Sun exposure, pollution, bad sleep, poor diet, and stress all lead to damaged or lackluster skin. You start to see lines and wrinkles, dark spots, blotchy skin tone, and sagging skin. And using Vitamin C for the skin is highly beneficial for combating damaged skin.

Most skin damage comes from ‘oxidants’, also known as ‘free radicals’. The antidote for skin damage done by oxidants is the healing power of antioxidants. Specifically, Vitamin C, ideally in a Vitamin C serum. 

Vitamin C is one of the most abundant antioxidants in your skin. And there is a reason mother nature put it there. 

What are the benefits of Vitamin C For The Skin?  

It fights oxidants to give you a bright skin tone and smooth, supple texture. 

What Are Oxidants?

Oxidants are unstable molecules that can damage the skin DNA. Picture a car on the freeway that loses a tire at 60 miles an hour – it will inevitably cause a crash down the road.

Because the skin regenerates itself every 28 days, the new cells, which are made from damaged DNA, are not exactly the same as the old cells. That’s why they form wrinkles, dark spots, and other things you don't want to see in the mirror.

Where Do Oxidants Come From? 

Oxidants are caused by all the stuff you know is bad for your skin - sun exposure (the UV radiation), pollution, smoking, alcohol, etc. We try to minimize these things. But we cannot eliminate them because we enjoy going to the beach and drinking a glass of wine. 

You’ve seen an apple turn brown, right? That’s the work of oxidants. It’s the same process that leads to dark spots and uneven skin tone on your face.

So What Benefits Does Vitamin C Have?

First, Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant. It basically fixes these broken molecules called oxidants. So they become healthy again and don’t cause skin damage. 

Second, Vitamin C also plays a significant role in the production of collagen. Collagen is a protein that gives your skin its firm, bouncy texture. And a smooth, supple feel.

The Problem With Vitamin C

Our bodies cannot produce Vitamin C. We get it from food. When you are young, your skin retains lots of vitamin C. Over time, it loses it. And our ability to fight the oxidants goes down. The good news is that we can put vitamin C back in the skin.

The Answer: A Good Vitamin C Serum

By applying Vitamin C serum on the skin, you can get up to 20x more vitamin C in the skin. Compared to getting it from food and supplements. Pretty powerful, right! 

That’s why it is good for vitamin C serum to be part of everyone’s skincare routine. Celebrities love it. From Halle Berry to Olivia Wilde and Alessandra Ambrosio, all kinds of famous people with great skin use vitamin C serum or creams and swear by it.

What to Look for When Buying A Vitamin C Serum

First, there are half a dozen different types of vitamin C used in skincare. For best results, look for L-ascorbic acid.  The natural form of vitamin C, called L-ascorbic acid, is the most potent form of vitamin C. It's what you want to see on the ingredient list when you're buying a product with Vitamin C - L-ascorbic acid.

The Right Dose of Vitamin C for Skin - 20%

You need the right dosage. Too little of a good thing does nothing. The Journal of Clinical & Aesthetic Dermatology tells us that 20% vitamin C, the L-ascorbic acid, leads to maximum absorption. And to the biggest visible benefit. Here’s a fun fact: a 1 oz vitamin C serum with a 20% concentration has the vitamin C equivalent of 86 oranges. 

Takeaway

If you want to keep your skin smooth, bright, and glowing, make Vitamin C part of your skincare routine. Choose a Vitamin C serum with a 20% L-ascorbic acid. Use it daily.

Check out Open Formula’s 20% Vitamin C Serum. Why not nourish your skin from within? Read this article about foods that support glowing skin.