What does vitamin C do in skincare?

Immediate Answer: Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) is an antioxidant that brightens skin, supports collagen production, and protects against free radical damage from sun exposure and pollution. It's particularly useful for fading pigmentation and supporting overall skin health.

The Science: Vitamin C works through multiple mechanisms:

• Brightening: Reduces melanin production and helps fade existing hyperpigmentation
• Collagen support: Stabilises collagen molecules and supports new collagen synthesis
• Antioxidant: Neutralises free radicals from UV exposure and environmental pollution
• Photoprotection: Works synergistically with sunscreen to provide additional UV protection

The catch: Vitamin C is unstable. L-ascorbic acid (the most potent form) degrades when exposed to light, air, and heat. Stabilised vitamin C derivatives (ascorbyl palmitate, MAP) are more stable but less potent.

How Nordic Formula Uses Vitamin C: Nordic Formula delivers vitamin C through multiple products:

Power Glow Serum contains sea buckthorn—one of nature's richest sources of vitamin C, along with vitamins A and E and omega fatty acids. Sea buckthorn delivers vitamin C in a natural matrix with vitamins E and omega fatty acids, contributing to better stability. It also provides powerful antioxidant protection and brightening benefits. The serum's pH 3.8 formulation creates the optimal environment for vitamin C effectiveness.

Dark Spot Treatment patches contain vitamin C as one of nine active ingredients because it addresses pigmentation through multiple pathways—reducing new melanin production AND brightening existing spots. The patch delivery system (225 micropoints) protects vitamin C from degradation and delivers it deep into the epidermis where melanocytes reside.

Pro Tip: Vitamin C products degrade over time. If your serum came in a clear bottle and you've had it for months, it's likely oxidised and less effective. Store vitamin C products in opaque, airtight containers in cool environments to maintain stability.