The Roles of Vitamin C in Skin Health

Abstract

The primary function of the skin is to act as a barrier against insults from the environment, and its unique structure reflects this. The skin is composed of two layers: the epidermal outer layer is highly cellular and provides the barrier function, and the inner dermal layer ensures strength and elasticity and gives nutritional support to the epidermis. Normal skin contains high concentrations of vitamin C, which supports important and well-known functions, stimulating collagen synthesis and assisting in antioxidant protection against UV-induced photodamage. This knowledge is often used as a rationale for the addition of vitamin C to topical applications, but the efficacy of such treatment, as opposed to optimising dietary vitamin C intake, is poorly understood. This review discusses the potential roles for vitamin C in skin health and summarises the in vitro and in vivo research to date. We compare the efficacy of nutritional intake of vitamin C versus topical application, identify the areas where lack of evidence limits our understanding of the potential benefits of vitamin C on skin health, and suggest which skin properties are most likely to benefit from improved nutritional vitamin C intake.

A Review of Micronutrients and the Immune System–Working in Harmony to Reduce the Risk of Infection

“…The composition of intestinal microbiota (e.g., the balance between commensal and pathogenic microorganisms) is affected by vitamins D [72,73], A, B6, and B12 and folate [10,22,74,75]. Vitamin C is necessary for promotion of collagen synthesis in epithelial tissue [76]. It further enhances keratinocyte differentiation and lipid synthesis as well as fibroblast proliferation and migration [21].…”

Cytoprotective Effect of Ascorbic Acid and Rutin against Oxidative Changes in the Proteome of Skin Fibroblasts Cultured in a Three-Dimensional System

“…Examples of such substances include natural plant antioxidants, such as often used in pharmaceutic formulas-rutin and common nutrient ascorbic acid. Ascorbic acid, known as vitamin C, has been identified as an effective skin protector against sunburn induced inflammation [13,14]. In addition, ascorbic acid normalizes the polarization of the mitochondrial membrane and ensures proper mitochondrial respiration in these organelles when fibroblasts are exposed to UV-irradiation [15].…”

Ascorbic acid inhibitory activity on resistant strains of Enterobacter spp.: in vitro study

“…25 In addition to that the antibiotic exposure may provide the selection pressure for the creation of resistant mutants, the movement of people, lack of access to clean water, poor hygiene, vaccine availability, and healthcare facilities promote their broader dissemination. 26 Besides its role involving in different fields, [27][28][29] Vitamin C has a well-known role as an antioxidant agent.It serves as a cofactor in several important enzyme reactions, such as those involved in cholesterol, amino acids, and certain peptide hormones synthesis. 30 In our study, different concentrations (100, 50, 25 and 12.5 mg/ml) were used, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of ascorbic acid was detected for all strains ( Table 2), while for sodium ascorbate the MIC was detected for only Enterobacter aerogenes Ea1.…”