If you’re serious about skincare, you probably know vitamin C. It’s one of the most powerful antioxidants available and a staple in many expert recommendations.
Beyond its antioxidant properties, vitamin C plays an important role in skin health, from boosting collagen production to brightening and protecting against sun damage. Keep reading to find out why this ingredient deserves a spot in your routine.
The Power of Antioxidants
We talk a lot about antioxidants in skincare, and for good reason. Our skin is constantly exposed to environmental stressors like pollution, UV rays, and even daily stress, all of which generate free radicals. These unstable molecules accelerate skin ageing, breaking down collagen and elastin, leading to wrinkles, sagging, and dullness.
Vitamin C steps in as a powerful defense, neutralising free radicals before they cause lasting damage. By incorporating it into your routine, you’re essentially slowing down the ageing process and helping your skin maintain its resilience.
Sun Protection (But Not a Replacement for SPF!)
One of the lesser-known benefits of vitamin C is its ability to enhance sun protection. While it doesn’t block UV rays like sunscreen, it helps to reduce the damage caused by sun exposure by mitigating oxidative stress. Studies have shown that when combined with sunscreen, vitamin C boosts UV protection, making it a great daytime companion to your SPF. But remember that vitamin C is an extra layer of defense, not a substitute. Daily sunscreen is still non-negotiable.
The Collagen Connection
Collagen is what keeps our skin plump and youthful. As we age, collagen production declines, leading to fine lines and sagging. Vitamin C is a key player in collagen synthesis as it helps stabilise and cross-link collagen fibers, ensuring they’re strong and functional. Without enough vitamin C, collagen can’t form properly, which is why this ingredient is essential in maintaining skin’s structure and elasticity.
More Even Skin Tone
Struggling with dark spots, pigmentation, or dullness? Vitamin C can help. It works by inhibiting tyrosinase, an enzyme responsible for melanin production, which means it can lighten existing pigmentation and prevent new dark spots from forming. While vitamin C alone can improve overall skin radiance, for stubborn pigmentation, it works best when combined with other targeted brightening ingredients.
How to Choose & Use Vitamin C
Not all vitamin C products are created equal. The purest form, L-ascorbic acid, is the most effective but also the most unstable, it degrades quickly when exposed to air and light. That’s why packaging matters. Look for dark, airless bottles (pump dispensers are ideal) to preserve its potency.
If you have sensitive skin or prefer a more stable option, derivatives like sodium ascorbyl phosphate or magnesium ascorbyl phosphate offer a gentler, longer-lasting alternative, though they may take longer to show results.
For best results, apply vitamin C serum in the morning after cleansing and before your moisturiser and SPF. With regular use, you’ll notice a brighter, healthier complexion over time.
The Perfect Pairing: Vitamin C & Vitamin E
For an even bigger antioxidant boost, look for formulations that include vitamin E. These two ingredients work in harmony. Vitamin E is fat-soluble, while vitamin C is water-soluble, meaning they protect different parts of the skin cell. Research has shown that vitamin E can actually enhance the effectiveness of vitamin C, making them a powerhouse duo for skin protection and repair.
Skincare is a long-term commitment. While you may see some immediate glow after using vitamin C, real improvements in collagen production, pigmentation, and skin texture take time. Your skin responds best to a routine that’s maintained over weeks and months.
At The Hampton Clinic, we always recommend a tailored approach to skincare and we're here to help guide you towards the best choices for your skin. Book a skin consultation.
Our recommentation: IMAGE Skincare VITAL C hydrating anti-aging serum is a highly effective product with multiple forms of vitamin C, clinically-proven to improve hydration and decrease the appearance of fine lines. Available here!
