Vitamin C can be utilised through both internal consumption though diet and external application with high performing delivery systems and stable formulations.
The benefits of Vitamin C for skin health include:
- Promotion of collagen formation and synthesis: Vitamin C is an important co-factor for collagen formation. It has been demonstrated that when it is absent during the collagen formation cascade the quality and quantity of collagen is poor. Additionally, due to its collagen synthesising action it is vital for effective wound healing of the skin.
- Potent antioxidant: Vitamin C can neutralise and remove oxidants such as those found in environmental pollutants and after exposure to UV radiation. It is important to also note vitamin C’s complementary role with vitamin E. Vitamin E is also a potent antioxidant but can only neutralise one free radical at a time and then becomes inactive. When used in conjunction with vitamin C, it is regenerated and continues its antioxidant action!
- Reduces the production of melanin pigments (presents as pigmentation on the skin): Vitamin C has been shown to reduce the ortho-quinones generated by the melanin producing enzyme tyrosinase, thus reducing the expression of pigmentation on the skin.
- Improves skin barrier function: Vitamin C facilitates great cell-to-cell communication within the skin’s layers. Due to the cells being able to communicate which each other effectively. The presence of vitamin C results in improved structural organisation of the cells in the stratum corneum and therefore improves the skin's barrier function.
Dietary Sources of Vitamin C
For people aged 19 years old+, the recommended average daily intake of vitamin C is 90-75mg per day.
Some great sources include:
- Red capsicum (1/2 cup raw): 95mg
- Orange: 70mg
- Kiwi fruit: 64mg
- Broccoli (1/2 cup steamed): 51mg
Topical recommendations of Vitamin C
Here at Melbourne Wellness we utilise the amazing Dermaviduals range which has created highly active formulations with pharmaceutical grade delivery systems.
Some Vitamin C rich formulations include:
- Vitamin C Liposome Concentrate
- Vitamin Cream Mask
- Kiwi seed oil nanoparticles
- Butcher’s Broom serum
- Linseed oil nanoparticles
Get in touch with us to book in for a Naturopathic consult or facial if you would like to dive deeper into your skin and overall health.
Written by Sophie Cosgriff – Naturopath and Skin Therapist
References:
https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminC-HealthProfessional/
https://dermaviduals.de/english/productlistings/index.html
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5579659/