Today vitamin C has become an essential part of not only our diet but also our daily skin routine! Vitamin C’s first claim-to-fame was its role in preventing scurvy, but now we know that vitamin C, has a lot more to offer than this. Vitamin C is well known as a great antioxidant powerhouse that promotes healthy and glowing skin.
Skin Care Benefits
The daily requirement of the body includes a combination of nutrients in varied amount so that it can function at its best. Vitamin C is not only immune-boosting nutrient but it has a lot more to offer than this. It is a very important player when we talk about skin health. Vitamin C plays an important role in protecting skin color and rejuvenating it, no matter if it is consumed in the form of food or applied naturally or topically in the form of creams and serums. It is an essential part of the skincare regime because a lot of Vitamin C is stored in your skin. Vitamin C should be a part of your skincare regime equally important as washing your face or applying sunscreen.
Let’s have a look at how Vitamin C consumption will be helpful:
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PREVENTS SUN DAMAGE: As skin gets exposed to sunlight or UV light, free radicals are produced which can lead to damage of skin cells and collagen. This degradation triggers inflammation and can result in skin issues like photoageing, sun spots, photodamage, fine lines, etc. Vitamin C is a very potent antioxidant which works by neutralizing the free radicals and hence protects the skin cells from damage by reducing inflammation and its effects. Many studies have shown that people with high Vitamin C intake have witnessed delayed aging signs and skin condition.
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IMPROVES STRENGTH AND FIRMNESS: Vitamin C is not only beneficial in preventing sun damage but also helps in activating fibroblast which in turn makes new collagen. This makes the skin look firmer and further reduces signs of aging.
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HEALS SKIN: Minor cuts and burns can leave scars most of the times. Here, Vitamin C has a major role to play by repairing the damaged skin. Keratinocytes are the cells which close up the wound on the surface of the skin. Vitamin C helps in the formation of these cells. Though taking a higher quantity of vitamin C will not fasten up the process of healing but its insufficient intake can delay the healing process.
Daily Requirement
The recommended daily intake of vitamin C is 90 mg, and 75 mg for males and females respectively. Food items like green peppers, broccoli, oranges, papaya, strawberries, and cantaloupe are great sources of vitamin C. A lot of researches have shown that consuming two antioxidants in combination can provide better protection against any kind of UV damage. So, prefer consuming fruits and vegetables that are rich in Vitamin E like almonds, peanut butter and sunflower seeds along with the food items rich in Vitamin C.
Let's have a look at how Vitamin C application on the skin helps:
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ANTIOXIDANT PROTECTION: Vitamin C work as a great antioxidant not only when consumed but also when applied topically on the skin. It works by preventing free radical damage that can lead to inflammation as a result of exposure to sun and pollution. Vitamin C is available in various forms in a range of serums. The best option is to opt for L-ascorbic acid form of vitamin C as this can penetrate deeper into skin layers. Although it is well known that sunscreen is the best option to protect skin from UV light, but adding a bit of vitamin C containing serum before that will prevent photodamage.
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IMPROVES SIGNS OF AGING: It has been witnessed that Vitamin C containing lotions and creams have a role to play in collagen production by triggering fibroblast. Collagen production will help delay and reduce the signs of aging like fine lines, age spots, etc. It not only triggers collagen production but also delays its breakdown thus preserving the structure of the skin.
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OFFERS EVEN TONED SKIN: Vitamin C not only helps in delaying signs of aging but also restricts the excess production of melanin pigment cells, thus over time it helps reduce the dark spots. Always consult your dermatologist to give you the best regimen as per your skin condition. It is been seen that Vitamin C, when used in combination with soy and licorice extract, will work better.
Hair Benefits Of Vitamin C
Vitamin C is not only beneficial for skin but hair as it is an important component to make collagen. Vitamin C helps absorb non-heme iron, which is an important mineral for hair growth.
Choosing the right vitamin C product for Skin Care
The best option is to spot L-ascorbic acid in the ingredient list of the product. As vitamin C works better in combo with vitamin E then look for products that contain alpha-tocopherol which is an active form of vitamin E.
Keep a note that the ingredients are mentioned in descending order of concentration so choose them wisely or consult your dermatologist before opting for a product. Preservation of product is also important as ascorbic acid degrades quickly if exposed to sunlight, so opt for opaque jar packing and store them away from sunlight.
Always ask your dermatologist for the best advice.
Keep Healthy Keep Glowing!