If there’s one thing that never goes out of beauty fashion it’s glowing skin. From glass skin to highlighted cheekbones, a radiant-looking complexion will be top of the grooming list for many of us, no matter your gender, age or skin type. And the super ingredient to achieve this result that’s on every skincare enthusiast’s lips? Vitamin C. So how does it work? Well vitamin C is acidic, so when applied to skin it works away at the dead cells on the surface to reveal the fresher and brighter skin underneath.

This vitamin not only boosts skin’s radiance, it also boasts anti-aging properties as it encourages production of collagen, providing skin with a plumping effect and smoothing out fine lines. But that’s not all: as it’s full of antioxidants – defending skin against free radicals and therefore keeping skin cells healthy – it helps protect against sun damage.  Dr Anjali Mahto, consultant dermatologist and author of The Skincare Bible (check out my Top 3 Beauty Reads post for a full review), recommends applying vitamin C topically to treat melasma, the brown pigmentation that can develop due to sun exposure, pregnancy or hormonal treatments. In order to avoid significant skin irritation she recommends concentrations of up to 20%.

Evening out skin tone, hydrating, smoothing the skin’s texture, tackling fine lines and acne scars, vitamin C is truly a multi-purpose ingredient, all in the pursuit of that lit-from-within glow. As with many skincare products, vitamin C formulas may be skincare heroes but they’re not instant miracle workers. It will take time and regular application in order to reap their radiance-boosting benefits, so give your vitamin C enriched skincare a good 2 to 3 months consistent use in order to enjoy visible results. And if you’re new to vitamin C you may want to gradually build up your skin’s tolerance, starting with a low concentration product and application every other day, rather than jumping into 20% daily applications. If you have sensitive skin don’t forget to do a patch test too as a precaution.

Tempted to try it out for yourself? Here are five skincare treats to get you started:

Boots Vitamin C Brightening Sleeping Mask

Part of Boots’ Vitamin C Brightening range which I reviewed in this post, this leave- on overnight Sleeping Mask is my favourite product from the collection. An easy-to-use mask for glowy and hydrated skin, it delivers instant results and great value for money. 50ml RRP £4.00

Clinique Fresh Pressed Daily Booster with Pure Vitamin C 10%

Add a couple of drops of Clinique Daily Booster with Pure Vitamin C to your moisturiser to increase your skin’s radiance. Vitamin C naturally degrades when exposed to air so the formula is packed in individual vials lasting one week each in order to preserve the vitamin’s freshness and potency. And for a double dose you can prep skin with Clinique’s Renewing Powder Cleanser from the same range. Just mix with water and massage in for visibly refined skin texture. 4x 8.5ml RRP £58.00

Fushi Pomegranate oil

Rich in antioxidants and high in vitamin C, Fushi’s sustainably sourced Pomegranate oil protects skin from free radicals and repairs damaged skin, resulting in smoother and more even skin. 50ml RRP £20.00

Balance Me Vitamin C Repair Serum

If you’re looking to even out skin tone and smooth out fine lines this Vitamin C Repair Serum from Balance Me is for you. With 99.8% natural ingredients including a stabilised form of vitamin C, this serum also works to improve collagen production. 30ml RRP £32.00

Fushi Amla Juice fresh pressed

Also known as Indian Gooseberry, anti-inflammatory Amla is highly praised in Ayurvedic medicine for bringing balance to your body. If you’re after a big dose of vitamin C this health juice contains 20 times more than an orange, as well as iron, calcium and carotene. 500ml RRP £15.00

Have you tried vitamin C in your skincare routine? Please leave a comment below to let me know.

Features gifted products.