Vitamin C Protects the Skin From Free Radicals.

Free radicals are reactive oxygen species naturally produced by the body. Nevertheless, when cells are confronted with stress, they produce them in an excessive way. There are many sources of stress, the main ones being exposure to UVA rays, pollution, smoking, and a diet too rich in fats and sugars.

Free radicals are particularly unstable molecules because of their single electron. They tend to react with other molecules to form an electron pair, and then cause damage to cells, DNA and proteins in the body. Aging is thus accelerated and wrinkles appear on the surface of the skin.

Vitamin C, or L-ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble vitamin derived from the metabolism of glucose, present in the body and essential to its proper functioning. When applied to the skin, the skin benefits from its protection from oxidative stress. Its mechanism of action is based on a sequential donation of its electrons to neutralize free radicals. Moreover, several studies have shown that this molecule reduces the production of free radicals such as superoxide radicals, hydroxyl radicals and simple oxygen molecules. Thus, it is relevant to apply a vitamin C treatment in the morning to protect the skin from external aggressions.