A couple of weeks ago I upped my Vitamin C intake for many reasons, one of which being the fact that with every facial treatment I have, the aesthetician always applies a Vitamin C mask. So, I thought to myself why not make it work for me from the inside out? And this decision took me down the rabbit hole because I started researching and bothering my skin care therapist about the Vitamin C benefits for the skin. And now, here I am.
Vitamin C, also known as Ascorbic Acid or L-ascorbic acid is a water-soluble vitamin. This means that your body doesn’t keep it for long, hence the reason why it needs to be taken on a regular basis. Lack of Ascorbic Acid, on the other hand, can lead to scurvy, and we all know it’s a nasty disorder if left untreated.
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Where You Can Find Vitamin C
The vitamin is mostly found in fruits and vegetables such as oranges, strawberries, broccoli, tomatoes, blackcurrants, red & green peppers, and Brussels sprouts among others. It is also available as a dietary supplement (which is what I’m taking). Just to note, Vitamin C content in food is reduced by steaming, microwaving, and prolonged storage. Also, it’s absorption is also lowered if you are a smoker.
The vitamin, apart from keeping your skin beautiful in so many ways, also strengthens the immune system and aids in the prevention of diseases such as cancer, cataracts, gout, and cardiovascular diseases among others.
Amazing Vitamin C Benefits
Wound Healing
One of the many Vitamin C benefits includes wound healing because of its normal response to physiological stressors which increase during an injury. Talk about acne and acne scarring, if you pop that zit and you are left with a wound, then you need to have the good vitamin as your friend.
Collagen Production
Collagen cannot be built without Vitamin C (now I understand the need for a vitamin mask). An increase in collagen means a younger-looking you because this contributes a lot to skin elasticity. Collagen is also the major component of connective tissue in our bodies, so one way or the other, we need it.
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Skin Texture Improvement
Vitamin C helps to smoothen, firm the skin and to fade away brown spots and other skin pigmentations like sunspots. It also aids in keeping your skin from wrinkling and sagging. You can easily say bye bye to premature aging of the skin if you are taking the required amount of this vitamin. The RDA is about 75-90mg per day for adults, but some studies have shown that you need at least 500mg per day if you need to see it at work.
Protects DNA
Vitamin C is good at keeping your DNA protected from reactions that can lead to skin discolorations. And to make it better, its functions are not restricted to protection but extends to fighting discolorations like age spots and dark patches on the skin, including rosacea.
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Natural Glow
Ascorbic acid, if taken on a regular basis, gives the skin a natural glow in addition to making your skin tone even due to its potent antioxidants. Now I understand why my skin has an all-around radiance.
Although Vitamin C benefits are many, just like everything else, it must be taken in moderation. I take about 1000mg per day, and I can already see my skin glowing and looking livelier by the day.
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