Years of sun damage, pollution and loss of collagen leads to wrinkles, signs of ageing, dehydration and sagginess. Thankfully, Mother Nature comes to the rescue with the simple answer to a more youthful-looking complexion … humble vitamin C.

Thanks to its antioxidant properties, vitamin C helps our bodies fight free radicals and the damage caused by UV radiation and is proven to boost collagen production for firmer, plumper and smoother skin.

“By choosing skincare products that contain this clever, natural ingredient, you’ll notice a range of benefits, including more even skin tone and radiance,” explains Deborah Mitchell, royal facialist and founder of Heaven Skincare. “It helps your skin retain water, ensuring it stays hydrated and preventing it from becoming too dry or oily.

“Added to that, it also encourages collagen production, and it’s this naturally occurring protein that keeps our complexion looking tight and plump. Because we produce less collagen as we age, by including vitamin C in our skincare routine means we can hold off those signs of ageing for longer.”

While this clever antioxidant is found in many of everyday foods – citrus fruits, broccoli and strawberries in particular – applying it directly to your skin means you get the full benefit. To ensure you’re getting your daily dose, here are our favourite products that will slot in easily into your skincare regime:

Dr Dennis Gross Vitamin C + Lactic Firm & Bright Eye Treatment, Harvey Nichols: This eye treatment boasts three forms of vitamin C combined with lactic acid to increase absorption. It’s clinically proven to reduce the appearance of puffiness, dark circles, crepiness, and fine lines in just one week.

Ole Henriksen Truth Serum, Sephora: Henriksen was an early adopter of vitamin C in skincare and this iconic, age-defying serum blends it with collagen for all-day hydration. It’s fast-absorbing, oil-free and enriched with orange and green tea extracts to brighten and firm.

Divine Cream, Heaven Skincare: This is a luxurious moisturiser is suitable for all skin types but especially good for those with more mature skin. It contains organic mandarin and orange – both natural sources of Vitamin C – to increase collagen and elastin levels and tackle pigmentation, acne scarring and blemish marks.

PIXI Vitamin C Remedy Mask, Selfridges: Not only is this nourishing and toning mask packed with nutrients and botanicals to help refresh and deeply nourish your skin, but it’s also infused with ferulic acid – which provides an antioxidant boost – as well as ginseng to revitalise your pores.

PS Invigorating Ginger And Vitamin C Sheet Mask, Primark: If you’re saving your pennies post-Christmas then pop this 80p essential into your shopping bag. Use this luscious sheet mask to brighten and invigorate your skin.

Revolution 12.5% Vitamin C Serum, Sainsbury’s: Because serums have smaller molecules than your regular moisturisers, they are easier for our skin to absorb. This super-strength formula helps to improve radiance and encourages smooth texture.

RoC Multi Correxion Revive + Glow Gel Cream, RoC Skincare: This lightweight gel cream deliver instant radiance and plumper-looking skin with 24-hour hydration. It’s formulated with a 10% Vitamin c blend for an instant glow and even tone.

Garnier Vitamin C Brightening Essentials Set, Boots: Three-step set containing micellar water, serum and sheet mask – gently cleanse skin before applying 3.5% Vitamin C, Niacinamide & Salicylic Acid Serum. The sheet mask is perfect for a once a week treat and is enriched with vitamin C and hyaluronic acid for a 15-minute glow up.