The majority of healthy skin and organs have high concentrations of vitamin C, which suggests that vitamin C builds up in the body through circulation, according to a 2017 assessment of the literature. The ascorbic acid type of topical vitamin C penetrates the skin the best, according to review authors.

A 2022 study found that magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, another vitamin C derivative used in skin care, had a moisturizing impact on the skin. It improves the retention of moisture in your skin by reducing transepidermal water loss (TEWL). A 2019 study found that a serum that decreased TEWL by 19% and enhanced skin barrier function contained Deschampsia Antarctica extract, ferulic acid, and vitamin C.

Without enough moisture, the epidermis, or the top layer of skin, begins to dry up, resulting in itchiness, scaliness, and early aging. Your skin needs to be properly hydrated to stay healthy and youthful-looking. Fortunately, vitamin C has been shown in studies to aid in the retention of water by the skin, keeping it smooth and plump and preventing it from being overly greasy or dry. Researchers discovered that people who received vitamin C supplements demonstrated considerable and long-lasting improvements in skin hydration, suppleness, and roughness.

A 2015 analysis found that vitamin C's ability to serve as an antioxidant also allows it to act as an anti-inflammatory agent. This indicates that it might lessen puffiness while calming your skin. Vitamin C’s anti-inflammatory action may help:

• Neutralize free radicals that cause oxidative damage
• Optimize the immune system to discourage an inflammatory immune response

Vitamin C's anti-inflammatory qualities can also aid in reducing redness, which can lead to a more uniform complexion. A clean, smooth skin tone results from the simultaneous elimination of dark spots, redness, and inflammation.

Vitamin C can really lighten hyperpigmentation since it suppresses melanin formation. Melanin overproduction in specific regions of the skin leads to hyperpigmentation, which includes sunspots, age spots, and melasma. Additionally, it can take place in regions that have recovered from acne.

Tyrosinase activity is suppressed by vitamin C, which prevents the production of melanin. It is frequently used in dermatology to lighten hyperpigmented skin lesions. Although there are few trials, it has also been used to treat gingival melanin hyperpigmentation (gum hyperpigmentation). There are further solutions for treating acne-related hyperpigmentation besides vitamin C serums.

Vitamin C serums can reduce the appearance of fine wrinkles by moisturizing and plumping the skin around the eyes. Some claim that vitamin C can help lessen the discoloration brought on by under-eye circles, even though vitamin C is more helpful in reducing general redness. A modest 2019 investigation on three dark circle treatments found that vitamin C mesotherapy significantly reduced the pigmentation of under-eye circles. Some subjects did, however, also describe a burning sensation.

Using a cold compress and using retinol in your skincare routine are two other methods to reduce under-eye bags. It is recommended to stay with items made particularly for the region beneath your eyes because it is delicate and thin there.

A naturally produced protein that dwindles with time is collagen. Fine lines and wrinkles may result from low collagen levels. Through the process of collagen synthesis, vitamin C is widely known for increasing collagen synthesis. In actuality, collagen production is dependent upon vitamin C.

The consumption of certain foods can also increase collagen synthesis. This is because vitamin C is the essential cofactor for the two enzymes required for collagen synthesis:

• Prolyl hydroxylase, which stabilizes the collagen molecule
• Lysyl hydroxylase, which provides structural strength

Depleted vitamin C levels in the skin are linked to prolonged exposure to oxidative stress brought on by contaminants or ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Additionally, vitamin C levels are lower in older or photodamaged skin, while it is unclear whether this is a cause or an effect. Free radicals are a class of chemicals that cause sun damage. These are atoms in which one electron is absent.

Free radicals are atoms that seek other atoms from which they might "take" an electron, which can seriously harm the skin. Antioxidants abound in vitamin C. Healthy skin cells are shielded from free radical damage by antioxidants, which "give" these radicals an electron to make them harmless.

A 2017 analysis found that vitamin C speeds up cell turnover in addition to reducing redness. This swaps out the damaged cells for brand-new, healthy ones. According to the aforementioned 2017 analysis, topical administration of vitamin C has also been demonstrated to lessen damage from UV irradiation (commonly known as sunburn) when combined with vitamin E and other substances. Additionally, the irritation brought on by too much UV exposure is reduced by this mixture. It's crucial to remember that studies have shown that vitamin C is only marginally helpful in preventing sunburn on its own.

Pigmentation can be lightened with vitamin C (more on this below!) and resurface the skin to lessen dullness. Skin looks younger as a result of this. The usage of vitamin C has been found to suppress the synthesis of melanin, according to a 2017 study. The pigment responsible for giving skin its color is melanin. Vitamin C can aid in lightening hyperpigmentation and dark spots by preventing the development of melanin. It could also aid in making your skin look more radiant.

It should come as no surprise that topical vitamin C administration might hasten overall wound healing given its impact on sunburn. Your likelihood of inflammation, infection, and scarring is decreased by healthy wound healing. In fact, a lack of this essential vitamin might cause wounds to heal more slowly. According to a 2017 analysis, taking vitamin C supplements increased the body's and the skin's antioxidant levels, which in turn promoted skin development and repair. This is in part because vitamin C increases the creation of collagen, which is necessary for wound healing.

Its safety record is great for vitamin C. The majority of people may utilize topical vitamin C for a long time without suffering any side effects. In concentrations exceeding 20%, vitamin C may cause mild skin irritation, according to a 2017 assessment of the literature. As a result, its concentration in skin care products often ranges between 10% and 20%.