The experts from ISDIN are here to share their latest skin care advice.

There’s one essential vitamin that’s so popular that it’s been honored with its own holiday: vitamin C! Though April 4th is National Vitamin C Day, we can see the impressive benefits of this super antioxidant in our skin all year long. This powerhouse vitamin has become one of the most valued active ingredients in skin care because of the array of benefits it provides. Ready to learn more? We’ll answer some key questions about vitamin C and your skin, including:

• What is vitamin C?

• What are antioxidants and free radicals?

• How does vitamin C help fight oxidative damage to the skin?

• What are the skin care benefits of vitamin C?

• What vitamin C products can I try at home?

What is vitamin C?

Also known as ascorbic acid, vitamin C is an essential part of our overall health. We need it in our daily diet to support our immune system. It’s also crucial to the health of our skin, acting as a powerful antioxidant with rejuvenating and illuminating effects.

Vitamin C skin care products come in both topical and supplement forms. Topically, it’s directly absorbed by your skin, while any vitamin C you consume is shared between your body’s overall needs.

What are antioxidants and free radicals?

As the name suggests, an antioxidant (like vitamin C) helps block oxidative stress. Let’s take a closer look: Free radicals are unstable atoms that can damage the cells in the body. They damage cell proteins and DNA by altering their chemical structure. Free radicals can trigger a long chain of chemical reactions in the body called oxidation, causing harm and signs of aging.

Where do free radicals come from? Sometimes, our body produces free radicals through natural biological processes. But most often, they’re introduced from an outside source, like tobacco smoke, toxins, pollutants and especially sun exposure. An overload of free radicals sets off a process called oxidative stress. Oxidation consists of chemical reactions that damage our cells.

How does vitamin C help fight oxidative damage to the skin?

Normally, our body can fight off oxidative stress through its own antioxidant defenses. But if free radicals overpower our body and trigger oxidative stress, they can impact the different layers of the skin. Damage presents as fine lines and wrinkles, a dull, uneven skin tone, an increase in dark spots and sagging skin.

On top of it all, our natural antioxidant defenses do not work as effectively as we age. But there’s good news! Antioxidants such as vitamin C, when applied directly to the skin, can help boost your body’s antioxidant-generating capacity or directly help to neutralize free radicals.

The skin care benefits of vitamin C

Now knowing how vitamin C works beneath the surface, it’s no coincidence that it’s everywhere in skin care. Let’s get to know its top attributes:

It can support natural collagen production. Topical vitamin C lends a helping hand to your skin’s natural collagen synthesis, which is the process that keeps skin taut and smooth. Reach for this vitamin to help improve skin firmness and elasticity.

It’s a brightening powerhouse. Vitamin C can help you boost your skin’s vitality. It brightens up dullness due to the natural skin aging process or due to external factors like tobacco smoke and pollution.

It minimizes the look of dark spots. Daily use of vitamin C can help even out your skin tone and minimize the look of sun spots. Don’t forget to pair it with your favorite sun protection!

5 ISDIN products with vitamin C

So, what are some of the best vitamin C products to turn to for an antioxidant boost? A facial serum is one of the most popular and potent options. Serums are lightweight treatments that contain highly effective ingredients, which means optimal benefits can be obtained by applying them to clean, dry skin. Applying a vitamin C serum daily can help to repair existing signs of aging and protect your skin. You can also support your skin from within with a daily vitamin supplement as well. Here are five options from ISDIN to consider.

ISDIN Isdinceutics Flavo-C Ultraglican Vitamin C Ampoules

Dream team vitamin C and hyaluronic acid give this serum gentle yet powerful properties. Hyaluronic acid boasts a hydrating and plumping effect, while vitamin C works to brighten your complexion and even overall skin tone.

ISDIN Isdinceutics Flavo-C Vitamin C Serum

This antioxidant serum pairs together two powerful antioxidants: vitamin C and ginkgo biloba. This formula not only defends against the visible signs of sun damage but also brings back your radiance while addressing the loss of firmness and elasticity.

ISDIN Isdinceutics Melaclear Dark Spot Correcting Serum

This powerful dark spot corrector perfects skin tone and combats the appearance of dark spots with vitamin C and phytic acid. Boasting antioxidants, this dark spot-correcting serum defends against free radical stress.

ISDIN Isdinceutics Melatonik Recovery Night Serum

Discover the award-winning, restorative overnight serum that helps skin recover from the effects of sun damage, like fine lines and wrinkles and loss of firmness and elasticity. This vitamin C and melatonin serum also contains bakuchiol to help restore vitality and elasticity for healthy looking skin.

ISDIN SunISDIN Daily Skin Care Antioxidant Supplement with Vitamin E & A

This daily vitamin supplement helps boost the skin’s natural defenses against photoaging while enhancing general skin health. Powered by an advanced combination of antioxidants, carotenoids and vitamins (including vitamin C), this skin care supplement helps promote skin elasticity and overall radiance.

Curious about melatonin in skin care? You can learn more about how ISDIN’s melatonin-rich serum can help improve your nighttime skin care routine on the LovelySkin Blog.