Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant friend

Vitamin C is essential for healthy collagen and is known to improve firmness, smooth the look of wrinkles and brighten skin tone for a more radiant, even complexion.

In recent years it has been a staple in my skincare routine. Not all vitamin C products offer the same potency or indeed delivery system for the skin, so it is essential to shop smart for potency and comfort.

Skin care should not be a chore. No product will ever really give instant gratification, but vitamin C works on the superficial texture quite quickly, when vitamin C

is used topically, the skin is triggered to heal itself by accelerating the production of collagen and elastin.

Uneven skin tone, rough texture, fine lines, acne scars, general dullness - you can name just about any common complexion concern and there's a good chance that vitamin C (and the skincare products it's featured in) is a recommended treatment. It can initially tingle a little, but your skin will build up tolerance to it.

You can easily boost your daily anti-aging skincare routine and experience maximum effective strength vitamin C, with Exuviance. Try Exuviance Vitamin C Serum Capsules (€66). The unique capsule formula means that the skin is getting a very pure form of vitamin C and one that has not oxidised.

The application could not be easier, simply layer the capsule’s potent serum on clean skin before other steps in your routine. Each single use capsule provides a dose of antioxidant to help neutralise visible signs of oxidative damage from everyday environmental exposure including sun, pollution, and blue light. Used daily, it improves firmness and smoothes the look of lines leaving skin softer and more radiant. Over time it also brightens uneven skin tone when used with an SPF daily.

Unlike other vitamin C formulae, this one is for night-time and can be mixed with a night cream if you prefer. I found applying after cleansing and waiting two minutes before applying my night cream worked so well.

I must say I am bananas about Ole Henriksen Banana Bright Vitamin C Serum (€69). This innovative vitamin C serum harnesses powerhouse ingredients for age-defying all-day hydration. An advanced cocktail of 20 per cent acid blend of 15 per cent vitamin C and five per cent skin-smoothing PHAs (polyhydroxy acids), and hydration-boosting hyaluronic acid create the ultimate multi-acid serum.

It works on hydrating and plumping, while gently taking the dead cells away so this hard-working formula can do the business. It features a smooth, non-sticky plush texture and a naturally derived freshly peeled delightful mood enhancing orange scent. It is also clean, vegan, and cruelty-free.

If you are seeking a budget vitamin C, then The Inkey List Vitamin C (€11.99) has the answer. Formulated with 30 per cent pure L-ascorbic acid, this serum helps skin appear brighter and target signs of aging whilst also helping to protect against free radicals and pollution. The creamy texture is the perfect base for your makeup or BB cream - a perfect budget add to cart product for a new vitamin C starter.

If you want an environmentally sound brand which encourages bio dynamic farming, then why not try Eminence Citrus & Kale Potent C+E Serum (€98)? This potent dose of non-irritating vitamin C is stabilised by botanically-derived ferulic acid to deliver optimal antioxidant benefits and increase collagen production within the skin.

Vitamin E and leafy greens such as kale and spinach provide additional protection to the vitamin C blend while healing and repairing the skin for improved skin tone and elasticity. The lipid base of the formulation means that these ingredients are easily absorbed into the skin. It helps to correct aging, prevent free radical damage, and reduce inflammation with this skin-perfecting super serum that is gentle enough for all skin types.

Lastly, the first ever antioxidant I used was by cosmeceutical brand Skinceuticals. SkinCeuticals Phloretin CF Serum (€165) which is a winner for all skin types, including oily. The high performance daytime treatment is formulated according to the Duke Antioxidant patent and the product works to neutralise external attacks, reinforce skin's natural protective functions and improve skin's overall appearance. It refines texture and diminishes the look of hyperpigmentation, brightening and unifying skin's tone for healthy-looking complexion. It is, and will always remain, a staple in my skincare arsenal.