Though you may not realize it, your skin is the largest organ in your body. Just like any other organ, it requires upkeep and maintenance that typically relies on a steady stream of essential nutrients. There are many important vitamins and minerals for skin health, including zinc, vitamin B complex, vitamin A, and vitamin E, but we will be focusing on vitamin C liquid drops and their potential to provide nourishment for your skin, especially when used for topical application.

Using Topical Vitamin C

You may think that vitamins and minerals are made only to be taken orally. However, many nutrients can also be absorbed through the skin and have unique benefits when applied topically instead of being consumed. Utilizing a topical vitamin serum like vitamin C is much like any other skin care product you would apply.

To make the most out of your topical vitamin C liquid drops, you may want to use the following steps, or simply add them into your skincare routine in the way that works best for you. First, wash your face with a gentle cleanser to remove excess dead skin cells. Then, apply a few drops of the vitamin C serum to any area of skin you choose, whether it be face, neck, shoulders, etc. Finally, finish up your routine with a nice moisturizer and perhaps a dab of sunscreen for a little added skin protection.

If you have sensitive skin, you may want to use extra caution when applying any form of skincare product. You can rest easy with vitamin C though, as it has a great safety profile and can be utilized by nearly anyone. Vitamin C serums have also been known to provide moisture to the skin while brightening its overall appearance.

Anti-Inflammatory Properties

But why use a vitamin C serum? How can it help your skin? One of the most notable benefits of topical vitamin C is its anti-inflammatory properties. Similar to vitamin E, vitamin C has antioxidant qualities that make it a powerful anti-inflammatory nutrient. When the skin becomes inflamed, it may lead to puffiness, redness, itching, and dryness that can be extremely uncomfortable. Not to mention, inflammation can also cause skin conditions to arise, such as acne and eczema. Thanks to its ability to act as an antioxidant, vitamin C can help reduce the signs of inflammation, soothe your skin, and alleviate common symptoms of acne (1). Less irritation may also help your skin maintain a better look overall, noticeably improving both its texture and appearance.

Antioxidants like vitamin C also help the skin by reducing the damage caused by free radicals, which are highly reactive molecules. You may be exposed to free radicals when you come into contact with cigarette smoke, air pollution, or even ultraviolet light. These molecules can cause oxidative stress in the body and particularly your skin, resulting in the common signs of aging such as wrinkles and dark spots. Regularly applying vitamin C to your skin and consuming a healthy amount of it in your diet as well may give your body the antioxidant boost it needs to balance out the presence of free radicals and reduce oxidative stress along with age signs.

Protect Your Skin

Your skin is the barrier of defense between your internal systems and the harshness of the outside world. There are many ways it can be negatively impacted by your environment, whether it be UV light from sun exposure, rashes, cuts, bruises, dark spots, or even wrinkles. Providing your skin with a healthy supply of vitamin C and other important nutrients can help protect it against these stresses and maintain a brighter, healthier glow.

Vitamin C in particular plays a role in both collagen production and wound healing. Collagen is the main protein that makes up the structure of your skin and gives skin its signature elasticity. Wrinkles, fine lines, and thinning skin are often associated with depleted collagen levels, so it is important to stimulate your body’s production of this protein. Vitamin C, necessary for collagen synthesis, can help. And, thanks to this assistance in collagen production, it may also improve your body’s ability to heal wounds efficiently. The antioxidant properties come into play once again here, reducing the damage caused by inflammation and lowering the risk of scarring (2).

Resources

1. Nathan, Neera and Payal Patel. “Why Is Topical Vitamin C Important for Skin Health?” Harvard Health Publishing, 10 November 2021, https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/why-is-topical-vitamin-c-important-for-skin-health-202111102635.
2. Doyle, Annie. “11 Reasons to Add Vitamin C Serum to Your Skin Care Routine.” healthline, 15 November 2021, https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/vitamin-c-serum-benefits.