Vitamin C and skin: what's it and how to incorporate it into your beauty regimen.

As a citrus fruit lover, I'm no stranger to vitamin C. Yet, it never hurts to get some more of a good thing. Since vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant, it's an effective bodyguard against the free-radical damage that UV rays and pollution hurl at your skin on a daily basis. Vitamin C also has the ability to boost collagen production and tackle pigmentation.

With consistent use, you can expect to see your skin brighten, tone to even, and generally look healthier with the onset of that glow-from-within effect.

Here are some reasons as to why Vitamin C should be a part of your routine.

Between work, pollution, and a poor sleeping schedule, my skin can get quite dull. But vitamin C helps by eliminating some of the dullness and bringing some life back to my complexion.

A widely used skin vitamin C application is to diminish the colour and dark spots from the skin. It can help to balance excessive melanin production to gradually improve the skin's uneven coloring.

Vitamin C is important for the production of collagen, which can help to keep skin firmer and younger-looking. Over time, regular use may help enhance the appearance of fine lines and loss of firmness.

With smog, construction, cars, and all the pollution of the 21st century, vitamin C as an antioxidant helps neutralise the resultant free radicals. However, it is crucial to note that it is not a substitute for sun protection and that SPF is still mandatory.

I've always had an uneven skin tone and I could never use my hands to match a foundation shade for my face. But, regular use of vitamin C has helped even out my skin tone on my face which has the added benefit of making it appear less dull.

Vitamin C serum is a skincare staple for all the right reasons.

Vitamin C halts the production of melanin and minimises the appearance of dark spots and pigmentation. It is a slow acting agent and persistence of application is more important than high concentrations.

Vitamin C can improve skin brightness and make the skin appear healthy and glowing if it appears dull and lifeless. Combine with proper hydration and sun protection, and you'll have a complete regimen.

By supporting collagen production and protecting against oxidative stress, vitamin C can help improve the appearance of fine lines. It is suitable for use in the long term anti-ageing skin care program.

Regular use of vitamin C is great for people with post-acne scarring or sun damage, which both can cause an uneven-looking skin tone.

Here's who your skincare can consume vitamin C

• L-Ascorbic Acid:

The highest grade and best researched vitamin C topical formulation, with high antioxidant and brightening properties. However, it may be more aggravating for sensitive skin.

• Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate:

This is a more stable form of vitamin C, and is considered to be less irritating to skin. Often used in sensitive or acne-prone skin products.

• Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate:

An antioxidant and relatively mild derivative which is water-soluble. For people who can't handle pure vitamin C, it might be a good choice.

• Ascorbyl Glucoside:

Vitamin C derivative that is stable and turns into ascorbic acid in the skin. It is commonly incorporated in a brightening formulation and is generally well tolerated.

Follow these steps to add glow to your routine.

First, I like to use a mild soap to wash my face and remove oil and dirt. Then, I pat my face gently dry with a clean towel or cloth.

Next, I pour a couple of drops of my vitamin C serum onto my hand and rub it evenly across my face and neck, making sure to avoid the eyes.

After serum, I go in with my favourite moisturiser to lock in the serum and to keep my skin feeling supple and hydrated.

If I'm doing my skincare in the morning or day time, I always make sure to remember to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen as well.

Here's what your vitamin C should be besties with for that power glow effect.

• Vitamin E: Vitamin E enhances Vitamin C's antioxidant properties, so it's a useful ingreident to use in combination.
• Ferulic Acid: Also an antioxidant, ferulic acid can increase the stability of vitamin C and its ability to act as an antioxidant.
• Hyaluronic Acid: Hyaluronic acid is good at retaining moisture which can help plump up and give your skin a more hydrated-looking and feeling appearance.
• Niacinamide: Both help with uneven skin tone, lackluster appearance, and barrier support. If you have not used either one of these ingredients previously, start using each one individually first.

Here are some mistakes that should be avoided

• Not using sunscreen: Vitamin C is not a substitute for sunscreen. Apply a wide-spectrum sun protection factor (SPF) every day to protect skin from the harmful effects of UV rays.
• Excessive use: Overuse of a product can not mean improvement. This means that any unnecessary irritation will be minimised if the recommended amount is applied.
• Beginning at a high concentration: Active vitamin C may be irritating and is best to start with a very low concentration if you are new to active skin care.
• When used on irritated skin: If your skin barrier is already damaged, vitamin C could sting or cause discomfort. It's important to soothe and heal your skin first before you apply active ingredients.
• An unstable product: Vitamin C can spoil in the presence of light and air. Follow the instructions for product storage and observe colour, smell, and texture changes.
• Simply looking for quick fixes: Vitamin C is not magic, and it takes time to see visible differences.

Here are some picks for vitamin C you must add to your AM PM routine

• Advanced Antioxidant Care

The Minimalist 10% Advanced Vitamin C Serum is formulated to offer antioxidant and brightening effects, and to help with improving uneven skin tones and pigmentation.

• Gentle Vitamin C Boost

A Simple Booster Serum with 10% Vitamins C + E + F for brighter, healthier-looking skin and antioxidant protection and nourishment.

• Brightening Clay Mask

If you want a bit of a boost to your skin care routine, the Simple Protect N Glow Vitamin C Brighten Clay Mask is a combination of a clay mask and vitamin C to help restore a fresher, shinier look to your skin.

• Vitamin C Serum

The Lakme 9to5 Vitamin C + Serum can be used as a part of a skin care routine for a vitamin C infused brightening boost to help skin appear more radiant and even toned.

• Glow-Boosting Makeup

Enhancing your complexion with makeup while still enjoying the benefits of vitamin C, Lakmē VitC Superglow Primer, Tint & Concealer Trio is a perfect go-to product when you need to refresh and reapply your makeup with a fresh, glowing base.

Vitamin C is a highly versatile skincare ingredient that you can incorporate into your routine. Its benefits are many, ranging from aiding in turning dull skin back into bright skin, to reducing dark spots, to its ability to promote the production of collagen, and to fend off environmental stressors.

The secret lies in picking the right formulation, application in a gradual way and regular use. Most importantly, use vitamin C alongside your daily sun cream and moisturiser, and remember to use the latter to support the skin barrier.