Written by Dr. Naeemah Ruffin

There is an abundance of information about Vitamin C and how good it is for the skin. Plus, there is a significant number of skincare products that include Vitamin C in their formulas with the claim of working wonders for your face. However, the problem is that Vitamin C exists in various forms and some forms are more effective for your skin than others. 

So, which is the best form of Vitamin C you should look for in skincare products and does taking oral Vitamin C supplements help? Well, based on the latest scientific research, let’s briefly breakdown the facts about Vitamin C and the skin.

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that is found naturally in various foods. The reason vitamin C is so important for the skin is that it is a free radical scavenger. Free radicals are unstable molecules that cause significant damage to the skin, especially to collagen. Free radicals can be created by many things such as excessive exposure to the sun, cigarette smoke, and pollution. When free radicals destroy the collagen in the skin, it loses its elasticity and firmness resulting in a more aged appearance. Vitamin C also plays an important role in the synthesis of collagen, reversing the signs of aging.

Vitamin C naturally exists in the Ascorbic-L form which is water soluble. This form is found in many foods and supplements. While this natural form of vitamin C is readily absorbable, this same form is not so great for the skin. It can be very irritating to the skin, it doesn’t get absorbed into the deepest layers of the skin where collagen exists, and it breaks down quickly and loses its potency within 24 hours. However, when Vitamin C is added to other ingredients it can become the fat soluble form called ascorbyl palmitate. It then becomes a powerful antioxidant that can be absorbed deep into the skin’s layers promoting collagen synthesis and repair. Furthermore, this fat-soluble form is more stable holding its potency for months. This means that it can work wonders on reducing fine lines and wrinkles and even reversing the signs of premature aging.

Not only does a Vitamin C work wonders on your skin but it can also work miracles for your health. Most notable is that Vitamin C boosts your immune system and helps to fight infections and illnesses. Since natural vitamin C is water soluble your body does not store it and you need to replenish it daily. Therefore, supplementing your diet with additional vitamin C is important for your overall health. Studies show that individuals 50 years of age and older should supplement their diet with Vitamin C between 3,000-4,000 milligrams daily to maintain optimal health and radiant skin. It is suggested that you build up to this supplementation and take your supplements throughout the day so as to not cause any gastrointestinal upset. Always consult your doctor before adding or changing your supplements.

In the end, numerous research studies have shown that the proper form of Vitamin C can restore a youthful glow to aging skin and reduce fine lines, wrinkles, and deep furrows. One notable study conducted by NHANES showed that women who had plenty of vitamin C in their diet were least likely to have wrinkles.

So, increase your intake of Vitamin C and look for skincare products with ascorbyl palmitate and watch those wrinkles disappear.

Sources:

Women’s bodies, women’s wisdom: creating physical and emotional health and healing, Christiane Northrup, 2010, ISBN 978-0-533-80793-6

Life Extension:skin, hair, and nail health; https://www.lifeextension.com/protocols/skin-nails-hair/skin-hair-and-nail-health#SectionOverview

The wrinkle cure: unlock the power of cosmeceuticals for supple, youthful skin, Nicholas Perricone., May 2001 ISBN 0-446-67776-0