Why Vitamin C Is The Skin Saviour You Need

IF YOU’RE A 30-SOMETHING INDIAN guy who’s been checking the mirror for wrinkles, you may be looking for the wrong thing. For brown skin, the real giveaway is hyperpigmentation, not crow’s feet.

Brown skin has a higher amount of melanin, also known as nature’s natural UV filter, which bounces off the sun’s UV rays, thereby delaying wrinkles and fine lines. However, with age, this melanin tends to get unevenly distributed in our skin, resulting in dark spots.

So, what should we do? Surrender to the wrath of ageing or fight it out with gusto? Cut down on the drama, for sure. And then, add some Vitamin C to your skincare routine. It might not be a miracle worker, but it certainly comes close. From skin brightening and hyperpigmentation reduction to neutralising free radicals, acting as an antioxidant, collagen production, sun protection and addressing early signs of ageing… the list of what Vitamin C can do is long. It’ll also help with improving skin texture—another common concern as people grow older.

Yes, eating Vitamin C-rich foods helps, but applying it to the skin works faster.

I love using a good Vitamin C-induced serum in the morning, and I’ve seen how well it’s worked for my skin over the years. Sunday Riley’s CEO 15% Vitamin C Brightening Serum has been an old favourite, and Augustinus Bader’s The Vitamin C serum I’ve come to love of late. Feel free to try them out, or something else you prefer. But ensure you’re using something in the morning—after cleansing and before sunscreen. We can’t let the sun have so much fun with us!

To read more stories from Esquire India's July 2026 issue, pick up a copy of the magazine from your nearest newspaper stand or bookstore. Or click here to subscribe to the magazine.