Understanding Vitamin C Skincare Benefits for Skin

Discover vitamin c serum benefits and how this ingredient works to hydrate and brighten skin. To learn more about how vitamin c works for skin, read here.

Where some formulas in skincare serve a particular purpose, others have multiple functions. Vitamin C serum benefits fall into the latter category. The formulation of this hero ingredient in a powerful skincare step makes it one of the most efficacious steps you can have in your arsenal.

For mature, oily, dry and sensitive skin types, the brightening and protective properties of vitamin C helps with balance and appearance. Outside of serums, vitamin C skincare benefits can be applied through moisturisers, essences and exfoliators.

For those thinking about adding this ingredient to your routine or expanding its use across further steps, we’ve compiled a go-to guide. Read on for answers to common queries like ‘what does vitamin C do for skin?’, and how to use vitamin C serum properly. Discover Vitamin C serum uses for every skin type below.

Vitamin C serum benefits for skin type

An antioxidant with a cult-following in skincare, vitamin C is generally safe for use for all skin types. Those with hyper-sensitivity may want to introduce vitamin C serum benefits to skin slowly, but otherwise the ingredient can be applied daily. Vitamin C serum uses are included in both morning and evening routines, and provide the following benefits:

Vitamin C skincare benefits for oily skin

Reducing the occurrence of breakouts is one aspect of acne-prone skincare. Blemishes can also cause discolouration across skin, inflammation, and uneven skin texture. Being the multitasking hero it is, vitamin C skincare benefits all of these concerns. So, what does vitamin C do for skin with excessive oil-flow? By addressing oxidative stress, a vitamin C serum benefits the moisture barrier, which helps to stabilise oil in skin. Post-breakout, Clearly Corrective™ Dark Spot Solution boosts skin clarity and diminishes acne-scar discolouration with the use of activated C, a stabilised form of vitamin C. To help establish balanced hydration, clarity and evenness, Clearly Corrective™ Brightening & Soothing Treatment Water also contains activated C and is gentle enough to be used twice a day.

Vitamin C serum uses:

You can integrate vitamin C serum benefits into an acne-prone skincare routine easily, with a couple of exceptions. If utilising retinol-based blemish products, avoid applying them in the same routine (we suggest using vitamin C in the morning and retinol at night in this case). Many of our plant-based formulas for breakouts contain salicylic acid, which is enhanced by vitamin C for even more beneficial results.

Vitamin C skincare benefits for dry skin

Persistent dryness contributes to other common complexion concerns, like dulled skin, dead skin build-ups and rough textures. What does vitamin C serum do to counteract this? Vitamin C derivatives like activated C benefit hydration through gentle natural exfoliation and the replenishment of moisture. As a brightening antioxidant, vitamin C serum benefits dry skin stress. For daily moisture, skin brightening Clearly Corrective Brightening & Smoothing Moisture Treatment addresses dulled skin with the inclusion of activated C and glycolic acid. When skin feels especially dry, opt for a deeply hydrating mask like Clearly Corrective™ Clarity Booster Hydration Mask, which combines hyaluronic acid and activated C to draw moisture into skin.

Vitamin C serum uses:

Vitamin C will boost radiance in any dry skin routine step. It also enhances other hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid. We recommend utilising an exfoliative cleanser like Clearly Corrective™ Brightening & Exfoliating Daily Cleanser as your first step, which contains white birch extract also enhanced by activated C.

Vitamin C skincare benefits for mature skin

For mature skin, gradual loss of elastin and collagen results in sagging skin. What does vitamin C do for your skin in this case? This nutrient’s enzymes have a unique ability to increase the production of collagen in skin, by stabilising collagen molecules. Age spots as a result of repeated oxidative stress can also be addressed by this brightening ingredient, reducing dark circles and discolouration. To visibly reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate is formulated with 12.5% pure vitamin C and vitamin Cg. For dark circles and lines around the especially thin eye area, a targeted vitamin C serum for eyes can be applied. Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing & Dark Circle-Diminishing Vitamin C Eye Serum counteracts crow’s feet and puffiness too, for brightened, plumper skin.

Vitamin C serum uses:

The Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing collection features vitamin C across each product, to help address fine lines and wrinkles. Some firming products like Retinol Skin-Renewing Daily Micro-Dose Serum contain retinol, which isn’t complimented by vitamin C use. We recommend alternating between products each day.

How to use vitamin C serum in a routine

Even the most potent serum can’t deliver results without proper application. To take advantage of vitamin C serum benefits, ensure that the product is placed on clean, dry skin. To encourage blood flow in the face, massage the product into skin, moving from the centre outwards. Follow with a moisturiser to help seal in the ingredients. For those wondering ‘how long does vitamin C take to work?’, visible results can usually be noticed around 3-4 weeks with correct usage.

Discover Kiehl’s insider tips to glowing skin next.