If there ever is a skincare hero award, Vitamin C should probably get it. This well researched ingredient offers amazing skin benefits that are well documented. In terms of its importance, it ranks right after sunscreen in preventing premature aging.

Here are ways Vitamin C keeps your skin looking youthful:

Protection from free radicals:
Free radicals are highly reactive molecules created in the skin from everyday living (think of the food we eat, sun exposure, other environmental factors...) which break down healthy skin cells.  Vitamin C neutralizes these free radicals by stabilizing and rendering them nontoxic to the skin cells, and this also means fewer triggers for inflammation. This is HUGE!

Boosts collagen production:
Vitamin C helps in the creation of collagen molecules. Collagen is a protein that naturally exists in the skin and gives it support and structure. However, collagen production diminishes with age leading to loss of elasticity. Because collagen is crucial to supple skin, it makes Vitamin C one of the most reliable anti-aging ingredients on the market.

 
What it means for darker skin tones:
When you add less inflammation and oxidation, to increased collagen production, the skin is able to heal itself quicker, helping clear out acne scaring and hyperpigmentation. This is why Vitamin C lies at the heart of our Brightening Moisturizer SPF 30 formulation, providing brightening corrective properties and counteracting daily oxidative damage. It combines advanced ingredients with broad spectrum sunscreen to visibly improve the look and feel of skin. Nourishing moisturizers and robust antioxidants help restore hydration and radiance while SPF 30 sunscreen guards against UV damage.

 

As far as maintaining a youthful look goes, the best advice is to protect the collagen you have with sunscreen.