Vitamin C – Skin & Health Benefits
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) has an antioxidant property and its role in collagen synthesis makes vitamin C a vital molecule for skin and health.
Factors lowering vitamin C level in skin:
1. Dietary deficiency
2. Aging
3. Excessive exposures to UV light or pollutants(e.g., cigarette smoke and ozone) may also lower vitamin C content.
Functions in Healthy Skin
Photo-Protection:
· The antioxidant property of vitamin C protects against UV-induced damage caused by free radicals.
Wrinkling:
· Vitamin C regulates the synthesis of the structural protein collagen, which is necessary for the extracellular stability and support of the epidermis, thus preventing wrinkling.
· Vitamin C also increases the proliferation rate of fibroblasts, a capacity that is decreased with age hence, delay wrinkling at an early age.
Wound Healing:
· Vitamin C promotes early wound healing, due to synthesis of collagen.
· Vitamin C is included in oral therapies for pressure ulcers (bed sores) and burns, along with vitamin E, zinc, and other nutritive factors.
Dry Skin:
· Higher intakes of dietary vitamin C have been associated with a decreased risk of dry skin.
Other Functions:
· Topical vitamin C may be useful against acne to reduce inflammatory lesions.
· Topical vitamin C may also have mild skin lightening effects that are caused by reductions in melanin production.
Deficiency leads to: Scurvy, Fatigue, mood changes, keratosis pilaris, joint pain and bruising.
Home Remedies:
· Increase dietary intake of oranges, grapes, Amla(Indian gooseberries), strawberries, tomatoes and papaya are great source of vitamin C.
‘Vitamin C – Skin & Health Benefits’, ‘Vitamin C – Skin & Health Benefits’, ‘
Vitamin C – Skin & Health Benefits