Vitamin C and the Skin

The skin needs many nutrients to function properly, but Vitamin C plays a major role in the skin’s health.

In the body, Vitamin C is necessary for many functions in connective tissues, such as; bones, joints, gum/teeth, as well as the nervous system.

In the skin, it affects two major functions.

The first role it plays is in the lower living layer of the skin, the dermis.  There it converts enzymes to make procollagen, the fibers that give our skin depth and firmness.

The second role Vit C plays is as a free radical scavenger.  It helps undo damage done by the sun, pollution, and other lifestyle choices like smoking, drinking, etc.  It helps neutralize the cells damaged and make them functional again.  It has also been known in some cases to even stop tumor growth, and is considered to be linked to the skin’s ability to fight infection.

There are three ways to get Vitamin C;

1. Topically:
There are many stable forms of topical Vitamin C that you can apply daily for antioxidant protection.  Many dermatologist recommend Vit C under a sunscreen for this very reason.

2. Nutritionally:
The living layer of the skin depends on our intake of foods rich in Vit C.  Which are any citrus foods like oranges, lemon, limes, and even peppers.

3. Supplementation
Vit C is a water-soluble vitamin and is easily depleted so supplementation is recommended.

There are three things that can deplete our ability to absorb and use Vit C;

1. Stress
2. Smoking
3. UV radiation

If you don’t experience any of these than you don’t need to worry. But I’m sure you experience at least one! So fill up your grocery cart with Vit C rich foods, take a supplement, and include a Vit C serum in your skin care routine for healthy, radiant, and firm skin!