A – Vitamin C has indeed been shown to be wonderful for the skin, but unfortunately taking a tablet or drinking orange juice doesn’t increase the amount in the skin beyond normal levels. To be effective, Vitamin C therefore needs to be applied to the skin topically, by way of a cream or serum.

Vitamin C is an antioxidant, and so helps to protect us from the harsh effects of the environment, such as UV rays and pollution. However it also plays a vital role in the production of collagen and elastin, two of the key components in keeping the skin firm and plump. It also has very beneficial effects in terms of reducing pigmentation, inhibiting the production of excess melanin (the substance in our skin which gives us colour, but can cause sunspots). It is particularly relevant to current and former smokers, as smoking can quickly deplete the body’s supplies of essential vitamins (including Vitamin C).