L-ascorbic acid is the name of the chemical structure for pure vitamin C, the same vitamin C you find in citrus, bell peppers, strawberries, and other fruits and vegetables. Vitamin C is essential to proper nutrition and does more than boost your immune system. When used topically is an antioxidant that will help protect the skin to reduce damage from free radicals generated by sun exposure and other environmental factors that lead to signs of aging. Using pure vitamin C for skin can also help to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines by restoring elasticity and firmness lost with aging.