Ascorbic Acid: the benefits of vitamin C for the skin

L’ascorbic acid, better known simply as vitamin C, is a powerful antioxidant capable of slowing down the premature aging of the skin. It also prevents sun damage and the onset of dark spots and acne. Essentially, vitamin C alone fights free radicals and harmful substances that come into contact with the skin from the outside, such as pollution and sunlight that can damage the skin, while at the same time acting internally by stimulating cell regeneration. 

Vitamin C acts in many ways: improving the overall appearance of the skin; reducing the signs of aging, evening out the complexion and toning the skin. As a biologically active and water-soluble compound, vitamin C is involved in the formation of the skin barrier and collagen, and plays a physiological role on the skin against skin oxidation, wrinkles, and intervenes at the cellular level to counteract the appearance and development of various skin diseases. 

The topical use of ascorbic acid can therefore help defend against the multiple external and internal factors that damage the appearance of the skin. For this reason, pure ascorbic acid is included in cosmetic formulas, each of which is specifically designed for a type of skin. 

Ascorbic acid, unlike other essential water-soluble vitamins, cannot be stored in our body but must be included in our diet and applied to the skin. When ingested, vitamin C circulates in the body where it is synthesized and absorbed, but it reaches the skin only in reduced quantities, which is why a good cosmetic product with this vitamin is essential.

For this reason, it is necessary to have a correct supply of vitamin C from fruits and vegetables, as well as to compensate for the deficiency with specific skin products. Only in this way can vitamin C play a role in cell renewal, collagen production, and the restoration of vitamin E, which is able to maintain the correct moisture of the skin. 

The effects of vitamin C on the skin

Studies show that the daily use of a formulation enriched with ascorbic acid improves the appearance of wrinkles in just three months, along with a noticeable improvement in the overall appearance of the skin. The beneficial effects of ascorbic acid for topical use are a boon for every skin type. 

Serums in general offer the highest concentrations of active vitamin C and tend to have better penetration into the skin compared to other vitamin C-based products, such as creams and cleansers. Here are some of the great benefits that come from the daily application of ascorbic acid serums. 

Diminish dark spots

Incorporating a daily skincare routine with a vitamin C or ascorbic acid serum reduces the formation of dark spots and diminishes existing ones by blocking pigment production in the skin. With consistent use, the skin can become more even in tone and noticeably radiant because vitamin C inhibits excessive melanin production, the substance in the body that produces pigmentation in hair, eyes, and skin. 

Smoothes wrinkles 

Vitamin C is a powerful active ingredient in anti-aging products. It can indeed help reduce the appearance of wrinkles in just 12 weeks. In addition to cosmetic products, a healthy diet rich in this nutrient can also help reduce the appearance of wrinkles. As we mentioned, ascorbic acid is a powerful antioxidant useful in countering the effects of skin aging and can help the skin produce collagen, a protein that gives the complexion a firmer and more elastic feel, which in turn helps improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. 

Protects from sun damage

Naturally, vitamin C does not replace SPF but helps the skin to counteract the harmful effects of ultraviolet rays when used in combination with a broad-spectrum sunscreen. In particular, clinical studies show that the combination of vitamin C with other topical ingredients, ferulic acid and vitamin E, can reduce redness and protect the skin from long-term damage caused by harmful solar rays. 

Ideal for acne-prone skin 

Topical vitamin C can help acne-prone skin as it has anti-inflammatory properties that help control sebum production within the skin. In clinical studies, applying vitamin C twice a day has reduced acne lesions. Abrasions or small wounds that occur on the skin, even on the face, can be repaired through ascorbic acid because the vitamin helps produce the collagen necessary to repair the lesions. 

How to use vitamin C

Vitamin C is found in serums and other skincare products. Each formula alters the strength and effects on the skin, so Vitamin C should be purchased based on the desired compositions. Applying pure ascorbic acid to the skin may cause irritation and tingling, which is why it is advisable to start with a gentle formula containing a maximum of 0.5%.

The right time to use vitamin C in your skincare routine depends on the type of product, but often serums are the most popular choice. The best combination is represented by vitamin C with ferulic acid. The latter is capable of neutralizing free radicals, particularly superoxides, and increases the effectiveness of other antioxidants. 

The antioxidant serum Ferulic + HA contains ferulic acid and ascorbic acid and can be added to the daily routine simply after cleansing the skin. In a simple and quick way, great results can be achieved: just use a small amount of product on clean skin and, once the serum has completely dried, apply a moisturizer. 

The serum acts on the skin throughout the day and deeply nourishes it, countering the action of harmful external agents, giving tone to the skin and illuminating the surface layer. This serum has no side effects as the acidic effect of vitamin C is softened by low and medium molecular weight hyaluronic acid, which softens the skin. 

Finally, it is good to remember that in the morning, after the skincare routine, it is advisable to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, to prevent premature aging, spots, and to protect against the harmful effects of UVA/UVB rays.