Hydrates Dry Skin
One thing that’s important for clear skin is hydration. I notice that when I drink my water all day, my skin looks clearer. Another benefit of Vitamin C is that it slows down water loss from your skin. Vitamin C in a skincare solution that includes lipids to help your skin stay moist can make a noticeable difference.
Limits Sun Damage
Exposure to ultraviolet rays from the sun can cause permanent sun damage to the skin. This is especially true for areas of the body that receive the most exposure like the face, hands and chest area. The damage is caused by free radicals that cause cells to break down. Vitamin C helps because of the antioxidants that limit free radicals.
Prevents Wrinkles
Wrinkles are caused by a breakdown of collagen that results in the skin losing its elasticity. When you’re out in the sun, vitamin C gets depleted quickly. Skin care products that include the vitamin C help replenish the supply for your skin.
Increases Collagen Production
Collagen firms your skin and fills it in, leading to a more youthful look. When collagen is broken down by environmental factors, vitamin C initiates repair and rebuilding. Combined with sunscreen, it will give your skin needed protection from UV rays.
Strong and Healthy Hair
Let’s start with your hair. Hair is made of keratin, a protein, and it is continually growing from the base, or follicle. Vitamin C gives your hair follicles the collagen needed to continue this growth. It also helps the hair absorb iron to keep it strong.
Prevents Hair Loss
Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin, and that means that your body doesn’t store it the way it does fat-soluble vitamins. You’ll need to replenish the vitamin on a regular basis to get the benefits from it. The collagen produced will help your hair stay anchored to the scalp.
Promotes Hair Growth
At the base of each hair, the follicle is made of cells that divide and grow. Some of these cells create the hair shaft, which leads to hair growth. It’s important to maintain healthy hair follicles, and getting a sufficient level of vitamin C to them is one way to accomplish this.
Dry Hair and Split End Management
Dry, split hair can sometimes be a sign of a vitamin C deficiency. This is not just unsightly, but can also accelerate hair loss. It’s recommended that everyone take 75-90 mg of Vitamin C daily. I’ve noticed a real difference in the smoothness and shine of my hair once I started using products containing vitamin C.
Provides Antioxidants
What are antioxidants? These are substances that counter the effects of free radicals that are caused by UV rays, pollution and normal body processes. The free radicals disrupt the membranes of the cells, causing cell damage. Along with vitamins E, selenium and beta-carotene, vitamin C disrupts these effects before cells are damaged.
Protects from Skin Infection
Vitamin C has wound healing capabilities, and it guards against skin rashes and infections when there’s an adequate supply getting to the skin. Vitamin C also fights off allergies that can cause skin breakouts by lowering histamine levels in the bloodstream. It’s the histamines that cause allergy symptoms like watery eyes and red skin.
Smoothes Rough Skin
Vitamin C activates cells called fibroblasts that boost the collagen level in your skin. This is what helps the fine lines caused by sun damage to be minimized. Your skin will also look smoother and plumper when it’s no longer stressed by environmental factors.
Reduces Hyperpigmentation
Hyperpigmentation can occur because of acne scars or other injury to the skin. After a wound heals, the skin still retains a darker color in that area. Some people naturally have it, especially on the face and hands. Vitamin C helps counteract this by breaking down the pigmentation, and it even works to prevent more from forming.
Controls Acne
One of the benefits of vitamin C is that it reduces inflammation. It directs your skin to destroy the bacteria in your skin without damaging the healthy skin around it. What this means for acne is that the swelling and redness are lessened and acne outbreaks clear up faster.
Improves Blood Flow
By helping to maintain flexible arteries and lower blood pressure, vitamin C improves the blood flow to your entire body, including your skin. All skin needs an adequate blood supply to nourish the cells, carry oxygen and deliver needed hormones, as well as eliminate impurities.
Overall Good Health
You know how your skin looks pasty and unappealing when you’re sick? Vitamin C is a good defense against viruses. Along with other important vitamins and minerals, it helps you stay healthy. There’s a reason for the term, “glowing good health.”
Make Vitamin C part of your beauty regimen. After a few days, the positive effects of vitamin C begin to dissipate. That’s why it’s vital to use it daily. Having a reservoir in the cells protects against oxidative stress that can accelerate sun damage and wrinkles.