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Vitamin C, you’re the zest!
We know we’ve touched on this powerful and popular antioxidant in the past but today, we’re sharing all the ins and outs of this nourishing skin nutrient. If you’ve been dreaming of a complexion that’s bright, tight, and just all around right, you’re going to want to continue reading to learn all the benefits of vitamin C for skin.
What is Vitamin C?
By now, you’ve probably had someone’s aunt, sister, or mother tell you that vitamin C is the Holy Grail of skincare and that it should be incorporated into your routine ASAP. But what exactly is vitamin C and why is it so effective?
Simply put, vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin and antioxidant that helps neutralize free radicals. And in case you forgot, antioxidants are molecules that fight free radicals (AKA unstable atoms that can damage cells) in your body. This is especially important for protecting skin against harmful UV rays and other environmental pollutants. Another notable feature of vitamin C is its ability to promote collagen (the most plentiful bodily protein) production, which naturally declines as we age.
Want to know more? Keep scrolling for additional vitamin C skin benefits!
Benefits of Vitamin C for Skin
Get ready to go crazy over this skincare ingredient savior. From reducing inflammation to improving hyperpigmentation, there’s an abundance of vitamin C benefits that’ll help your skin feel good and look even better!
Reduces Inflammation + Minimizes Redness
Acne. Eczema. Psoriasis. When applied directly to skin, vitamin C can help reduce the inflammation caused by these common skin conditions. Doing so not only helps minimize redness, but also evens out skin tone, leaving behind a less irritated, even complexion.
Improves Elasticity + Fights Signs of Aging
Vitamin C can help smooth out fine lines, minimize the appearance of wrinkled skin, and reduce under-eye discoloration, which makes this antioxidant a favorite for those concerned with aging skin. When we’re young, the two layers of our skin, the epidermis and dermis, are abundant with vitamin C but as we age, this vital skin nutrient starts to diminish. And when vitamin C is applied directly to skin, it ignites the production of collagen, which helps improve the elasticity our skin naturally loses over time.
Improves Hyperpigmentation + Repairs Sun Damage
No one likes spots of any kind, whether they’re due to aging or frequent sun exposure. But if ya got ‘em, vitamin C can help lessen the appearance of ‘em! When the body produces more melanin (the pigment that gives skin its color), these spots become more visible and unsightly for some. But when vitamin C is applied, it lessens the production of tyrosinase, an enzyme that contributes to the production of melanin.
Simply put, less tyrosinase equals less melanin, and less melanin decreases the chance of any form of hyperpigmentation from developing. Sounds like a win-win in our books!
The Best Vitamin C-Rich Foods
Although many are quick to think that oranges are the only and best source of vitamin C, there are so many other fruits and veggies that contain high levels of it!
Guavas
Guavas are jampacked with nutrients and antioxidants and contain almost twice the amount of vitamin C present in oranges! And because guava is high in so many essential nutrients, including them in your diet may be the answer to your skin prayers. When ingested, this tropical fruit can help protect your skin from damage, which can help prevent further signs of aging. Give us a dose of that guava goodness, please ‘n thanks!
Red Bell Peppers
Not only do red bell peppers contain high levels of beta carotene, which our body converts to vitamin A, they also have a whole lot of vitamin C, too! As you already know, vitamin C is crucial for helping our bodies produce collagen (AKA one of your complexion’s favorite confidants), so elevated levels of this protein will surely help keep your skin hydrated and looking youthful.
Oranges
Like guavas and red bell peppers, oranges are an excellent source of vitamin C and A. Not only are they beneficial for your overall health, but they also promote healthy and happy skin. And when applied topically, orange peels can help treat dark spots and even acne. So, the next time you’re munching on this sweet citrus snack, don’t be so quick to toss the skin! And if hearing about these nutrient-packed peels have piqued your interest, be sure to check out these simple DIY orange face masks here.
Broccoli
Get ready to broc n’ roll with this vitamin C-packed green veggie! Broccoli also contains high levels of vitamin A and zinc and a skin-friendly compound called sulforaphane, which is found in its florets. Sulforaphane, due to its ability to protect against UVA and UVB rays, can help shield skin from sun damage, and can also help maintain collagen levels and provide anti-aging effects. And we can’t forget about lutein, a carotenoid that works like beta carotene, which is also present in broccoli. Lutein helps protect against oxidative stress caused by environmental factors and other free radical damage, which we know are linked to early skin aging. So, the next time you’re planning a grocery visit, don’t forget to add these fruits and veggies to the list! Your skin will thank you.
The Best MOZ Products with Vitamin C
Get ready and get set to go and glow! Our vitamin C products are sure to quench your skin’s thirst and satisfy all your beauty brightening and hydrating needs.
Our Vitamin C Serum uses one of the most stable derivatives of vitamin C as well as other high-quality ingredients, which helps improve collagen building, fade age spots, and skin discoloration. This natural, organic skin serum also helps tighten, hydrate, and brighten skin, giving it that desired dewy look and feel. And it gets even better, friends! Our Hyaluronic Acid Serum offers similar benefits, as it has strong hydrating anti-aging and anti-wrinkle properties to help you glow. It works to soften and reduce fine lines on the skin as well as help with skin tone and tissue repair. And since it soaks into the skin quickly, it’s extremely effective at retaining moisture in the deeper layers of the skin. If you’d like to get your hands on either of these serums, feel free to browse them and other products here!
And that’s a wrap on vitamin C, folks. We hope you enjoyed getting the inside skincare scoop on this cult-favorite antioxidant. C ya later!