It doesn’t get much better than topical vitamin C when it comes to transforming the look and health of your skin. If you’re not already using it, here’s why you need to start now.

“Vitamin C supports overall skin health and prevents signs of aging,” says Heather Wilson, a licensed esthetician and director of brand development at InstaNatural, a skin care company that combines activated forms of vitamin C with vitamin C-rich botanicals in it products.

How Does Vitamin C Work? 

Research shows that it helps maintain skin firmness and elasticity by supporting construction of collagen, the skin’s primary building block. Vitamin C has also been shown to increase skin brightness by reducing the enzymes that cause dark spots and blotches. (See box for even more reasons to shower your skin in vitamin C.)

Humans are unable to synthesize vitamin C, and even if you ingest high doses, only a small fraction will be biologically available and active in the skin. That’s why it’s so important to make topical vitamin C part of your skin care routine.

“While all vitamin C products offer skin benefits,” Wilson says, “serums and moisturizers pack the biggest punch. They’re generally the most concentrated and are left on the skin, not rinsed off. And don’t stop at vitamin C—a product’s efficacy is truly based on the complete composition of ingredients. Look for formulas that are boosted with other ingredients such as ferulic acid or hyaluronic acid, as well as nourishing botanicals and extracts that are also known to support and defend against aggressors and signs of aging.”

6 Ways Vitamin C Works Its Magic

1. Helps protect skin from UV damage
2. Reduces fine lines and wrinkles
3. Brightens skin
4. Reduces hyperpigmentation
5. Strengthens the skin’s ability to repair itself
6. Boosts the skin’s collagen production