by: Isabella Sarlija

Think back to any childhood cold you might have had: to remedy a fever or sniffles, you were most likely given bowls of chicken noodle soup and glass after glass of orange juice. Of all the fruit juices available, why specifically orange? Oranges contain a high concentration of vitamin C, which, through the vitamin’s antioxidant properties, helps to build immunity by protecting the immune cells in the body from oxidation. When the immune cells are safe, they function properly, resulting in a speedier recovery than if we had not had that tall glass of OJ.

Similarly, it protects the skin from free-radical induced oxidation. Free radical? Oxidation? Let us unpack these words for a bit. To better understand free radicals, we must go back to our memories of Chemistry class. Electrons love to live in pairs and will do anything they can to find their partner. Free radicals are atoms that have an unpaired electron, making them unstable. Due to their instability, free radicals tend to bind to the electrons in our skin, resulting in oxidation. Oxidation, which is what happens when guacamole goes brown, leads to various skin care woes such as fine lines and wrinkles, breakouts, and dullness in skin tone and texture.

When on the surface of the skin, antioxidants, such as vitamin C, offer their electrons to these free radicals, creating a protective barrier that allows our skin to function smoothly and effectively, oxidation-free. The results? A decrease in the appearance of hyperpigmentation, fine lines, and dullness in the skin. Additionally, it assists in the production of collagen, the protein naturally present in our skin that makes it taut and dewy. We recommend using VC and SPF every morning for the ultimate protection of your skin.

Here are some of our favorite serums to consider:

Viver  C – E Peptides Patented L-Ascorbic ACID 10% Vitamin And Peptides

Marie Veronique Vitamic C+E+Ferulic Serum, $90 Protocol Vitamin C Super Serum, $72 Goop Beauty Goopglow 20% Vitamin C + Hyaluronic Acid Glow Serum, $125

Maelove Glow Maker, $27.95

Biossance Squalane + Vitamin C Rose Oil, $72

Sunday Riley C.E.O 15% Vitamin C Brightening Serum, $85