Protect against sun damage

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.