You’ve probably heard a lot about free radicals in the body and how antioxidants can help control them. To understand this process, let’s start at the beginning.

In chemistry, a radical, also known as a free radical, is an atom, molecule, or ion that has at least one unpaired valence electron. With some exceptions, a solo electron makes a free radical highly chemically reactive, which means it can damage another atom, molecule, or ion by “stealing” an electron from it. Antioxidant atoms can neutralize free radicals and render them harmless. Oxidative stress is the term scientists use for an excess of free radicals and a shortage of antioxidants in your body, which cumulatively leads to cell damage.

Researchers believe oxidative stress plays a role in the onset of many chronic and degenerative conditions including cardiovascular, kidney, neurological, and respiratory diseases; cancer; and rheumatoid arthritis. It also contributes to premature skin aging, including wrinkles, fine lines, and loss of elasticity.

Vitamin C, being a potent antioxidant, neutralizes free radicals by donating electrons, making the free radical atom, molecule, or ion more stable and less likely to react. For your skin, this action helps prevent cell damage and maintains the integrity of the skin’s layers.

Vitamin C + SPF sunscreen = better skin protection

SPF, or sun protection factor, is a numerical measure of how effectively a sunscreen protects skin from UVB rays, the kind of radiation that causes sunburn, damages skin, and can contribute to skin cancer. Most dermatologists recommend using SPF 30 or higher.

Wearing SPF daily is important for preventing aging damage from the sun’s UV rays. You can compound its effectiveness by incorporating vitamin C into your skincare routine. Even the best sunscreens block only a portion of the free radicals produced by UV exposure. To optimize UV protection, apply topical vitamin C, which provides an additional layer of protection.

Vitamin C has many other benefits for your skin. They include:

Boost collagen production

Collagen is a vital protein that keeps skin firm and youthful. As we age, collagen production naturally decreases, leading to wrinkles and sagging skin. Vitamin C is essential for collagen synthesis, as it acts as a co-factor for enzymes involved in collagen formation. By promoting collagen production, vitamin C helps maintain skin elasticity and firmness, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Reduce hyperpigmentation

Vitamin C helps inhibit the enzyme tyrosinase, which plays a role in melanin production. By reducing tyrosinase activity, vitamin C can help lighten dark spots and hyperpigmentation, leading to a more even skin tone. This is particularly beneficial for combating age spots and sun damage, common signs of aging.

Enhance skin repair

Vitamin C assists in the skin’s natural healing process. It promotes the regeneration of skin cells and helps repair damage caused by UV exposure and other environmental aggressors. This accelerated repair process can lead to healthier, more resilient skin.

Provide anti-inflammatory benefits

Environmental stressors can trigger inflammation, contributing to redness, irritation, and other signs of aging. Vitamin C has anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe the skin, reducing inflammation and minimizing the impact of environmental stress.

Support the skin’s barrier function

Vitamin C strengthens the skin’s natural barrier, helping it retain moisture and protect against pollutants and toxins. A robust skin barrier is important for maintaining hydration and preventing environmental damage, which in turn helps reduce the visible signs of aging.

To reap the benefits of vitamin C for skin health, it can be incorporated into skincare routines through serums, moisturizers, and dietary supplements. Topical application of vitamin C serums is particularly effective, as it allows the antioxidant to be directly absorbed into the skin. When choosing vitamin C products, be sure to look for stable formulations, as vitamin C can be prone to oxidation when exposed to air and light.