Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is important to the production of collagen, a protein that aids in the growth of cells and blood vessels and gives skin its firmness and strength, helps create scar tissue and ligaments, and aids in skin repair. Vitamin C is an antioxidant and slows the rate of free-radical damage to collagen that can contribute to dry skin, fine lines and wrinkles. Vitamin E is an antioxidant that protects and repairs your skin and can help prevent premature aging of your skin and damage to your DNA. The Journal of Investigative Dermatology reported in February 2005 that people who take vitamins C and E in the long term reduced their sunburns from exposure to UVB radiation. Further, researchers saw a reduction of factors linked to DNA damage within skin cells.