When you think about Vitamin C and how it can benefit your health, you may naturally think about its ability to boost your immune system and help protect you from colds, the flu and other bugs.
While this water soluble vitamin, which is also known as ascorbic acid, does play a key role in immunity, it also has some pretty impressive abilities when it comes to the health of your skin.
As for why Vitamin C should be your skin’s new BFF, as well as how to get more of the nutrient into your body and onto your skin, check out the following:
Vitamin C’s Impact on the Skin
The antioxidant properties of Vitamin C and its ability to help with collagen synthesis make it an important molecule for the health of your skin. Using Vitamin C topically in skin care products and getting more of it in your diet can have a positive impact on your skin cells, and studies have shown that it is found in high quantities in both the dermis and epidermis, so Vitamin C is literally right at home in your skin.
Age Can Deplete Natural Levels
As we get older, the amount of Vitamin C that is in our outer layer of skin will naturally reduce. When you combine this with the gradual buildup of things like sun exposure, pollution and other environmental issues that are rough on the skin, this helps explain why visible signs of aging can get worse over time. Everything from dark spots, uneven skin tone, fine lines and wrinkles, and a loss of firmness may all be impacted by getting older combined with a lower amount of Vitamin C.
Citrus is Not the Only Source of Vitamin C
To incorporate more Vitamin C in your diet, you might naturally think of eating more oranges and drinking a lot of lemonade. While citrus fruits are well-known for containing high amounts of ascorbic acid, there are plenty of other foods that also add Vitamin C to your system. Other good food sources of Vitamin C include red and green peppers, cantaloupe and potatoes. A smoothie made with kiwi and strawberries will also give you a nice dose of Vitamin C, as will some roasted broccoli and brussels sprouts. You can also add a chewable Vitamin C tablet to your supplement routine if these foods are not among your faves.
Choose Skincare Products that Contain Vitamin C
To get more Vitamin C into your skin, you can use a combination of creams, lotions and serums. When choosing a Vitamin C serum and more, look for a product that includes additional skin-boosting ingredients such as retinol, which can also help diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. A Vitamin C serum that has sunscreen is another great way to multi-task with your skincare product.
See the Difference with Vitamin C
You don’t have to wait to see fine lines and dry skin to start adding more Vitamin C to your diet and using it in at least one skincare product. Your skin will be happy to get more Vitamin C into its layers, whether you are just starting college or about to retire. So go ahead and enjoy that big glass of fresh orange juice and treat yourself to a Vitamin C serum—your immune system and your skin will definitely thank you.