The benefits of vitamin C for skin range from anti-aging to healing to UV protection. Here’s how you can get the most out of it.
Table of contents:
What is vitamin C?
Benefits of vitamin C.
Using vitamin C for skin.
Best Forms of vitamin C.
How to use vitamin C.
The nutrient we’re discussing today is one you know very well. In fact, it may be sitting in your medicine cabinet right now. It’s known for strengthening the immune system and is the go-to supplement during cold and flu season.
We’re talking about vitamin C, and its benefits are many – but you are probably missing a key use for vitamin C…
Hint: It has to do with your skin. Read on to find out just how valuable this popular vitamin really is!
What Is Vitamin C?
Sometimes called ascorbic acid, vitamin C is one of the most widely known and used vitamins today. While it’s been around since time began, its popularity didn’t flourish until sailors discovered its effectiveness in warding off scurvy.
Though scurvy isn’t much of a concern today, vitamin C remains popular for its role in building and maintaining healthy bones and tissues as well as its ability to boost the immune system.
However, vitamin C’s lesser known use (though an equally impressive one) is dermatology-related. It has been shown to help reduce fine lines and wrinkles while boosting the skin’s overall appearance.
A water-soluble nutrient, this vitamin is quickly eliminated from the body, allowing most healthy people to absorb large amounts of it without causing damage. In order to maintain a healthy amount of vitamin C, individuals should consume (or apply it topically) on a regular basis.
Vitamin C benefits for Skin, Hair and Nails
Unknown to many, vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant. In the form of L-ascorbic acid, it significantly decreases the number of free radicals in the body.
These are the molecules that not only cause disease progression but also trigger signs of aging, such as wrinkles, loss of skin tone and age spots. This multi-faceted vitamin even protects the skin from ultraviolet radiation, cigarette smoke and air pollutants.
Studies show it also boost collagen production, reduces inflammation, and improves healing; all great qualities when looking to keep your skin young and healthy.
As for hair, vitamin C plays a key role in growing strong, luscious hair. Vitamin C for hair improves collagen production at the root and aids in the absorption of iron.
As if its benefits for skin and hair weren’t enough, vitamin C also helps with nail growth, making it an overall beauty favorite. By increasing collagen production at the base of the nail and cuticle, ascorbic acid helps nails grow stronger and longer – naturally.
Vitamin C for Face Benefits
While vitamin C benefits are most notable for their effects on skin, hair and nails, it also promotes full-body health. Its primary purpose is to stimulate collagen production, which reduces wrinkles, gives skin a healthy glow, reduces age spots and improves hydration.
It also protects against cellular death and decreases skin inflammation, which may lead to improvements in acne and other bothersome skin conditions.
This potent vitamin has even been shown to improve wound healing. When the skin is damaged, the levels of vitamin C at the site are far less than usual, indicating its importance in protecting the skin.
Here are some other quick benefits of vitamin C:
Cancer Prevention
Increased vitamin C intake can decrease the chance of developing lung, mouth, throat, colon, rectal, stomach and esophageal cancers.
Cardiovascular Disease
With direct effects on the collagen in blood vessels, vitamin C can decrease blood pressure and promote heart health – at least in cases of congestive heart failure and atherosclerosis.
Eye Disease
Vitamin C improves eyesight and fights cataracts and macular degeneration by increasing blood flow to the eyes.
Immune System Support
Vitamin C may decrease the severity and symptoms of the common cold. Its antioxidants can also improve immune system function, helping the body fight off nasty bacteria and viruses.
Best Forms of Vitamin C
Vitamin C is easily obtained in the diet through most fruits and vegetables with prominent options including citrus fruits, strawberries, tomatoes, broccoli and sweet potatoes.
While some people can get the recommended daily allowance of vitamin C this way, it may not be enough to experience the more significant health benefits. Most people need to supplement with a tablet, capsule, drops or cream.
For skin care, multiple studies have shown that a vitamin C serum or topical cream is most effective. Even creams with low percentages of vitamin C can work wonders with skin tone and brightness.
While straight ascorbic acid may be used in skin treatments, lesser concentrated forms of vitamin C are also effective. These include sodium ascorbyl phosphate, ascorbyl glucoside and others.
How to Use Vitamin C
Because Vitamin C is quickly flushed out of the body, it must be consumed every day via foods or supplements for inner benefits. Oral vitamin C doesn’t significantly impact the skin.
Instead, you’ll want to apply a cream or lotion in order to impact collagen growth and melanin production. Consider applying a Vitamin C Cream at night, giving your body an ample amount of time to absorb its nutrients.
A topical application of vitamin C continues to work through the following day when it’s needed to fight UV and chemical damage. Our Vitamin C Face Cream is a high-quality, plant-based lotion with many other beneficial ingredients.
Summary
Vitamin C is one of the most accessible nutrients available. That’s why it’s easy (and smart!) to add it to your diet or skincare regimen. It’s extremely safe and carries with it an impressive array of benefits for preventing disease and skin aging.
Providing visible results, vitamin C is the simple choice for building and maintaining noticeably healthy skin.
Has your skin experienced the vitamin C difference yet? Let us know!