When you need to quickly kick a cold, you know to reach for an immunity-boosting dose of vitamin C. But the benefits of vitamin C go way beyond clearing up a runny nose. When applied topically to your skin, it can be incredibly effective at retexturising, restoring radiance and evening skin tone. “Vitamin C is one of my favourite ingredients. It addresses multiple skin concerns and is one of the most effective antioxidants,” says Clinique Derm Pro Dr. Michelle Henry, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City. Here's what you need to know about this powerful anti-ageing ingredient and how to easily incorporate it into your daily skin care routine.

What are the benefits of vitamin C?
“Daily use of vitamin C is a must to protect the skin from premature ageing,” says Dr. Michelle Henry. It's a powerful antioxidant, which means it helps neutralise free radicals on the skin. Free radicals originate from pollution or UV exposure and attack your cells, speeding up the ageing process that leads to wrinkles, rough skin texture, enlarged pores and skin dullness—unless they're intercepted by an antioxidant. That's where vitamin C comes in. It's also been shown to help boost natural collagen and elastin production (which strengthens and plumps up skin), brighten dark spots and prevent future hyperpigmentation from forming. It’s one of the best vitamins for skin rejuvenation.

Not all vitamin C is created equal.
The one drawback: Vitamin C is a notoriously unstable skin care ingredient, meaning its full potential is easily compromised by the skin care formula and packaging it comes in. The second it is exposed to oxygen or light, it starts to lose its potency. So while you may scan the ingredient list of a skin care product for vitamin C (also known as Ascorbic Acid, Ascorbate, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate and Ascorbyl Glucoside), it's not a sure thing that you're actually getting a powerhouse of a treatment.

The beauty breakthrough.
Clinique's mission was to preserve the purest and freshest form of topical vitamin C possible, up until the very minute it's applied to skin. Thanks to a revolutionary lightproof, airtight dual chamber and an extremely potent form of dry vitamin C powder, Fresh Pressed Daily Booster with Pure Vitamin C 10% is a true beauty breakthrough. “Vitamin C is most effective when it’s fresh. This formula is so powerful because the special packing keeps it at peak potency until the minute you use it,” explains Dr. Michelle Henry. Just press the bottom of the vial to release the vitamin C powder into a skin-soothing emulsion, shake it all up, then pump out two drops into your regular moisturiser as a booster or apply it directly to skin, morning and night. One vial has just the right amount for a 7-day treatment. You’ll see an immediate boost in skin radiance as well as a visible reduction in lines and wrinkles and a more lifted and firm appearance over time.

That vitamin C glow.
Cleansing with vitamin C first thing in the morning invigorates tired skin and helps jump-start the cellular renewal process to reveal a fresher, brighter complexion. Fresh Pressed Renewing Powder Cleanser with Pure Vitamin C has the same pure and powerful Vitamin C 10% at active levels, in convenient single-serving size packettes, which also makes it a travel must-have. Pour it into your palm, then add water to create a rich, creamy cleanser that gently exfoliates while removing impurities. Massage over skin in circular motions—you can even leave it on for one minute as a mini brightening facial. The non-drying, non-stripping formula gives skin an instant healthy glow while removing complexion-dulling toxins and impurities.

Photo: Justin Fantl | Words: Dawn Spinner Davis