Vitamin C, also referred to as ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble essential nutrient vital for maintaining the health of both your body and your skin. We know that Vitamin C in our diet protects us from catching cold and helps in stregthening the immune system. But, did you know that Vitamin C can benefit your skin as well? Well, this remarkable antioxidant offers numerous advantages on skin, which encompass: Enhancing collagen production, diminishing the appearance of dark spots, minimizing early signs of ageing, providing protection against damage caused by the sun, accelerating the healing of wounds, maintaining skin moisture, alleviating redness etc.
Scientists have determined that, when it comes to achieing healthy skin, the application of topical vitamin C yields significantly better results compared to its consumption. Therefore, it's not surprising that this potent antioxidant is commonly included in various skincare products like facial cleansers, serums, oils, and moisturizers.
Benefits Of Vitamin C On Skin:
Listed below are the following ways Vitamin C is useful for your skin:
1. Stimulates Collagen Production:
Collagen serves as the fundamental structural component for skin, hair, muscles, and tendons, preserving the youthful and supple appearance of our skin. However, as we grow older, the natural production of collagen gradually diminishes, potentially resulting in sagging skin. Here comes Vitamin C, which plays an indispensable role in the synthesis of collagen within the body.
When administered topically, vitamin C expedites the generation of both collagen and elastin. These two key proteins contribute to maintaining skin's fullness and resilience, effectively counteracting the signs of ageing and helping to keep the skin plump and taut.
2. Diminishes Hyperpigmentation:
Hyperpigmentation, a prevalent condition marked by the emergence of darker patches on the skin, typically arises due to prolonged exposure to the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays and various environmental stressors. While generally harmless, hyperpigmentation can result in an uneven skin tone. Vitamin C can play a significant role in enhancing skin complexion by reducing the visibility of dark spots.
In this regard, Sachi A Mittal, who is the Founder OTT skincare said, "Addressing the widespread issue of pigmentation that is faced by almost everyone these days, Vitamin C emerges as a potent combat solution. The addition of this can illuminate complexion, erase dark spots, and chase away dullness. But the choice of Vitamin C isn't trivial; it should be lightweight, non-sticky, and, above all, liposomal, so that it penetrates deep into your skin layers, unlocking its full potential."
Vitamin C exerts its influence by inhibiting the activity of tyrosinase, an enzyme crucial in the production of melanin, thereby preventing hyperpigmentation. It's important to note that vitamin C doesn't impact the natural pigmentation of the skin—it won't alter the colour of regular skin pigmentation but will address the abnormal melanin accumulation induced by excessive sun exposure.
3. Hydrates Skin:
Inadequate moisture can result in the dehydration of the epidermis, the outermost layer of the skin, leading to uncomfortable symptoms like itching and the development of dry, flaky skin. Additionally, it can accelerate the ageing process, causing premature signs of ageing to appear. Therefore, maintaining proper hydration is essential for preserving the health and youthful appearance of your skin.
"Before sleeping, cleansing your skin of the dirt and oil collected throughout the day and then moisturising is very crucial for skin health. During the day, a moisturizer can feel greasy, but at night you can give your skin all the nourishment it needs," said Sezal jain who is the founder of Loud skin.
Fortunately, vitamin C has been scientifically demonstrated to be effective in enhancing the skin's ability to retain moisture. This leads to a more supple and smooth complexion, while also helping to prevent excessive oiliness or dryness. Researchers have discovered that individuals who received a vitamin C supplement experienced notable and enduring enhancements in skin hydration, elasticity, and texture, underlining the importance of vitamin C in promoting skin health and vitality.
4. Heals Wounds:
Vitamin C assumes a pivotal role in the process of tissue repair and regeneration, thanks to its anti-inflammatory attributes and its capacity to stimulate the production of collagen, a fundamental element of connective tissue. Consequently, it comes as no surprise that impaired wound healing often manifests as a prominent symptom of vitamin C deficiency.
In this regard, Paridhi Goel who is the Founder of Love earth said, "Vitamin C promotes scar fading and wound healing, and its anti-inflammatory effects calm inflamed skin and reduce redness. Incorporating vitamin C into your skincare routine, ideally in the morning before sunscreen, is a smart move to reap these remarkable benefits and maintain healthy, glowing skin"
5. Reduces Redness:
Uneven, blotchy, and red skin can arise from a variety of factors, such as inflammatory skin conditions like eczema and rosacea, prolonged sun exposure, hormonal fluctuations, and certain medical conditions. However, the good news is that you don't have to accept persistent skin redness, all thanks to the remarkable benefits of vitamin C.
Extensive research has substantiated the effectiveness of this potent vitamin in reducing redness, primarily attributable to its dual properties as an anti-inflammatory agent and antioxidant. Vitamin C not only mitigates redness but also contributes to the repair of damaged capillaries responsible for skin redness, resulting in a smoother and more even complexion.