Source: flickr.com user Ha-Wee

As part of my aging skin care regimen, I make sure to get my daily dose of antioxidants by applying a topical vitamin C skin care treatment every day. It’s a simple thing to do, and it makes such a big difference in the appearance of my skin.

For those of you who have yet to jump on the vitamin C bandwagon, I thought I’d share some interesting details about why this vitamin is so important for our skin.

Vitamin C and Collagen
Collagen is a protein that works like glue to bind cells together. It’s a part of every connective tissue in the body. It gives our bodies form and support. We know that collagen in the skin is what helps the skin to look firm and resilient. As the skin loses collagen, it begins to sag and wrinkles appear.

Vitamin C is essential to the production of collagen. It adds hydrogen and oxygen to the amino acids within the collagen cells. Without the right amount of vitamin C, collagen production will slow, resulting in older-looking, wrinkled skin.

Vitamin C and Hyperpigmentation
Hyperpigmentation is the darkening of the skin as a result of damage to the skin, primarily from the sun and from scarring. Vitamin C can decrease the production of melanin (dark pigment in the skin), which means it can make all those brown spots fade away.

Vitamin C and Free Radicals
Free radicals are unstable molecules attack other molecules, causing damage to our cells. Although the body produces its own free radicals to kill viruses and bacteria, environmental factors can dramatically increase the amount of free radicals in your body, which can lead to aging and cancer.

Vitamin C is an antioxidant, which protects the body against free radicals by making these unstable molecules stable again. By doing so, it prevents cell and tissue damage. In skin care, this means your skin will look younger for longer.

Vitamin C is particularly helpful in fighting free radicals caused by pollution and cigarette smoke. It also boosts the effectiveness of vitamin E.

Topical Vitamin C
Most of us take vitamin C orally as part of our daily multivitamins. But what scientists have discovered is that by applying a topical vitamin C to the skin, you can get enjoy its benefits right where you need them most.

Cellex-C was one of the first skin care companies to develop a topical vitamin C treatment. They offer a complete line of serums, creams and gels to smooth away wrinkles, brighten the skin tone and eliminate rough, uneven skin.