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A Mighty Multitasker

by Celia Shatzman

Few skincare ingredients have been hailed as widely as vitamin C. Unlike many things in the beauty world, it actually holds up to the hype.

“Vitamin C is definitely one of the most powerful antiaging vitamins because it stimulates the formation of elastic fibers in the skin and connective tissue and prevents hyperpigmentation, lines and wrinkles,” says Laura Bonné, founder and owner of Amazing Space Spa at Hotel d’Angleterre in Copenhagen. “It helps to heal wounds and damage to the skin tissue and is a strong and protective antioxidant, which prevents cell degradation.”

That’s not all, since vitamin C is quite the multitasker for your complexion. “Vitamin C has a natural exfoliating effect on the skin, and it protects and repairs the skin against sun damage,” Bonné says. “Vitamin C regenerates the skin for a supple, youthful and radiant result.”

When it comes to adding vitamin C to your skincare routine, Bonné believes in doing so in a holistic way, both externally and internally at the same time. To maximize the effects of vitamin C for your skin, it’s important to also get it through your diet via food and supplements. “Vitamin C is a vital nutrient for the human body,” she says. “Humans are among the few species that cannot create the substance themselves, and it is also water soluble so the human body cannot store it.” That’s why a daily intake with food is crucial. The best natural sources are from fruits and vegetables, especially citrus fruits, kiwis, berries, tomatoes, cauliflower and green leafy vegetables.

Topically, you can use a vitamin C product such as serum, cream, cleanser, exfoliant or

mask. “For the serum or cream to absorb efficiently, it is necessary to cleanse and tone the skin before applying vitamin C,” Bonné advises. “Always apply on thoroughly cleansed skin. If using a serum, layer it under your moisturizer.” To get the perks they promise, follow the guidelines on the product, be consistent and apply daily to see benefits.

It’s important to keep a few things in mind when shopping for vitamin C skincare. “Make sure the packaging of the product is opaque, since oxygen and UV light (sunlight) damage vitamin C,” Bonné says. “Also, the vitamin concentrate should be in a fat-soluble solution so that the skin can benefit from it.”