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Eat it in a juicy orange, pop a chewable supplement or slather it on your face in a rich moisturizer; vitamin C is known for benefitting skin by providing powerful antioxidants, boosting collagen production and even helping heal wounds. Also known as ascorbic acid, vitamin C is not stored in the body, so it needs to be consumed or applied topically regularly to continue bestowing its age-defying effects on your complexion.
Antioxidant Effects
A potent weapon in the skin’s fight against the free radicals that attack in the form of pollution and ultraviolet rays. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant, helping fight cancer, sun damage and wrinkles.
Ascorbic acid 2-phosphate, a derivative of vitamin C, has recently shown promise in not only fighting free radicals but reversing damage already done.
Wound Care
Wounded skin also benefits from this all-purpose wonder nutrient, and vitamin C ointments are often used to help skin replace damaged tissue with scar tissue.
Vitamin C’s healing properties are legendary, and it’s thought to reduce sunburn damage and help protect the skin from the long-term effects of the too much-unprotected sun.
However, a daily C supplement will not replace the safety shield of your daily sunblock.
Vitamin E Boost
It’s thought that vitamin C may play a role in helping our bodies regenerate their stores of oxidized vitamin E. This form of E possesses powerful antioxidant effects that help the body fight the aging effects of free radicals, protects cells from UV damage and improves the overall texture of the skin.
C for Circulation and Collagen Production
A healthy circulatory system improves overall color and texture of the skin, which is why many pricey creams and lotions contain vitamin C, a known vascular system booster.
The collagen built by this vitamin provides a good structure for the blood vessels that bear nutrients to the skin, keeping it smooth and moist.
Deficiency Dangers
Though few people are seriously deficient in vitamin C, many have lower than optimum levels, so it’s wise to pop a daily supplement.
Evidence shows that smoking robs the body of this essential vitamin. Therefore, it’s especially important for smokers to eat lots of C-rich foods like broccoli, citrus fruits and bell peppers or to take supplements.
Signs that you may be suffering a vitamin deficiency include inflamed and bleeding gums, dry or splitting hair or rough, scaly skin.
Best Way to Get Vitamin C
Depending on your diet, you may get enough C just from the foods you eat. But if you’re in doubt, ascorbic acid can be bought as a supplement in a variety of forms.
Buy Vitamin C in tablets, capsules, chewable, buffered, effervescent and liquid forms in doses ranging from 25 to 1,000 mg. Pop your pill two to three times a day with meals, aiming for no more than 1,000 mg per day unless you have your doctor’s permission to exceed the recommended dose.
Foods rich in C include citrus fruits, cantaloupe, watermelon, green peppers, strawberries, tomatoes, blueberries and dark leafy greens.
Image credit: DepositPhotos.com
Last article update: 8/28/2019
