Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that is included in a range of skin care preparations ranging from toners and cleansers to serums, moisturizers and eye creams. It can deliver a range of benefits to skin. Skin care specialists recommend the inclusion of antioxidants in your skin care routine and Vitamin C is one that not only delivers, but that also has significant clinical research to back up its efficacy.

This article will examine those benefits in greater detail.

Vitamin C Delivers Antioxidant Benefits

Antioxidants like Vitamin C work to fight against free radical damage. If you haven't heard about free radicals, these are unstable molecules that are generated by exposure to the sun's UV rays, pollution and even certain chemicals. If left unchecked, free radicals can lead to inflammation causing damage to skin and other organs. Vitamin C's antioxidant ability can help to neutralize or even prevent skin damage associated with free radicals.

Vitamin C Lightens Skin

Some studies have shown that Vitamin C can inhibit the production of melanin, the skin's pigment responsible for skin coloring. Certain conditions, including hormonal disruption, exposure to sunlight and other factors can sometimes trigger the overproduction of melanin leading to hyperpigmentation disorders including Melasma, age spots and chloasma. In concentrations of 5% or more, Vitamin C has demonstrated ability at being able to lighten and diminish areas of hyperpigmentation leading to skin that is brighter and more evenly toned.

Vitamin C Stimulates Collagen and Elastin Production

Collagen is the skin's supporting network; it gives skin its structure. Elastin helps to give skin elasticity. As we age, the production of both collagen and elastin can slow. This can be impeded by exposure to the sun and other environmental pollutants. Vitamin C can effectively stimulate the production of collagen and elastin which helps to thicken skin that thins as part of the natural aging process. Skin will look and feel younger, tighter, firmer and more vibrant.

Vitamin C Reduces Water Loss

The topical application of Vitamin C can help skin to stay hydrated by preventing water loss. This action alone will help to diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Vitamin C Protects Skin Cells

Vitamin C has demonstrated ability to protect skin cells and delay the formation of tumors after exposure to ultraviolet rays. It makes a useful addition to your sunscreen prior to and after time under the sun.

Incorporating Vitamin C Into Your Skin Care Regimen

Look for preparations containing a minimum of 10% Vitamin C. Studies have shown most benefit with concentrations of at least this amount. Also ensure that your Vitamin C is stable; Vitamin C that has not been prepared or stored correctly will oxidize rendering your formulation ineffective and potentially harmful.

Vitamin C can be used morning and night. If in serum form, apply prior to other ingredients. If Vitamin C is in cream or lotion form, apply treatments with lighter consistency first followed with Vitamin C.

For a younger, more vibrant look to your skin, include topical Vitamin C as an essential part of your skin care routine. Skin will look lighter and brighter and fine lines and wrinkles will diminish. You're sure to get compliments on the new, beautiful you!