The antioxidant properties of vitamin C and its role in the synthesis of collagen make vitamin C a vital molecule for healthy skin. Dietary and topical ascorbic acid has beneficial effects on skin cells, and some studies have shown that vitamin C can help prevent and treat ultraviolet (UV) -induced photo damage. However, the effects of vitamin C on the skin are not well understood due to limited research. This article discusses the potential roles of vitamin C in the skin and summarizes the current knowledge about vitamin C in skin health.
Here are some of the major skin concerns that can be dealt with vitamin C.
1. Fine lines and wrinkles
The damage caused by free radicals to the skin is a constant threat to the health of the same. Also, as you get older, the levels of collagen in the body begin to decrease, resulting in fine lines and wrinkles. Vitamin C is naturally acidic in nature, which is why topical use of the ingredient stimulates the skin’s natural healing process by triggering the production of collagen and elastin. It is one of the best sources of antioxidants, which gives it the ultimate chance to fight free radical damage on the skin. That is why, with long term use of vitamin C, you may notice a reduction in the signs of premature aging like fine lines and wrinkles.
2. Hyperpigmentation
One of the major benefits of vitamin C is that it helps lighten dark spots and other forms of hyperpigmentation on the skin. It does so by inhibiting excessive meaning production, a pigment that can be triggered due to chronic sun exposure and environmental stressors. Vitamin C is capable of targeting just the problem areas without further lightening skin’s natural complexion.
3. Photoprotection
Vitamin C limits the damage induced by exposure to ultraviolet rays. Vitamin C is not a “sunscreen” because it does not absorb light in the UVA or UVB spectrum. On the contrary, the antioxidant activity of vitamin C protects against UV-induced damage caused by free radicals. Vitamin C transport proteins are increased in keratinocytes in response to UV light, suggesting an increased need for vitamin C absorption for adequate protection. UV light decreases the vitamin C content of the skin, an effect that depends on the intensity and duration of UV exposure. In cultured keratinocytes, the addition of vitamin C reduces UV-related DNA damage and lipid peroxidation, limits the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and protects against apoptosis. Vitamin C also modulates redox-sensitive cell signaling in cultured skin cells and therefore increases cell survival after UV exposure.
Importance
Vitamin C is involved in the formation of the skin barrier and collagen in the dermis and plays a physiological role in the skin against skin oxidation, in the fight against aging of wrinkles and in the cell signaling pathways of growth and cell differentiation, which are linked to the onset. and the development of various skin diseases. Vitamin C has a dual role of antioxidant and pro-oxidation, and this role maintains the balance of the two reactions in the body. Ascorbic acid and transition metals, such as Fe2 +, produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) outside the cell, and high levels of ROS can destroy the antioxidant defense system of cancer cells, because the anti-oxidation system of tumor cells is incomplete and its balance is destroyed. High levels of vitamin C in cells lead to oxygen-promoting reactions that cause DNA damage, depletion of ATP stores, and failure of cell metabolism.
