What is topical vitamin C?

DermNet NZ describes topical vitamin C as an antioxidant that can be applied to the skin to provide protection against photoaging. Photoaging of the skin occurs with exposure to sunlight and can be worsened by cigarette smoking, environmental pollutants, alcohol, certain medications and even stress.

Photoaging of the skin on the face makes you look older, causing wrinkles, age spots and even skin cancers. Topical Vitamin C, according to DermNet NZ, is a manufactured form of the antioxidant vitamin that you spread on your face to decrease this aging process. As an antioxidant, topical vitamin C helps fight the formation of free radicals in the skin cells. It is those free radicals caused by environmental and internal factors that cause skin damage.