Unattractive, many different factors can play a role in the formation of dull and tired skin, ranging from diet to lifestyle and daily skin habits. Whatever the cause, using a combination of active ingredients seems to help the skin regain its glow, including vitamin C, which is often cited for its ability to combat dull complexions.In this article, we will take a closer look at whether ascorbic acid really constitutes a means.
Vitamin C, a radiance booster for dull complexions?
Published on October 28, 2021, updated on February 10, 2026, by Maylis, Chemical Engineer — 3 min of reading
Themes:
Vitamin C to restore radiance to dull skin?
Characterized by a lack of radiance and a grayish tone, there are many possible causes for a dull skin. One of the most common causes of dull skin is the impact of lifestyle-related factors such as air pollution, UV rays from the sun, tobacco smoke, or even lack of sleep by hindering the skin's ability to regenerate. Indeed, these environmental elements can generate free radicals, characterized by the presence of unpaired electrons, and increase oxidative stress in skin cells, which in turn affect the skin's texture and how it reflects light evenly.
Although they may be essential to certain physiological processes (cell signaling, immune defense, etc.), the overproduction of these highly reactive and unstable molecules can disrupt the delicate balance between pro-oxidants and antioxidants, thus causing oxidative stress. This can lead to skin cell dysfunction.
Besides opting for exfoliating and moisturizing treatments, integrating antioxidant care into a daily routine plays a key role in neutralizing free radicals and mitigating oxidative stress, and could thus help achieve a brighter complexion. Thus, to combat the environmental damage caused by free radicals associated with pollution that dull the complexion, the daily use of topical antioxidants based on vitamin C could be a solution. It neutralizes oxidative stress through a process of electron transfer and/or donation.
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Sources
CHIANG N. Y. Z. & al. Topical vitamin C and the skin: Mechanisms of action and clinical applications. Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology (2017).
BELLOTTI P. & al. Reflectance confocal microscopy and image analysis to evaluate the efficacy of a topical facial serum with 20% vitamin C in improving signs of aging. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology (2018).
