In general, vitamin C is most known for being the ultimate immune system booster. As an antioxidant, it helps to protect your cells from the damage caused by free radicals in the environment. It also helps your body make collagen, which is a protein needed to help wounds heal.<\/p>\n
But consuming vitamin C through supplements or the food you eat isn\u2019t the only way to receive its many benefits. There are a ton of skin care products out there today that contain the essential vitamin. So what exactly does vitamin C do for your skin? We talked to experts to find out everything you need to know.<\/p>\n
Slows signs of aging<\/strong> Accelerates collagen and elastin production<\/strong> Inhibits melanin production<\/strong> Protects you from UV damage<\/strong> Boosts your skin care regimen<\/strong> xx, The FabFitFun Team<\/p>\n Psst! Have you signed up for FabFitFun yet? Don\u2019t miss out on $200+ in amazing beauty, fitness, fashion, and lifestyle products, access to exclusive fitness and cooking content on\u00a0FabFitFunTV<\/a>, members-only sales, and more.\u00a0Use code FALLVIBES at checkout for 10% off your first box<\/a>. #yourewelcome<\/p>\n
\n\u201cVitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps neutralize free radical damage from ultraviolet light and pollution,\u201d says Dr. Sonia Batra,<\/a> a board-certified dermatologist and co-host of The Doctors<\/em>. \u201cBy quenching free radical damage, vitamin C slows signs of aging in the skin, such as discoloration, wrinkles, and even precancerous changes.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cVitamin C is highly acidic, which triggers the skin to accelerate the production of collagen and elastin, resulting in plumper, revitalized, smoother skin,\u201d says Cindy Kim, co-founder of Silver Mirror Facial\u00a0Bar<\/a>.<\/p>\n
\nThe vitamin also works to inhibit melanin production, which causes hyperpigmentation and dark spots in the skin. So products containing vitamin C can help to fade dark spots and give you brighter skin. \u201cVitamin C is generally safe, gentle for everyone, and seriously produces results,\u201d Kim says.<\/p>\n
\nVitamin C products alone can\u2019t be your sunscreen because it doesn\u2019t really block or absorb ultraviolet rays, but since it is an antioxidant, studies have found that it can protect you against damage<\/a> induced by UV light exposure.<\/p>\n
\nWhen you\u2019re searching for the best vitamin C-infused products, it\u2019s best to look for those containing ascorbic acid. \u201cThis is the most stable form and the most effective for penetrating the skin,\u201d Dr. Batra says. Serums are generally formulated to be better absorbed and deliver more concentrated active ingredients than creams or lotions. Mixing in a little bit of Cosmedix Pure C<\/a> into your serum or moisturizer of choice can also help to boost results.<\/p>\n