Does Vitamin C Help Sagging Skin?

Q: Can I use vitamin C on my skin every day?

It is suggested that you apply vitamin C twice daily. Some people, however, have sensitive skin that can be irritated by that much vitamin C. If you have a reaction, try taking vitamin C products every other day or a few times a week. As your skin adjusts, you may be able to progress to daily applications.

Skincare products containing vitamin C tick all the boxes: they prevent wrinkles, fight acne, even out skin tone, and give your skin a healthy glow. But, does Vitamin C help with sagging skin? Let us find out.

Vitamin C is gaining popularity due to its skin lightening properties. It is regarded as one of the best vitamins for skin because it firms and tightens the skin, reduces under-eye circles, improves skin texture, and lightens and brightens the skin.

But, do you wonder if Vitamin C can help with sagging skin? When vitamin C is applied to the skin, it paves way for the growth of new collagen. This also helps treat sagging skin. It also helps to keep the existing collagen in a good shape and defends it from damage.

Is vitamin C good for sagging skin?

Collagen is a naturally occurring protein and reduces over time. Collagen deficiency may cause fine lines and wrinkles. Vitamin C is a recent skin care trend for increasing collagen production via the collagen synthesis process. Collagen synthesis is impossible without vitamin C. [1]

Skin elasticity and tightness are associated with collagen production. Declining collagen levels are a major cause for sagging skin. According to a review, applying a vitamin C serum may increase collagen production. This can make your skin appear firmer. [2]

This is true for sagging caused by natural aging, oxidative stress, or drastic weight loss. This means it can help decrease the chance of a sagging skin and make it look firmer.

Does vitamin C make skin firmer?

Vitamin C improves skin elasticity significantly. The topical application of vitamin C stimulates the synthesis of collagen and elastin, two important structural proteins in your skin, causing it to tighten and firm.

Benefits of Vitamin C for your skin

Protects against sun damage

Vitamin C’s antioxidants may help in the protection against UV light damage. If UV light penetrates your skin, then vitamin C can help mitigate the damage.

Lightens dark areas

Vitamin C-based skincare products may lighten patches of your skin that are darker than the rest of your skin, a condition known as hyperpigmentation.

Helps in the smoothing of wrinkles

Vitamin C is an effective anti-aging ingredient found in a variety of anti-aging products. When used for at least 12 weeks, it can reduce the appearance of wrinkles.

Increases Collagen

Collagen is naturally present in your skin and keep your skin away from sagging. With aging, your body’s collagen production slows. When vitamin C is applied to the skin, it forms new collagen.

Which vitamin is good for skin tightening?

Vitamin A – Vitamin A or retinol is commonly used in anti-aging creams. It has the property to enhance blood flow to the skin’s surfacea and stimulates collagen production. It can also prevent and reduces the appearance of wrinkles. Vitamin A reduces wrinkles and tightens sagging skin by improving skin elasticity.

Vitamin B9 – Vitamin B9 (also known as folic acid), promotes collagen production, increases hydration, improves moisture retention, and relieves skin dryness.
Vitamin C – Vitamin C is claimed to be the best vitamin for skin because it promotes collagen production needed for firming the skin. It also reduces dark circles under your eyes and can brighten your skin.
Vitamin D – Vitamin D is produced in the body when your skin is exposed to sunlight. Along with immunity, vitamin D has various health benefits ranging from preventing the appearance of wrinkles, age spots, and hyperpigmentation.

Vitamin E – This vitamin contains antioxidants that are beneficial to both the skin and the hair. Vitamin E oil and capsules are widely used to tighten skin. When applied topically, vitamin E protects the skin from the anti-aging effects of the sun. It does so by absorbing the harsh UV rays.

How do I get rid of saggy skin?

There are things you can do to get rid of that saggy skin if you are concerned about it.

There are several in-home options you can try on your face and body if you have minor sagging. They are as follows:

Exercise

Sagging skin due to weight loss and pregnancy? Moderate exercise can help ! Any movement that can increase your muscle mass or tighten your muscles can help to reduce the appearance of minor skin sagging.

Supplements

Several studies have discovered that oral supplements having ingredients like collagen and hyaluronic acid can decrease sagging skin caused by age. [3]

Topical treatments

Retinol-containing creams, lotions, and serums may improve elasticity near your eyes and on the skin on your face. Both over-the-counter and prescription medications can be beneficial.

Changes in lifestyle

Staying hydrated, wearing sunscreen, and quitting bad habits like smoking can help your skin look younger and less saggy.

What to Look for When Purchasing a Vitamin C product

The problem with vitamin C is that it’s an “unstable” ingredient in liquid form, meaning it degrades quite fast if it’s not properly formulated or packaged.

This is one of the reasons why vitamin C is often found in small amounts. Also the bottles are airtight and opaque rather than clear. It should be used quickly and should not be exposed to light or air for maximum effectiveness.

How to Use Vitamin C for Skin Care

Whether you have dry, oily, or combination skin, vitamin C is beneficial to skin health. Vitamin C can be used to reap the benefits for your skin. Either use it nutritionally and topically.

Intake of Nutrients

Vitamin C-rich foods have several health benefits. While eating plenty of fruits and vegetables will provide you with plenty of vitamin C, it will not provide you with enough quantity to see a visible improvement in your skin.

This is because dietary vitamin C reaches the lower levels of your skin but cannot reach the top layers of your skin. That’s where topical vitamins come in.

Topical application

Topical vitamin C is absorbed directly into the top layers of the skin. It starts working by smoothing the skin, eliminating fine lines and forming a defense against free radicals.

Vitamin C can be found in moisturizers and serums. Because serums are more concentrated than moisturizers and absorb more easily into the skin, skincare professionals recommend vitamin C serums.

How to apply Vitamin C Serum

Simply follow the steps outlined on the product’s label. You can apply vitamin C once or twice per day. Do not forget to cleanse, tone, apply vitamin C serum, and then moisturize.

It can be used safely with other active ingredients, though using it alongside niacinamide may reduce the effectiveness of vitamin C.

A review found that combining tyrosine, zinc, and vitamin C increased vitamin C bioavailability by 20 times over just vitamin C alone. [4]

Risks and potential side effects

Although irritation is unlikely, a patch test should always be performed before full application. This is the only way to see how your skin will respond to the serum.

Avoid products containing L-ascorbic acid if your skin is particularly sensitive. Products containing magnesium ascorbyl phosphate may be less prone to irritation.

Vitamin C Dos and Don’ts

Let’s talk about vitamin C application before we finish. For the best experience, follow these do’s and don’ts.

Apply your vitamin C product after you wake up in the morning. Morning is the best time because vitamin C protects against environmental damage and UV rays.

Don’t combine vitamin C and retinol. Refrain from combining vitamin C with AHAs or BHAs as it can cause severe irritation.
In the morning, wear SPF along with your vitamin C products.
Avoid using a product that has oxidized in the bottle. When products begin to turn yellowish/brown, it indicates that they have oxidized too much and are no longer effective.

Keep your product in a cool, dark, and dry place. Keep your vitamin C serum out of direct sunlight and in a cool, dark place to avoid accelerated oxidation.

FAQs

Can I use vitamin C on my skin every day?

Apply vitamin C twice daily. If you are someone with sensitive skin, you can get irritated by that much vitamin C. If you have a reaction, try taking vitamin C products every other day or a few times a week. As your skin adjusts, you may be able to progress to daily applications.

Is it true that applying vitamin C to your skin protects you from skin cancer?

It could, but for some people, it could cause more harm than good. Some studies suggest that high levels of vitamin C can increase the chance of cancer, while others suggest that it may work against cancer. [5]

Other substances used on the skin, as well as your risk of skin cancer, may have an impact on the results.

What antioxidants are beneficial to the skin?

Vitamin C is one of the most effective antioxidants for protecting the skin and promoting a healthy appearance. Niacinamide is another antioxidant that can help to reduce wrinkles and brighten the skin. [6]

Conclusion

Vitamin C can heal blemishes, reduce hyperpigmentation, and create a youthful glow on your skin. Vitamin C can promote collagen synthesis and help with sagging skin. Consistency is essential for maximum effect, so incorporate it into your skincare routine in a way that works for you.

You can either apply it in the morning for its UV-protectant properties or use it as a night serum. Discontinue the use in case of discomfort.

References

Johannes Wohlrab. “Niacinamide – mechanisms of action and its topical use in dermatology”. Skin Pharmacol Physiol vol 27(6) (2014). 5-311