L-Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C)

Vitamin C is an essential nutrient found naturally in foods such as citrus fruits, strawberries, broccoli, and brussel sprouts; it can also be derived synthetically. Recognized for its powerful antioxidant properties, vitamin C contributes to the body’s overall health by supporting immune system function, collagen production, and tissue repair.

Vitamin C plays an important role in skin by helping to neutralize free radical damage, which contributes to premature signs of aging. Free radicals are produced by environmental aggressors such as UV rays, pollution, infrared radiation, and visible light. Molecules possessing free radicals contain an unpaired electron, making them unstable and inducing a state of oxidative stress as they “steal” electrons from adjacent molecules. This ultimately results in skin damage.

Vitamin C sacrifices itself by donating an electron to neutralize free radicals and preventing them from causing further damage to skin. Think of vitamin C as a police force that helps prevent free radicals from harming healthy skin cells.

Before understanding how vitamin C affects skin, it is important to understand the primary function of skin, your body’s largest organ. Fundamentally, your skin acts as a barrier against the external environment, protecting the body from assaults such as pathogens and UV rays. It also helps regulate body temperature and locks in moisture, keeping the skin hydrated.

Normal skin has been shown to contain high levels of vitamin C. This powerful antioxidant supports skin health in many ways: it helps neutralize free radical damage and improves visible signs of aging including fine lines, wrinkles , discoloration , and firmness.

However, humans do not have the ability to synthesize, or produce, their own vitamin C. It must therefore be acquired through diet or supplements. While oral supplementation is beneficial for overall health, its absorption rate is low, thereby resulting in low bioavailability in skin. As a result, topical applications of vitamin C can be effective.

Visible signs of skin aging manifest as fine lines, wrinkles , laxity, and loss of firmness. These are caused by internal factors such as the natural aging process and external aggressors, such as UV rays, infrared radiation, pollution, and visible light.

Extensive studies show that properly formulated vitamin C antioxidants provide advanced environmental protection against free radical damage, which may contribute to signs of premature aging. Vitamin C also helps correct visible signs of existing damage including fine lines, wrinkles, discoloration , and loss of firmness.

When used alone, vitamin C is effective in correcting existing damage. However, studies have shown that its benefits are amplified when combined with other antioxidants, specifically vitamin E and ferulic acid ¹ . When effectively formulated, these combinations of antioxidants work together to enhance efficacy and provide superior results. Combining 15% vitamin C, 1% vitamin E, and 0.5% ferulic acid, SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic is clinically proven to neutralize free radicals while improving the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and loss of firmness,

For optimal protection against skin damage and signs of skin aging, it is best to use a topical vitamin C formulation in conjunction with sunscreen daily.

¹ https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022202X1532491X

When selecting a topical vitamin C , it is important to remember that not all vitamin C formulations are created equal. To ensure optimal absorption and efficacy, vitamin C antioxidants must be formulated with pure vitamin C (l-ascorbic acid), in a high concentration (10-20%), and at an acidic pH (below 3.5 pH),

SkinCeuticals was the first to discover and patent these three parameters, and to formulate in accordance with them. Our vitamin C antioxidants are available in serum and serum-gel forms to meet the needs of all skin types and concerns. Your skincare professional can recommend the ideal vitamin C formulation for your specific skin needs.

Vitamin C serums are best applied in the morning to a dry, clean face using a light tapping motion and blending until absorbed. SkinCeuticals formulas can also be applied to the neck, chest, and backs of the hands. Always pair your vitamin C serum with a broad spectrum sunscreen for the most comprehensive protection against environmental damage.