Vitamin C is one of the most powerful and well-researched antioxidants in skincare. When used correctly, it helps brighten skin, fade pigmentation, protect against environmental damage, and slow visible signs of aging. What Is Vitamin C? Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is a water-soluble antioxidant that plays a crucial role in skin repair and protection. In skincare, it …
Vitamin C is one of the most powerful and well-researched antioxidants in skincare. When used correctly, it helps brighten skin, fade pigmentation, protect against environmental damage, and slow visible signs of aging.
What Is Vitamin C?
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is a water-soluble antioxidant that plays a crucial role in skin repair and protection. In skincare, it helps neutralize free radicals caused by UV radiation, pollution, and environmental stressors.
Because our skin cannot produce Vitamin C on its own, topical application is essential to reap its benefits.
Benefits of Vitamin C for Skin
1. Brightens Dull Skin
Vitamin C helps reduce dullness and restores a natural glow by improving overall skin clarity.
2. Reduces Pigmentation
It inhibits melanin production, making it effective for:
- Sunspots
- Melasma
- Post-acne marks
3. Boosts Collagen Production
Vitamin C is essential for collagen synthesis, helping to:
- Reduce fine lines
- Improve skin firmness
- Delay signs of aging
4. Powerful Antioxidant Protection
It protects skin from:
- UV-induced damage
- Pollution
- Premature aging
(Note: Vitamin C does NOT replace sunscreen but works best alongside it.)
Types of Vitamin C Used in Skincare
1. L-Ascorbic Acid
- Most potent and effective form
- Works best at10–20% concentration
- Can be irritating for sensitive skin
2. Vitamin C Derivatives (Gentler Forms)
Includes:
- Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
- Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate
- Ascorbyl Glucoside
These are more stable and suitable for sensitive or acne-prone skin, though results may be slower.
How to Use Vitamin C Correctly
When to Use
- Morning application is idealfor antioxidant protection
How to Apply
- Cleanse your face
- Apply 2–3 drops of Vitamin C serum
- Follow with moisturizer
- Finish withbroad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 50+)
Who Should Use Vitamin C?
✔ Dull or uneven skin tone
✔ Pigmentation and acne marks
✔ Early signs of aging
✔ Anyone exposed to pollution or sunlight
What Not to Mix With Vitamin C
✘ Retinoids
✘ AHAs / BHAs / PHAs
✘ Benzoyl Peroxide
These ingredients can be used on alternate routines (e.g., Vitamin C in the morning, retinoids at night).
Common Side Effects
Some people may experience:
- Mild tingling
- Temporary redness
- Dryness
To minimize irritation:
- Start with lower concentrations (5–10%)
- Use every alternate day initially
- Moisturize well
Vitamin C & Sensitive Skin
- Choosederivative forms
- Avoid layering with strong actives
- Patch test before regular use
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safety
✔ Vitamin C is considered safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding when used topically in recommended concentrations.
Storage Tips (Very Important)
Vitamin C is unstable and oxidizes easily.
- Store in adark, airtight bottle
- Keep away from heat and sunlight
- Discontinue use if the serum turns dark orange or brown
Dr. Suruchi-Recommended Vitamin C
1. The VICHY LIFTACTIV 16% PURE VITAMIN C BRIGHTENING SERUM
Key Ingredients: Vitamin C, Hyaluronic acid, Anti-glycation actives
Free from: Alcohol, oils, fragrance
Full Ingredients: AQUA / WATER ● ASCORBIC ACID ● GLYCERIN ● SODIUM HYDROXIDE ● PENTYLENE GLYCOL ● LAURETH-23 ● HAEMATOCOCCUS PLUVIALIS EXTRACT ● CARNOSINE ● NEOHESPERIDIN DIHYDROCHALCONE ● SODIUM HYALURONATE ● TRISODIUM ETHYLENEDIAMINE DISUCCINATE ● TOCOPHEROL ● DIPOTASSIUM GLYCYRRHIZATE ● CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDE ● CAPRYLYL GLYCOL ● CARRAGEENAN ● PHENOXYETHANOL
2. Skinceuticals C E Ferulic® with 15% L-ascorbic acid
Key Ingredients: 15% L ascorbic acid, 0.5% ferulic acid, 1% Alpha Tocopherol
Free from: Alcohol, oils, fragrance, silicone
Full Ingredients: Aqua/Water/Eau, Ethoxydiglycol, Ascorbic Acid, Glycerin, Propylene Glycol, Laureth-23, Phenoxyethanol, Tocopherol, Triethanolamine, Ferulic Acid, Panthenol, Sodium Hyaluronate.
Disclaimer in all (after ingredient list) : For the latest information, it is recommended to review the ingredient list printed on the packaging of the product prior to usage or consumption.
3.Avene Vitamin Activ Cg Radiance Concentrated Serum
Key Ingredients: Vitamin Cg (ascorbyl glucoside), Niacinamide & Bakuchiol)
Free from: Alcohol, oils, fragrance, parabens
Full Ingredients: AVENE THERMAL SPRING WATER (AVENE AQUA), GLYCERIN, NIACINAMIDE, PENTYLENE GLYCOL, C9-12 ALKANE, CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDE, PENTAERY-THRITYL TETRACAPRYLATE/ TETRECAPRATE, ASCORBYL GLUCOSIDE, BAKUCHIOL, 1,2 HEXANDIOL, ACACIA SENEGAL GUM, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, CITRIC ACID, COCO-CAPRYLATE/CAPRATE, FRAGRANCE (PARFUM), GLYCERYL BEHENATE, GLYCERYL DIBEHENATE, SODIUM CITRATE, SODIUM DILAURAMIDOGLUTAMIDE LYSINE, SODIUM HYALURONATE, SODIUM HYDROXIDE, TOCOPHERYL GLUCOSIDE, TRIBEHENIN, WATER (AQUA), XANTHAN GUM.
Final Takeaway
Vitamin C is a must-have ingredient for brighter, healthier, and more youthful skin. When chosen correctly and paired with sunscreen, it can dramatically improve skin tone, texture, and overall skin health.
⚠️ Disclaimer:
For the latest information, it is recommended to review the ingredient list printed on the packaging of the product prior to usage or consumption.
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Dr. Suruchi Vohra
Hi! I’m Dr. Suruchi Vohra, an MD Dermatologist with around 12 years of experience in Singapore and the United Arab Emirates (U.A.E.) treating skin, hair and nail conditions across all age groups and various skin tones.
