Vitamin C is legendary in the skincare world. In fact, some say it is the holy grail for all things skin-related, and for good reason. This incredible antioxidant and anti-inflammatory nutrient are known to improve skin tone and texture, hydrate the skin, and reduce signs of aging.

So what is Vitamin C?

As far as your skin is concerned, vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that can neutralize free radicals. Because of its antioxidant properties, vitamin C aids in your skin’s natural regeneration process, which helps your body repair damaged skin cells.

So, in the same way, that consuming antioxidant-rich foods aids your body in fighting off free radicals, topical antioxidants do the same for your skin by helping to offset daily aggressors like UV damage and exposure to air pollution. Quick refresher course on antioxidants: They prevent or reduce damage to our cells by neutralizing the production of highly reactive molecules called free radicals. In other words, antioxidants help keep our body and our skin cells healthy.

4 Fast Skin Benefits of Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a powerful ingredient in many anti-aging products. Recent studies show that it can reduce the appearance of wrinkles when you use it for at least 12 weeks. A healthy diet that’s high in this nutrient might help, too.

Vitamin C applied to the skin can encourage new collagen to grow. It also helps maintain the collagen you do have and protects the precious protein from damage.

It contains a property that inhibits your skin’s melanin production, which is what causes skin discoloration like dark spots and hyperpigmentation. With continued use, vitamin C can help prevent dark spots from forming in the first place.

As an antioxidant, one of vitamin C’s main functions is protecting the skin. This means that it can protect skin from damaging free radicals caused by UV and everyday pollution exposure.” By scavenging these free radicals, vitamin C may help protect the skin, keeping it healthy.

Round Up

One thought to remember, people who don’t consume enough vitamin C may notice issues such as skin fragility and impaired wound healing.

In other words, as much as you may love your vitamin C supplements, make sure you regularly sip on OJ or bite down on that Orange, too. Your skin and body will thank you.