There are few skin-care ingredients that get the resounding expert seal of approval like vitamin C. Known for its brightening properties, this powerful antioxidant has been clinically proven to improve texture, appearance [1], and overall health of skin. If used regularly, it can also boost collagen production, improve pigmentation, brighten dull skin, and help diminish stubborn acne scars. [2] Which is why it is always part of my skin-care arsenal and I instantly notice if I stop using it. And the best part? Anyone can easily incorporate vitamin C into their current skin-care routine and reap the benefits.

"Vitamin C is an essential addition to a skin-care routine purely because the body cannot produce it on its own," Andjelka Maravillas, makeup artist and founder of SEKKEIZU, tells POPSUGAR UK. "It is a fantastic antioxidant and works to protect, prevent, and repair the skin from daily environmental exposure and damage, so while it's totally fine to use it at night, you get a lot more out of it as a daytime ingredient."

So grab a cup of tea and get ready to learn about why vitamin c should be your new skin-care BFF. It's going to be educational.

What Is Vitamin C?

Before you pour a glass of orange juice on your face, stop! This may be the way to benefit from its immune-boosting powers, but it differs in reference to skin care. "Vitamin C is a very powerful antioxidant that actively works on the skin in the form of L-ascorbic acid," says Dr. Ana Mansouri, a cosmetic dermatologist, and Skinceuticals expert. "A powerful and potent ingredient to improve the skin's function, slow down ageing, and protect from environmental damage."

What Are the Benefits of Using Vitamin C?

Vitamin C is an antioxidant, which protects the skin from environmental damage and prevents premature skin aging associated with UV rays and pollution. The molecules are able to penetrate deep into the skin's surface and neutralise free radicals, which are toxic to skin cells. It can also stimulate cell renewal and support new collagen synthesis, which means it will leave you with brighter, firmer skin. Another bonus is that it is a powerful anti-inflammatory that can help reduce acne and rosacea [3]. Additionally, when vitamin C is used with a broad spectrum SPF, it works in synergy to increase the power of the SPF [4], resulting in superior protection against atmospheric ageing.

What Types of Vitamin C Products Work Best?

Not all vitamin C products are created equal. "The concentration of vitamin C within the product is important," says Mohini Patel, Dermatica lead physical product manager. As a rough guide, the sweet spot tends to be around fifteen percent for effectiveness. "This is better tolerated for sensitive skin while still providing significant benefits," Patel says. However, five percent is best for the delicate eye area and ten percent if you have particularly dry or very sensitive skin. Formula can contain upto twenty percent but should only be used if you have advanced photo-ageing concerns.

Who Should Be Using Vitamin C?

"Contrary to popular belief, everyone can benefit from vitamin C, including individuals with sensitive skin," Patel says. Vitamin C aids in preventing and repairing loss of skin firmness while reinforcing the skin barrier and locking in hydration, which are particularly useful properties for sensitive skin. The ideal age to start introducing vitamin C is your early 20s according to Dr Saira, but people of all ages can benefit from using it.

It should be used in the morning after cleansing and should be followed by a high factor broad-spectrum SPF to double up the damage defence. Dr Saira says that vitamin C should be seen as a skin-care essential. Whether you want to prevent the onset of premature ageing, reduce skin inflammation associated with acne or rosacea, or have mature skin with aging concerns. It's an all-round skin-care hero. We're sold.

Is There Anything to Be Cautious of When Using Vitamin C?

It is important to look at the stability of a product. "It's imperative to seek out stabilised preparations of vitamin C," says Dr Saira. "Always buy products which are packaged in bottles which protect the product from sunlight. This prevents premature oxidisation of the serum and prolongs its shelf-life." In general, vitamin C serums appear as champagne or light straw-coloured liquids. If your product has a brownish discolouration then discontinue use immediately. This suggests that vitamin C has oxidised and can be harmful if applied to the skin.

"L-ascorbic acid is an exfoliating acid and without use of a high factor broad spectrum SPF, it can increase photosensitivity rendering the skin vulnerable to inflammation and sun damage," Dr Saira says. "If undergoing ablative skin treatments such as chemical peels [5] or laser, it may be appropriate to take a short break from active products such as vitamin C or retinol to allow the skin's barrier to repair.

Best Budget-Friendly Vitamin C Serum

The Inkey List Vitamin C Serum [6] (£8)

This budget option is great for anyone who wants to try out vitamin C, but doesn't want to commit to an expensive product. It glides onto skin to give it a radiant glow.

Best Premium Vitamin C Serum

Skinceuticals CE Ferulic Serum [7] (£140)

If you want something that works, then this is for you. An absolute skin-care classic, I'm not surprised it is constantly listed as a beauty expert favourite. I love how it absorbs quickly into skin and always notice after two-weeks worth of use, my skin is glowing from the inside out.

Best Vitamin C Body Oil

Body Proud Serve That Glow Dry Body Oil [8] (£13)

I love how this dry oil not only nourishes your skin, but it also gives you a post-sunkissed glow.

Best Vitamin C Cleanser

Rodial Vit C Brightening Cleanser [9] (£40)

This brightening cleanser will get rid of all grease and grime to leave your skin clean and glowing without any tightness. I like to use it as my morning cleanse to wake up tired skin.

Best Vitamin C Facial Scrub

Nip and Fab Vitamin C Fix Scrub [10] (£10)

Tired, dull, winter skin? This scrub will instantly get rid of any dead skin cells sitting on the surface to reveal soft, radiant skin.

Best Vitamin C Eye Cream

Ole Henriksen Banana Bright Eye Creme, [11] (£37)

I've always struggled with dark circles and this is one of the only eye creams that has made any difference in reducing the shadows and making the area appear brighter and less crepey.

Best Vitamin C Day Cream

Murad Essential-C Firming Radiance Day Cream [12] (£86)

I love this day cream as it not only brightens and evens skin tone, but it improves the elasticity of the skin, making my face feel tighter.

Best Vitamin C Body Cream

Q+A Vitamin C Body Cream [13] (£10)

Slather this body moisturiser on to get rid of any dry, scaly skin. I love the zesty, citrus smell that makes me instantly think of warmer, sunnier days.

Best High Street Vitamin C Serum for Night

Garnier Targeted Vitamin C Anti Dark Spot Night Serum [14] (£14)

In terms of a high potency, budget option, this is up there with some of the best I have tried. Because vitamin C is an antioxidant, when used during the day, it will continually protect your skin from environmental factors such as UV rays and pollution. When used as part of your evening routine, the 10 percent pure vitamin C has the chance to get to work on pigmentation and dark spots to even skin tone and texture.

Best Vitamin C Brightening Serum

Tatcha Violet-C Brightening Serum [15] (£86)

This is the ultimate in brightening formulas, with 20 percent vitamin C and 10 percent exfoliating AHAs. This removes any dead skin cells, whilst promoting cell turnover to reveal silky, smooth skin.

Best Vitamin C Sheet Mask

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Not all sheet masks are created equal and this is up there with one of the most hardworking, effective one-off masks you can buy. If you're looking to brighten dull, tired skin before a big event this is for you!

Best Vitamin C Overnight Mask

The Body Shop Vitamin C Overnight Glow Revealing Mask [17] (£24)

Is there anything better than slapping on a face mask and letting the magic happen whilst you sleep? I think not. Enriched with vitamin C, lactic acid (AHA), and papaya enzymes, this exfoliating mask tingles as it touches your skin and gets to work.