Whether you’re scrolling through Nykaa or browsing reels on Instagram, vitamin C is everywhere. From our favourite celebrities to dermatologists, everyone is using it. Our shelves have been stocked and restocked with this immunity boosting vitamin. We’ve added it to our diets with some extra tangy and zingy flavour of lemons and oranges. And we’re favouring vit C-enriched products in skincare above any other ingredient. So what’s the big deal about this nutrient that you must add to your regimen?
Fact 1: It is an incredible antioxidant
You need antioxidants to protect your skin against the oxidative harm caused by free radicals or toxins from the environment. Your body also produces free radicals during metabolism that may damage your skin’s appearance. Regular use of vitamin C that is above and beyond your dietary intake of this nutrient can help fight all such toxins.
Nykaa recommends: Minimalist 10% Vitamin C Face Serum for Skin, Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin Drop - Pure Vitamin C Serum
Fact 2: It brightens and improves your skin tone
Vitamin C has the power to control pigment synthesis in your skin. So if you have unwanted dark spots or hyper-pigmentation, this is the perfect ingredient to even out your skin tone. It can also be used to brighten your overall complexion as well.
Nykaa recommends: Nykaa SKINRX 20% Vitamin C Face Serum for Bright, Glowing & Radiant Skin, Plum 15% Mandarin & Vitamin C Serum Glow Boost
Fact 3: It promotes collagen production
Collagen is the most abundant protein in your body, but with age, the production of this skin firming protein reduces, making our skin look dull with visible fine lines and very low elasticity. Vitamin C promotes collagen production. With regular use, you can visibly see the difference in your skin, with reduced signs of ageing.
Nykaa recommends: Dot & Key Glow Revealing Vitamin C Serum Concentrate, PIXI Vitamin-C Tonic
Fact 4: It hydrates your skin
Yes, it also helps plump up your skin. Vitamin C as well as its derivatives have hydrating properties and it helps your skin lock in moisture by strengthening the skin’s barriers. You can stick to this nutrient to cater to your parched skin, or add other ingredients like hyaluronic acid.
Nykaa recommends: The Body Shop Vitamin C Glow Boosting Moisturiser, Innisfree Skin Clinic Sheet Mask - Vita C
Fact 5: Fights sun damage
This wonder ingredient has also proven to repair your skin from sun damage and harmful UV rays. It considerably reduces redness, irritation and inflammation caused by the harsh sun. When used along with a broad spectrum sunscreen, vitamin C becomes your true saviour against the sun.
Nykaa recommends: St.Botanica Vitamin C SPF 75 Dry Touch Sunscreen, Love Earth Vitamin C Sunscreen Spf-50
Fact 6: It heals damaged and dry skin
Vitamin C has healing properties too. It can repair damaged skin including cracks, minor burns and irritated skin. It can also help in soothing allergies and healing dry and patchy skin. Vitamin C aids in movement and production of fibroblasts (cells that bind our tissues together), making it a superhero in mending skin.
Nykaa recommends: The Derma Co. 20% Vitamin C Face Serum For Skin Radiance, Mamaearth Vitamin C Cream For Face, with Vitamin C & SPF 20
Things you need to know when using vitamin C:
- Your body doesn’t naturally produce vitamin C. You have to add it to your diet or topically apply it on your skin.
- Vitamin C can lose its beneficial properties by direct exposure to sunlight. Hence, you must always use a good sunscreen along with your vitamin C serum.
- The concentration of vitamin C needs to be at least 10% or more otherwise it may not penetrate the top layers of your skin.
- Ingestible vitamin C (oral) may get dispersed to aid all your bodily functions. Which is why you must also use this ingredient topically though your skincare routine.
- Vitamin C works best when you sleep during the night, as sunlight can disrupt its mechanism. Try more sleeping masks or night-time serums.
- Complementing vitamin C along with ferulic acid or vitamin E may increase the efficacy of the nutrient on your skin.
