If you need to kick a cold STAT, you know to reach for an immunity-boosting dose of vitamin C. But this citrusy supplement can do a lot more than clear up the sniffles. When applied topically to your skin, it can be incredibly effective at retexturising, restoring radiance and evening skin tone. Here's what you need to know about this powerful anti-aging ingredient and how to easily incorporate it into your daily skin care routine.

Why is there so much buzz about vitamin C in skin care?
It's a powerful antioxidant, which means it helps neutralise free radicals on the skin. Free radicals originate from pollution or UV exposure, and they attack your cells, speeding up the aging process that leads to wrinkles, rough skin texture, enlarged pores, skin dullness, etc.—unless they're intercepted by an antioxidant. That's where vitamin C comes in. It has also been shown to help boost natural collagen and elastin production (which strengthens and plumps up the skin) brighten dark spots and prevent future hyperpigmentation from forming.

Buyer beware: Not all vitamin C is created equal.
The one drawback: Vitamin C is a notoriously unstable skin care ingredient, meaning its full potential is easily compromised by the skin care formula and packaging it comes in. The second it is exposed to oxygen or light, it starts to lose its potency. So while you may scan the ingredient list of a skin care product for vitamin C (also known as Ascorbic Acid, Ascorbate, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate and Ascorbyl Glucoside), it's not a sure thing that you're actually getting a powerhouse of a treatment.

The beauty breakthrough.
The mission was to preserve the purest and freshest form of topical vitamin C possible up until the very minute it will be applied to the skin. Thanks to a revolutionary lightproof, airtight dual chamber and an extremely potent form of dry vitamin C powder, the new Fresh Pressed Daily Booster with Pure Vitamin C 10% is a true beauty breakthrough. Just press the bottom of the vial to release the vitamin C powder into a skin-soothing emulsion, shake it all up, then pump out two drops into your regular moisturizer as a booster or apply it directly to skin, morning and night. One vial has just the right amount for a 7-day treatment.

De-aging for the impatient.
You'll see an immediate boost in radiance. After 4 weeks of using Fresh Pressed Daily Booster with Pure Vitamin C 10%, lines and wrinkles are visibly reduced by 43% and after 12 weeks skin appears visibly lifted and firmed by 41%.

Let your skin drink it up, literally.
Cleansing with vitamin C first thing in the morning invigorates tired skin and helps jump-start the cellular renewal process to reveal fresher, brighter skin. Fresh Pressed Renewing Powder Cleanser with Pure Vitamin C has the same pure and powerful vitamin C at active levels, in convenient single-serving size packettes, which also makes it a travel must-have. Pour it into your palm, then add water to create a rich, creamy cleanser that gently exfoliates while removing impurities. Massage over skin in circular motions and you can even leave it on for one minute as a mini brightening facial. The non-drying, non-stripping formula gives skin an instant healthy glow while also removing complexion-dulling toxins and impurities.

Photo: Justin Fantl | Words: Dawn Spinner Davis