It’s also an antioxidant meaning that it protects our body from harmful free radicals.

If you’re one such person, you are justified in your skepticism.

You may have already learned from experience that less is definitely more in the world of skin care.

Woman smiling while holding orange

This is true even when using gentler products.

This is a harmful myth to believe because using more vitamin C will cause adverse effects.

We need our ingredients to play nice with one another to maximize the benefits.

Women applying moisturizer

But that’s false.

However, they’re not cure-alls.

This isn’t the case, though.

Woman looking at product labels

In fact, applying vitamin C to the skin is 20 times more effective than oral ingestion."

Due to its UVA and UVB protective abilities, many believe that vitamin C can also work as sunscreen.

However, that is a harmful myth.

Women taking a pill

While vitamin C may offer some sun protection, it cannot replace the need for sunscreen.

However, vitamin C comes in many different shapes and sizes.

The most popular and notable form of this superpowered ingredient is ascorbic acid.

Women wearing sunscreen

Alternative forms of vitamin C are gentler and more stable likeascorbyl glucosideandmagnesium ascorbyl phosphate.

As any dermatologist will tell you, skin care isn’t static.

What your skin responded well to as a teenager may not work the same way when you’re older.

Person applying product on hand

Your skin care needs have changed, or the product itself may have degraded and become less effective.

Don’t give up on your vitamin C too early, either.

Myth: Vitamin C helps tan your skin

Vitamin C goes through a process called oxidation.

Woman looking in the mirror

Rest assured, however, as this will not permanently stain your skin.

Even the most expensive products can irritate your skin due to poor formulations.

With an ingredient like vitamin C, you don’t need to spend top dollar.

Woman sitting by pool

As such, it’s highly regarded as an ingredient that should only be used at night.

And who could blame them?

However, this isn’t the case for vitamin C (viaHello Giggles).

Bottle with dropper in water

As highlighted, vitamin C can actually help to protect the skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays.

However, some may find that vitamin C irritates their skin.

If you find vitamin C isn’t for you, several other skin care ingredients may.

Woman looking down

Woman smiling while holding an orange