Vitamin C is an essential part of the skin’s defense system. It has a plethora of benefits, from anti-aging to color correcting, and skin strengthening to protection.

Here are five reasons to add a vitamin-c serum to your skincare routine:

1. Boosts Collagen Production

Vitamin-C has incredible regenerating properties. Dermatologist Howard Sobel of New York City explains the benefits of topically applying vitamin-c: “When vitamin C is used topically, the skin is triggered to heal itself by accelerating the production of collagen and elastin,". Collagen and elastin are both naturally occurring protein fibers that help keep skin plump and firm.

2. Protects Against Damage From Free Radicals

Vitamin-C is a proven to be one of the best natural defenses against free radical damage, particularly UV damage. As far as your skin is concerned, vitamin C is "a potent antioxidant that can neutralize free radicals," explains board-certified dermatologist Patricia Wexler. Due to its antioxidant properties, vitamin-c aids in your skin's natural regeneration process, which helps your body repair damaged skin cells.

3. Reduces Dark Circles And Hyperpigmentation.

Another cool thing about vitamin-c is that it contains a property that prevents your skin's melanin production, which is what causes skin discoloration like dark spots and hyperpigmentation. With continued topical use, vitamin C can help prevent dark spots from forming to begin with, as well as gradually heal the skin thus reducing discoloration and hyperpigmentation.

4. Proven Anti-Aging Power

Vitamin C is an absolute staple in preventing and slowing the appearance of aging. Of course, existing signs of skin aging cannot be completely reversed. When we’re young, vitamin C levels in skin’s outermost two layers (epidermis and dermis) are abundant, but as we age, these levels naturally deplete. Incorporating vitamin-c in your skincare routine at a younger age will help slow the aging process of your skin by supplementing these levels. Luckily, vitamin c is also proven to reduce appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, too. 

5. Hydrates and Brightens

Magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, one of the main vitamin C derivatives used in skin care, has been shown to have a hydrating effect on skin. It decreases trans-epidermal water loss, allowing your skin to better retain moisture. Vitamin C can also help fade pigmentation and smooth the skin’s surface to reduce dullness and give skin a youthful glow.