- May help protect against sun damage
The antioxidants in vitamin C may help protect against damage that UV rays can cause. This does not mean that you can use a vitamin C skin serum in place of sunscreen. It cannot replace SPF because it does not absorb UVA or UVB rays. But if UV light reaches your skin, some research suggests that vitamin C can help mitigate damage.
- May lighten dark spots
Skin care products that contain vitamin C may lighten dark spots more than the rest of your skin, which is called hyperpigmentation. In one study, vitamin C applied to the skin for 16 weeks significantly reduced these spots. But experts say it will take more research to confirm how effective vitamin C creams are.
Helps smooth wrinkles
Vitamin C is a powerful ingredient in many anti-aging products. Some studies show that it can reduce the appearance of wrinkles when used for at least 12 weeks. Eating a healthy diet rich in these nutrients may also help. Research suggests that people who take more vitamin C experience fewer wrinkles. It's not just citrus. Broccoli, red peppers, and spinach are also filling.
Collagen boosts
This protein is naturally present in your skin and helps prevent it from sagging. But your body slows down collagen production as you age. Vitamin C applied to the skin can encourage new collagen to grow. It also helps preserve your existing collagen and protects the valuable protein from damage.
