Vitamin C isn’t produced by the body, but it’s important for so many reasons. When it comes to skincare there is a myriad of serums available today that make promises of healthier, younger-looking skin.  Do these products work, and what are the benefits?  You’ll be happy to know that many of these serums are highly effective when included in your daily skincare regimen. Some of the most important benefits of vitamin C serum are highlighted in this article.

Sun damage

You may already have sun damage from spending a lot of time outdoors; maybe your goal is to prevent sun damage in the future. Either way, vitamin C serum is effective, as it protects your skin from the UVA and UVB rays that can result in sun spots, wrinkles, loss of elasticity and more. Vitamin C serum contains antioxidants that combat free radicals, so when applied beneath sunscreen it works wonders to prevent future damage to the skin. If your skin already shows signs of sun damage, a good serum can lighten dark spots, ease fine lines and wrinkles and even tighten skin. 

Boosts collagen production

Collagen is a protein that’s essential to firm skin and elasticity.  As we age the production of collagen decreases, which is why skin starts to sag and lose its firmness. Vitamin C serum boosts the production of collagen, resulting in more youthful looking skin over time.  

Vitamin C helps speed the healing process

From acne scars and redness to sunburn and discoloration, Vitamin C serums promote healing.  Free radicals damage the lipids, DNA and proteins in the skin; antioxidants in vitamin C neutralize these free radicals.  In addition, vitamin C inhibits the enzyme tyrosinase, an enzyme that produces pigment resulting in dark acne scars, age spots and sun spots.  If you get sunburned despite your efforts to protect your skin, vitamin C serum helps speed healing while reducing the itching, redness, pain and burning.

Hydrates dry skin

Vitamin C is capable of hydrating and moisturizing dry skin like no other moisturizer can.  When applied to clean, dry skin prior to the application of moisturizer and other products you use, vitamin C serum boosts hydration significantly.

Reduces dark circles and puffiness

Dark under-eye circles and puffiness can make you look tired and older than your years.  Vitamin C serum works to brighten not only the under-eye area, but your entire face.  A high concentration of vitamin C (15 or 20%) is also effective for combatting puffiness around the eyes as well as other areas of the face.

The addition of vitamin C serum to your skincare regimen is a good idea regardless of age, considering all of its benefits.  Keep in mind that not all serums are created equal; some have higher concentrations of vitamin C, while others have additional ingredients such as vitamin E or hyaluronic acid.  Do some research before deciding which vitamin C serum is right for you and enjoy smoother, more youthful looking skin.