The most abundant forms of free-radical damage are environmental factors we can’t escape—think sun damage, pollution and oxygen—that assault skin on a daily basis, but that’s where topical vitamin C can help (Dermatological Surgery, 2008 & Dermatology Research and Practice, 2012)!

With decades of research around its benefits, vitamin C is a long-established skincare superstar that can help you achieve younger, healthier and more radiant skin. However, like any ingredient, skincare will never be as simple as any single ingredient—just as no single food or nutrient can keep your body healthy, you need more than just one ingredient to keep your skin in good shape, too!

It’s important to mention that vitamin C forms are effective in lower concentrations, so don’t get caught up in the belief that only higher strengths are beneficial for skin. Research has shown that concentrations as low 0.6% provide antioxidant and anti-aging benefits to skin (Skin Research and Technology, 2008). Depending on your concerns, you may do just fine using a regular-strength vitamin C product, especially is said product also contains a range of great ingredients to smooth, repair, and replenish skin.

Without question, vitamin C is a powerful tool in your anti-aging arsenal. For best results, use it strategically and as part of a routine that includes a daily broad-spectrum sunscreen plus irritant-free products that contain a skin-pleasing mix of antioxidants, skin-repairing agents, and cell-communicating ingredients.

When incorporated into your daily skincare lineup, well-formulated products containing vitamin C can provide a range of benefits that keep your skin younger-looking, longer! See what C can do:

~ Reduce the appearance of brown spots and other types of sun damage
~ Helps boost healthy collagen production (hello, firmer skin!)
~ Reduce inflammation and irritation, both of which cause a cascade of damage
~ Fade post-breakout red marks by improving skin’s natural healing response
I~ ncrease the effectiveness of your sunscreens and boosts your skins defense against UV exposure (Dermatological Surgery, 2008 & Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 2012 & The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 2010).