The benefits of vitamin C for skin: How it works and who it’s for
Vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, is an essential vitamin that enables the body to grow, develop and repair itself. It takes action in a number of ways, including supporting the immune system, helping the body to absorb iron and supporting collagen production for healthy skin and bones. Vitamin C is also a powerful antioxidant, protecting the body from free radical damage, as well as helping other antioxidants to regenerate1.
Since the body can’t effectively store vitamin C, regular intake through diet or supplements is recommended for maintaining overall health. Fruit and veg is the best source of vitamin C, including citrus fruits, tomatoes, peppers, potatoes, leafy greens and strawberries. While it isn’t naturally present in grains, some cereals are fortified with vitamin C. A severe vitamin C deficiency can lead to scurvy2, symptoms of which include tiredness, weakness, weight loss, bruising, bleeding and poor wound healing.
Beyond diet, vitamin C is also a well-researched active skincare ingredient, used in cosmetics and dermatology for many years. In topical formulations, vitamin C is most effective when delivered as the biologically active L-ascorbic acid, a water-soluble form that the skin can easily make use of. However, ascorbic acid is unstable and degrades when exposed to air, heat or light, which is why stabilised formulations of vitamin C are essential.
Vitamin C skin benefits at a glance
- Protects against oxidative stress and DNA damage
- Strengthens the skin barrier
- Boosts skin cell regeneration
- Prevents moisture loss
- Improves firmness and elasticity
- Reduces fine lines and wrinkles
- Brightens skin tone
- Reduces dark spots and hyperpigmentation
- Minimises oiliness and breakouts
What does vitamin C do for skincare?
Vitamin C is known for its antioxidant properties and multiple benefits to skin health. It is used to protect the skin from oxidative stress, support firmness and reduce the appearance of pigmentation. But its efficacy depends on several factors, including concentration, pH and formulation stability. To remain active and beneficial to the skin, vitamin C must be stabilised in formulations that protect it from degradation.
Vitamin C is often applied as a serum, recommended after cleansing and before the application of a moisturiser and SPF.
How vitamin C works in the skin
Vitamin C helps to protect the skin from free radical damage, caused by UV radiation, pollution and other environmental aggressors. By neutralising free radicals, vitamin C reduces the risk of oxidative stress, which helps to combat skin ageing and skin DNA damage.
Vitamin C also plays a role in the synthesis of collagen, a structural protein responsible for maintaining skin firmness and elasticity. It does this by supporting the normal functioning of fibroblasts, the cells responsible for producing collagen, and helping to maintain the skin’s structural integrity.
In addition, vitamin C targets excessive melanin production by inhibiting the enzyme tyrosinase. This can reduce the formation of dark spots and uneven skin tone.
The benefits of vitamin C for skin
Vitamin C is an incredible skin-brightening antioxidant that helps to create a brighter, more balanced skin tone. One of the most popular vitamin C benefits is reducing pigmentation. When used consistently as part of a daily skincare routine, other benefits include:
Targeting pigmentation and uneven skin tone
By interfering with melanin production, vitamin C helps to fade existing dark spots and prevent the formation of new ones. This makes it beneficial for those with sun-induced pigmentation or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH).
Protecting against oxidative stress and sun damage
Vitamin C is not an alternative to sunscreen, but it does enhance the skin’s ability to resist damage caused by UV exposure. When used alongside a full-spectrum, high-level sunscreen, vitamin C is extremely beneficial in the prevention of sun damage.
Supporting collagen synthesis for anti-ageing
By promoting the activity of fibroblasts and supporting collagen formation, vitamin C contributes to improved skin firmness and elasticity. This helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and early signs of skin ageing.
Enhancing skin radiance
By reducing dullness and improving skin clarity, vitamin C will promote a more luminous and healthy complexion.
Controlling sebum production
Vitamin C has also been found to control sebum production within the skin3, which is especially beneficial to oily and spot-prone skin.
Who is vitamin C skincare best for?
Vitamin C is suitable for most skin types, but it is most often recommended to those with visible pigmentation or sun spots, those with early signs of ageing, and those who are concerned about a dull or uneven skin tone.
Vitamin C serums: Stability, concentration & formulation
For vitamin C to be effective, the formulation must be stable and absorbable into the dermis. But L-ascorbic acid is inherently unstable, so it must be protected from oxidation. This can be achieved through specific air-tight packaging, dark bottles and the inclusion of stabilising compounds in formulations, such as ferulic acid.
Ferulic acid is a potent, plant-based antioxidant that is often combined with vitamin C to increase stability and ensure effective activity. It helps to protect the skin against environmental damage, as well as reducing fine lines and wrinkles, improving skin texture and brightening the skin tone. Ferulic acid also enhances the efficacy of other antioxidants, making it a highly coveted ingredient in skincare routines, with minimal side effects4.
The concentration of vitamin C can also affect performance. Concentrations between ten and 20 percent are commonly used in cosmetic formulations. Lower concentrations may be recommended to sensitive skin types, as they will be better tolerated. Higher concentrations may be recommended to those with a healthy skin barrier, who desire more results.
ENDOCARE C Ferulic Serum: Advanced vitamin C skincare
For the ultimate vitamin C boost, we recommend the ENDOCARE RADIANCE C Ferulic Serum. This incredible antioxidant, anti-ageing serum protects against environmental skin damage and corrects existing damage. It is the perfect choice for those who struggle with premature skin ageing, particularly dull, dry skin.
When used consistently, our vitamin C serum will work to reveal a more radiant and resilient complexion. Studies have found that after only 28 days, 95% of users reported a brighter, more luminous and even skin tone; 95% showed a visible improvement in skin texture; and 100% of users experienced improved skin hydration5.
ENDOCARE RADIANCE C Ferulic Serum is formulated with stabilised vitamin C, along with a cocktail of other skin-loving antioxidants and technologies including:
Vitamin E
A potent antioxidant that hydrates the skin and soothes irritation, as well as improving texture and reducing the appearance of blemishes.
Ferulic acid
Ferulic acid stabilises vitamin C whilst furthering protection against environmental damage, reducing fine lines, brightening the skin and improving texture.
EDAFENCE® Technology
EDAFENCE® is a patented, plant-derived active ingredient that protects the skin from pollution and environmental aggressors, combatting oxidative stress and working to reduce redness, strengthen the skin barrier and enhance radiance.
How to use vitamin C in your skincare routine
ENDOCARE RADIANCE C Ferulic Serum is an effective and reliable option for incorporating vitamin C into your daily skincare routine. It should be used in the morning after cleansing, allowing it to function as an antioxidant shield throughout the day. It is essential to follow your application of vitamin C with a full-spectrum, high-level (SPF50+) sunscreen, like HELIOCARE 360°. While vitamin C defends against free radicals, it does not block UV rays.
Step-by-step vitamin C skincare routine
This step-by-step vitamin C skincare routine helps maximise results while protecting against daily skin stressors:
- Cleanse the skin using a gentle cleanser.
- Shake the bottle of your ENDOCARE RADIANCE C Ferulic Serum and apply one pump of serum to clean, dry skin. Gently massage and allow it to absorb fully.
- Follow with HELIOCARE 360° sunscreen for protection against UVA, UVB, visible light and infrared radiation. Choose your preferred formula from HELIOCARE 360°’s wide range, with an SPF to suit every skin type and skin concern. For example, if you are looking to treat signs of sun damage, such as pigmentation, look to the HELIOCARE 360° Pigment Solution Fluid SPF50+. Alternatively, if you hope to tackle signs of ageing, we recommend the HELIOCARE 360° Age Active Fluid SPF50.
Incorporating ENDOCARE into your morning routine, along with a high-quality sunscreen like HELIOCARE 360°, will ensure optimal results and skin protection against sun damage and visible skin ageing. You can also use one pump of ENDOCARE Radiance C Ferulic Serum in your evening skincare routine, following your cleanse and prior to the application of actives or moisturiser.
The ENDOCARE C Ferulic Serum & HELIOCARE 360° Sunscreen bundle pairs two powerhouse formulas: the brightening ENDOCARE Radiance C Ferulic Serum and a FREE HELIOCARE 360° sunscreen of your choice. This exclusive offer lets you experience the transformative results of our vitamin C serum, while benefiting from the trusted, dermatologist-recommended sun protection of HELIOCARE 360°.
