How Vitamin C Improves Your Skin

Does your skin look dry and dull? Do you have dark spots from sun damage? Are your fine lines and wrinkles becoming more noticeable? 

Your skin can benefit from topical and oral vitamins. You might already take a multivitamin, but is that enough? If you want to see improvements in your skin, consider trying a Vitamin C facial. It may become an essential part of your beauty routine. 

Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Mark Mathieson with Sterling Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons Inc. offers a variety of aesthetic procedures to improve your skin. We provide laser facial peels and skin tightening as well as spa services to include microdermabrasion, chemical peels, and custom facials individualized to your needs. 

One of our facials includes a Vitamin C antioxidant mask. Keep reading to learn how Vitamin C improves your skin.

Why is Vitamin C important to my health?

Vitamin C is an important antioxidant you need for good health. It forms cartilage, blood vessels, and muscle, and it stimulates the production of collagen. 

Your body doesn’t produce Vitamin C, so you must add it to your diet. When you eat citrus fruits, tomatoes, and certain other vegetables, your body absorbs Vitamin C, but the amount you get from your diet isn’t enough to make a difference in the quality of your skin. It doesn’t reach the top layers of skin that are visible to the eye.

How is Vitamin C beneficial to my skin?

Researchers have found that adding Vitamin C to moisturizers and serums helps combat signs of aging, sun damage, and more. Topical Vitamin C can help make a difference in your skin’s appearance. Because it’s an antioxidant, it helps neutralize external toxins like air pollution as well as toxins from inside your body. 

Following are specific ways topical Vitamin C helps your skin. 

Produces collagen 

Collagen is that all-important protein that keeps your skin smooth (think cellulite-free) and supple. It helps repair cuts and scratches as well as serious wounds as new cells form and old ones die. Topical Vitamin C helps stimulate collagen production. 

Reduces dark circles under eyes

If you have dark circles under your eyes from insomnia or your family’s genes, using topical Vitamin C can help reduce their appearance. It gives a boost to the delicate skin under your eyes. 

Minimizes dark spots and evens skin tone 

If you have uneven skin tone from sun damage, topical Vitamin C may help reduce the appearance of unsightly dark spots. This antioxidant stops production of an enzyme that helps produce melanin, thereby preventing hyperpigmentation. Small studies show good results thus far; larger studies are needed.

Helps hydrate skin

Your skin needs moisture to stay healthy. As you age, you lose some of the natural oils that moisturize your skin. Vitamin C helps keep the moisture in your skin so it doesn’t get dry and dull. 

Reduces redness

If your skin is too red, you may have an inflammatory condition like rosacea or eczema or another medical condition. Because it’s an antioxidant, topical Vitamin C fights inflammation and thus helps reduce redness. It helps heal broken capillaries. 

We provide a variety of skin rejuvenation treatments that leave your skin radiant and glowing. Contact Sterling Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons Inc. today for a consultation on how we can help you achieve your goals.