Vitamin C’s prowess extends well beyond perking us up when we’re below par via an effervescent tablet. It is also one of the most important vitamins in the manufacture of strong, healthy skin.

As well as helping to neutralise free radicals (unstable skin-ageing molecules created by sunlight, smoking and pollution), vitamin C helps to minimise uneven pigmentation and age spots caused by UV light, may help reduce scarring and has an exfoliative effect, which can improve the overall texture of the skin. Deprive your skin of vitamin C and it will quickly start to look tired, rough and bumpy.

But it’s vitamin C’s role in boosting the production of collagen, the stuff that gives skin its tensile strength and keeps it looking firm and youthful, that has made it a must-have ingredient in premium anti-ageing skincare. Dermatologist Dr Nicholas Perricone describes it as “a superstar in the pantheon of antioxidant age fighters”. Here, then, are the vit C essentials every man should have in his grooming armoury.

Using a face scrub to dislodge the dead cells that make skin look dull, dry and tired is by far the simplest and fastest way to improve its overall appearance, but this invigorating scrub by Natura Bissé ups the ante by delivering a triple hit of exfoliants in the shape of physical microgranules, skin-smoothing alpha hydroxy acids and, as the name suggests, vitamin C. Use it once or twice a week after cleansing to instantly polish skin, free ingrown hairs and remove razor-clogging debris.

Applied twice a day before moisturising, this super-charged, citrus-scented serum delivers a concentrated hit of collagen-boosting vitamin C ester, which helps to minimise fine lines and improve the overall appearance and firmness of the skin. The high concentration of the vitamin (15 per cent) means it’s perfect for targeting dark spots and uneven pigmentation caused by acne, shaving and sun damage. Think of it as the smart bomb of your skincare routine.

The delicate skin around the eyes is often the first to show signs of ageing, so a decent eye cream isn’t optional, it’s essential. This one, formulated by New York dermatologist Dr Dennis Gross, uses vitamin C and collagen amino acids to minimise fine lines, while a special Energy Complex reduces the signs of tiredness. Handily, it also features an eye-brightening backstop in the shape of special light-reflecting particles, which blur imperfections and dial down dark circles, allowing you to treat and cheat the ageing process at the same time.

Want to pimp up your existing moisturiser or serum? This high-potency powder from Dr Sebagh is your man. A pure ascorbic acid powder that instantly transforms to a cream on contact with skin (who says skincare can’t be fun?), it can be used neat to deliver a concentrated hit of vitamin C in order to firm and brighten skin or can be used to turbo-charge your regular products. Just add a little to your moisturiser, mix in your palms and apply. Clever stuff.