Pathol. 2020;24(2):374-382. doi:10.4103/jomfp.JOMFP_207_20Boo YC.Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) as a cosmeceutical to increase dermal collagen for skin antiaging purposes: emerging combination therapies.Antioxidants. 2022;11(9):1663. doi:10.3390/antiox11091663De Dormael R, Bastien P, Sextius P, et al.Vitamin C prevents ultraviolet-induced pigmentation in healthy volunteers: Bayesian meta-analysis results from 31 randomized controlled versus vehicle clinical studies.J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2019;12(2):E53-E59.Kawashima, S., Funakoshi, T., Sato, Y.et al.Protective effect of pre- and post-vitamin C treatments on UVB-irradiation-induced skin damage.Sci Rep.2018;8(16199). doi:10.1038/s41598-018-34530-4Skin Cancer Foundation.Surprising Signs of Sun Damage.Correia G, Magina S.Efficacy of topical vitamin C in melasma and photoaging: A systematic review.J of Cosmetic Dermatology. 2023;jocd:15748. doi:10.1111/jocd.15748Bechara N, Flood VM, Gunton JE.A systematic review on the role of vitamin c in tissue healing.Antioxidants. 2022;11(8):1605. doi:10.3390/antiox11081605Bolke L, Schlippe G, Gerß J, Voss W.A collagen supplement improves skin hydration, elasticity, roughness, and density: Results of a randomized, placebo-controlled, blind study.Nutrients. 2019;11(10):2494. doi:10.3390/nu11102494American Academy of Dermatology Association.10 Reasons your face is red.Jaros A, Zasada M, Budzisz E, Dębowska R, Gębczyńska‐Rzepka M, Rotsztejn H.Evaluation of selected skin parameters following the application of 5% vitamin C concentrate.J Cosmet Dermatol. 2019;18(1):236-241.Telang PS.Vitamin C in dermatology.Indian Dermatol Online J. 2013;4(2):143-146. doi:10.4103/2229-5178.110593Wohlrab J, Kreft D.Niacinamide - mechanisms of action and its topical use in dermatology.Skin Pharmacol Physiol. 2014;27(6):311-315. doi:10.1159/000359974Yang G, Yan Y, Ma Y, Yang Y.Vitamin C at high concentrations induces cytotoxicity in malignant melanoma but promotes tumor growth at low concentrations.Mol Carcinog. 2017;56(8):1965-1976. doi:10.1002/mc.22654
Pullar J, Carr A, Vissers M.The roles of vitamin C in skin health.Nutrients. 2017;9(8):866. doi:10.3390/nu9080866
Al-Niaimi F, Chiang NYZ.Topical vitamin C and the skin: mechanisms of action and clinical applications.J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2017;10(7):14-17.
Reilly DM, Lozano J.Skin collagen through the lifestages: importance for skin health and beauty.Plastic and Aesthetic Research. 2021; 8: 2. doi:10.20517/2347-9264.2020.153
Sanadi RM, Deshmukh RS.The effect of Vitamin C on melanin pigmentation - A systematic review.J Oral Maxillofac Pathol. 2020;24(2):374-382. doi:10.4103/jomfp.JOMFP_207_20
Boo YC.Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) as a cosmeceutical to increase dermal collagen for skin antiaging purposes: emerging combination therapies.Antioxidants. 2022;11(9):1663. doi:10.3390/antiox11091663
De Dormael R, Bastien P, Sextius P, et al.Vitamin C prevents ultraviolet-induced pigmentation in healthy volunteers: Bayesian meta-analysis results from 31 randomized controlled versus vehicle clinical studies.J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2019;12(2):E53-E59.
Kawashima, S., Funakoshi, T., Sato, Y.et al.Protective effect of pre- and post-vitamin C treatments on UVB-irradiation-induced skin damage.Sci Rep.2018;8(16199). doi:10.1038/s41598-018-34530-4
Skin Cancer Foundation.Surprising Signs of Sun Damage.
Correia G, Magina S.Efficacy of topical vitamin C in melasma and photoaging: A systematic review.J of Cosmetic Dermatology. 2023;jocd:15748. doi:10.1111/jocd.15748
Bechara N, Flood VM, Gunton JE.A systematic review on the role of vitamin c in tissue healing.Antioxidants. 2022;11(8):1605. doi:10.3390/antiox11081605
Bolke L, Schlippe G, Gerß J, Voss W.A collagen supplement improves skin hydration, elasticity, roughness, and density: Results of a randomized, placebo-controlled, blind study.Nutrients. 2019;11(10):2494. doi:10.3390/nu11102494
American Academy of Dermatology Association.10 Reasons your face is red.
Jaros A, Zasada M, Budzisz E, Dębowska R, Gębczyńska‐Rzepka M, Rotsztejn H.Evaluation of selected skin parameters following the application of 5% vitamin C concentrate.J Cosmet Dermatol. 2019;18(1):236-241.
Telang PS.Vitamin C in dermatology.Indian Dermatol Online J. 2013;4(2):143-146. doi:10.4103/2229-5178.110593
Wohlrab J, Kreft D.Niacinamide - mechanisms of action and its topical use in dermatology.Skin Pharmacol Physiol. 2014;27(6):311-315. doi:10.1159/000359974
Yang G, Yan Y, Ma Y, Yang Y.Vitamin C at high concentrations induces cytotoxicity in malignant melanoma but promotes tumor growth at low concentrations.Mol Carcinog. 2017;56(8):1965-1976. doi:10.1002/mc.22654
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