Vitamin C cream: why should you include it in your skincare routine?

Vitamin C is an active ingredient with numerous benefits for the skin: it is an essential water-soluble vitamin involved in many enzymatic reactions, and is central to the body’s overall well-being and cellular balance. It helps to support the immune system, reduce fatigue and improve the absorption of non-haem iron (iron of plant origin). These actions make it a key component for overall vitality.

Vitamin C also acts as a cofactor in the synthesis of collagen, a structural protein essential for the strength of connective tissues. It is also known for its antioxidant properties. It thus helps to neutralise the free radicals responsible for oxidative stress. This protective action applies to both the body’s cells and those of the skin.

These mechanisms of action explain the following benefits of vitamin C for the skin:

What are the effects of vitamin C on the skin?

Vitamin C has several key effects on the epidermis. These effects complement one another and help to maintain firm, radiant skin that is more resistant to premature ageing.

Antioxidant action

Vitamin C helps to neutralise free radicals generated by UV rays, pollution, smoking or stress, which are responsible for oxidative stress in the skin. This action limits damage to skin cells, protects collagen and elastin fibres, and helps to prevent the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines and a dull complexion associated with photoageing.

Effect on collagen synthesis

Vitamin C plays an essential role as a cofactor in collagen synthesis. It also helps to preserve existing collagen by protecting it from oxidative damage. By supporting this structural framework of the skin, it maintains the skin’s firmness, elasticity and tone. The skin appears visibly smoother and shows fewer signs of ageing.

Effect on cell renewal

Vitamin C promotes cell regeneration in the epidermis. By improving the skin’s ability to renew itself effectively, it helps to refine the skin’s texture, smooth out minor imperfections and restore radiance. The complexion is more even and radiant, and the skin barrier is better able to withstand external aggressors.

The benefits of a vitamin C cream

• Complexion radiance: vitamin C brightens the complexion and restores radiance to dull, tired skin. Its antioxidant properties combat the greyish tinge that oxidative stress can leave on the face.

• Reduction of pigmentation spots : it helps regulate melanogenesis – the production of melanin – and helps reduce brown spots, post-inflammatory marks (acne scars, small marks) and pigmentation irregularities. The complexion is more even, smoother and naturally more radiant.

• Anti-ageing properties: Vitamin C stimulates the synthesis of collagen, one of the skin’s main structural proteins. It thus helps to maintain the skin’s firmness. Ideal for mature skin, it helps to smooth out wrinkles and prevent the appearance of new signs of ageing.

• Protection against oxidative stress: it protects the skin from photoageing, particularly that caused by UV rays, pollution, smoking and stress. This powerful antioxidant helps to neutralise the free radicals responsible for loss of skin firmness, wrinkles, and a dull, uneven complexion.

• Improved skin texture : it stimulates cell renewal and promotes the faster removal of dead cells from the skin’s surface. The skin’s texture appears refined, minor imperfections are visually reduced, and the skin becomes smoother and more even, both to the touch and to the eye.

Offering genuine antioxidant protection, this face cream, with its fine, light texture, enhances the skin’s natural radiance, smooths the complexion and slows down the appearance of the first signs of ageing. The vitamin C radiance-boosting treatment for skin that’s twice as radiant.

Exceptional active ingredients

Vitamin C and astaxanthin are two powerful antioxidants when they work in synergy. Firstly, astaxanthin – a member of the carotenoid family extracted from microalgae – offers antioxidant protection 1,500 times greater than curcumin, 770 times greater than coenzyme Q10 and 100 times greater than vitamin E! It helps combat the effects of oxidative stress linked to ageing, sun exposure, UV rays and smoking.

Furthermore, vitamin C, which is essential for collagen synthesis, enhances the skin’s firmness and elasticity. Like astaxanthin, it possesses powerful antioxidant activity that protects the skin from premature ageing. It stimulates cell renewal. The skin is thus regenerated, leaving it smoother and more radiant. It is also well known for its anti-dark spot action and its brightening properties, which restore radiance to dull and tired complexions.

Our concentrated vitamin C cream also contains mate extract to give the skin an instant boost. The skin is immediately oxygenated and revitalised.

Targeted benefits

Our highly concentrated Vitamin C & Astaxanthin cream acts effectively and specifically on the face. The result:

• The skin looks refreshed, radiant and luminous.

• Dark spots are reduced, skin texture is refined and the complexion is evened out.

• The skin is moisturised and nourished.

• The skin retains its elasticity and firmness.

• Features are smoothed, and wrinkles and fine lines are reduced.

• The skin barrier is strengthened and the skin is deeply oxygenated.

• Redness is reduced.

Discover our selection of vitamin C skincare products to brighten the complexion and minimise the signs of ageing.

1. Start your routine by removing your make-up, then cleansing your face with products suited to your skin type.

2. Apply a few drops of your usual serum and allow it to absorb before applying your cream.

3. Apply the Vitamin C & Astaxanthin cream morning and evening to your face, neck and décolletage.

4. Gently massage in circular motions until the cream is fully absorbed.

Vitamin C is suitable for all skin types, even sensitive skin. However, vitamin C-based skincare products are particularly well-suited to skin exposed to environmental stressors, such as pollution and UV rays, as well as to skin that is dull, tired or lacking radiance. Vitamin C is also recommended for those wishing to prevent damage caused by oxidative stress.

Vitamin C is an active ingredient that is sensitive to heat, air and light. creams and serums containing it must be tightly resealed after use and stored away from heat and light to preserve their effectiveness.

Before using a new face cream, it is recommended that you carry out a skin test by applying a small amount of the product to a discreet area, such as the crook of the elbow or behind the ear, and then observing the skin for at least 24 hours to check for any redness, itching or a burning sensation. If a reaction occurs, it is best not to use the cream on the face and to opt for formulations specially designed for sensitive skin.

Vitamin C is not photosensitising and can certainly be used in the morning, even when exposed to the sun. Whilst it acts as a powerful antioxidant that helps neutralise UV-induced free radicals and reduces photoageing, it does not act as a sunscreen and does not block the sun’s rays. Without SPF protection, the skin remains exposed to UVA and UVB rays, which can not only negate some of the benefits of vitamin C, but also contribute to the development of further pigmentary and oxidative damage.

With a dual background in literature and marketing, Hélène Durand uses her writing to explore topics that are meaningful to her: natural beauty, well-being, and a healthy lifestyle. Through her articles, she aims to share a supportive perspective and practical advice.