There are simple things you can do in your skincare routine that add serious anti-aging firepower. One of them? Add some Vitamin C!

There are so many benefits to this powerhouse ingredient, so I’ve broken down the basics for you. And of course I’ll be sharing some of my favorite products that include this star ingredient too.

So why add the C, and why is it so great, anyway? Let’s dive in!

It’s Got Serious Antioxidant Power

What’s an antioxidant anyway? In short, it’s an ingredient that helps fight things that age your skin.

Noted cosmetic researcher Paula Begoun says, “Ongoing use [of Vitamin C in skincare products] has been shown to improve the look of multiple signs of aging, brighten an uneven skin tone, as well as provide skin-restoring and soothing benefits.”

You Can Expect Visible Results

Vitamin C is one of those skincare ingredients whose results you can see. A well-formulated product will brighten uneven skin tone, create a luminous appearance, and even help to lighten slight discoloration.

It can also increase collagen production when applied regularly. (Collagen is like the building blocks of skin; the more you have, the plumper and younger your skin looks!)

It Works Quickly

With a good topical Vitamin C product, some people report brightening within the first two weeks of use. And it just keeps getting better from there! The more you use it, the better the results will be.

I can personally attest to seeing brightening within the first week of using the cult favorite SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic. There was no mistaking I woke up with brighter-looking skin that stayed that way for the duration of the time I used the product.

Vitamin C + SPF = True Love (and Major Skin Benefits!)

Simply put, Vitamin C boosts the protective power of your sun protection. Here’s the science behind it: “When one is exposed to excessive amounts of sunlight, reactive oxygen species (ROS) start to form, aggravating skin damage. As an antioxidant, Vitamin C works to neutralize the impact of ROS. … Vitamin C works in tandem with sunscreen to protect the skin. You see, most popular sunscreens only block around 55% of free radicals from sun exposure, the rest that manage to cling on to skin are then neutralized by high levels of Vitamin C in the body.”

What does that all add up to? You’ll get much more firepower behind your SPF if you’re pairing it with a solid Vitamin C formulation.

Anything Else I Need to Know?

Yes! How your Vitamin C product is packaged matters, big time. Here’s some expert advice: “[I]f you want to get the best possible results from your antioxidant-enriched skin care products, then buy only those that are packaged in opaque tubes, air-restrictive bottles, or pump containers so the ingredients remain stable after you start using the product! A vitamin C product in a jar isn’t a good purchase!”

You should also store your Vitamin C product away from direct sunlight, and keep it from reaching temperatures that are too warm. And keep it away from your eyes; it can cause irritation.

Shop That “C”

Have any favorite Vitamin C skincare products? I’m all ears! Let me know in Comments below!