Vitamin C, also called ascorbic acid, is an essential substance for the proper functioning of the metabolism. However, as it is not produced by the body, it is essential to provide it to the body via the diet. An excellent antioxidant, it is found in many skin and hair care products. Find out more about its main benefits here.
Library
All Topics
The Benefits of Vitamin C for the Skin.
Summary
- Benefit #1: Vitamin C Helps the Skin Fight Against Oxidative Stress
- Benefit 2: Vitamin C Brightens the Complexion and Fights Against Hyperpigmentation
- Benefit #3: Vitamin C Stimulates Collagen Production
- Benefit #4: Vitamin C Limits Skin Inflammation
- Sources
Published October 31, 2023,
by
Maylis, Chemical Engineer
—
5 min read
Topics:
Benefit #1: Vitamin C Helps the Skin Fight Against Oxidative Stress
An active ingredient with powerful antioxidant properties, vitamin C protects the skin from free radicals. Free radicals are generated by several factors, including UVA rays, pollution, cigarette smoke, excessive alcohol consumption and stress. They are molecules that are missing an electron. Highly reactive because they are highly unstable, free radicals tend to react with the body's healthy molecules, damaging cells and tissues.
This process, known as "oxidative stress", accelerates skin aging and therefore the appearance of wrinkles and/or pigmentation spots. Vitamin C neutralizes the action of free radicals by giving up an electron to make these molecules stable and less reactive. Thus, it delays skin aging and protects the skin from external aggressions.
Benefit 2: Vitamin C Brightens the Complexion and Fights Against Hyperpigmentation
Several studies have demonstrated the brightening power of vitamin C when applied topically. Thus, this active ingredient can be used to brighten the complexion and/or to fight against hyperpigmentation, a skin disorder that can occur at any age and manifests itself as brown spots on the skin's surface.
The effect of vitamin C is to inhibit the amount of melanin generated by the skin's pigment cells. Vitamin C interacts with tyrosinase, an enzyme responsible for the conversion of the amino acid tyrosine into melanin, and thus reduces pigmentation.
Benefit #3: Vitamin C Stimulates Collagen Production
Collagen is a fibrous protein found in the dermis that ensures the skin's flexibility and firmness. Nevertheless, over the years, its production by the body tends to decrease, which leads to skin loosening and the appearance of wrinkles. To counter this, vitamin C is a real asset because it boosts collagen synthesis in the skin and thus slows down the appearance of signs of skin aging.
Benefit #4: Vitamin C Limits Skin Inflammation
Skin redness and inflammation can result from a number of factors, such as too much sun exposure or hormone fluctuations. According to one study, vitamin C reduces redness and irritation due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Sources
CHIANG N. & al. Topical vitamin C and the skin: Mechanisms of action and clinical applications. Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology (2017).
VISSERS M. C. M. & al. The role of vitamin C in skin health. Nutrients (2017).
TRICAUD C. & al. Vitamin C prevents ultraviolet-induced pigmentation in healthy volunteers: Bayesian meta-analysis results from 31 randomized controlled versus vehicle clinical studies. Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology (2019).
VOSS W. & al. A collagen supplement improves skin hydration, elasticity, roughness, and density: Results of a randomized, placebo-controlled, blind study. Nutrients (2019).
Diagnostic
Understand your skin
and its complex needs.
