What does Vitamin C Do for your Skin?

What does vitamin C do for your skin? You may have noticed the increased number of products on the market which contain vitamin C. At Altruvita we provide a range of premium food supplements, one of which is vitamin C. In this post, we discuss what vitamin C can do for your body and, more specifically, your skin.

What Does Vitamin C do for your Skin?

Vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation and the normal function of the skin.*  Collagen is a protein produced within the body and plays a major part in the structure and function of the skin. It is also known as the main component of connective tissue. 

Collagen is a vital component in fibrous tissues such as:

• The skin
• Tendons
• Ligaments
• The cornea
• Cartilage
• Bones
• The gut
• Blood vessels

Collagen provides structure to tissues and so is vital to maintain plump youthful skin.

Vitamin C is an Essential Vitamin. This means that your body doesn’t produce it on it’s own. You have to consume it in some way.

Vitamin C does so much for our bodies, as well as being responsible for maintaining all the above tissues, it also protects cells from oxidative stress and contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue*. So its super important for your whole body.

The Best Way to Use Vitamin C for your Skin

Topical use of vitamin C for skin within creams and serums has become very popular recently. However, real nutrition comes from within (i.e diet) and is where the benefits of vitamin C for skin have best been understood for centuries.

So, to get the most out of vitamin C, it’s all about diet. For the best results, you should eat vitamin C rich foods if this is unattainable then you could take a vitamin supplement. This can obtain better results than applying it directly to the skin.

Vitamin C Rich Foods

If you’re trying the increase the amount of vitamin C in your diet, we would recommend consuming vitamin C rich products.

The best sources include:

• citrus fruit and their juices
• peppers
• strawberries
• blackcurrants
• broccoli
• brussels sprouts
• potatoes

What Happens if I don’t get enough Vitamin C?

Low levels of vitamin C in the body can lead to scurvy. Symptoms of scurvy include skin problems, swollen joints, bleeding gums and loose teeth, anaemia, and tiredness.

Millions of sailors died of the disease over the centuries due to a lack of fruit and vegetables on offer; it can occur if you have not had vitamin C in your diet for 3 or more months.

If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms please contact your GP.

How Much Vitamin C Do I Need?

The nutrient reference value (NRV) for vitamin C is 80mg a day. This is achieved by eating 1 large orange a day or 2 medium potatoes.

For those who struggle to do this every day, a vitamin C-containing supplement can help meet requirements. Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin and any excess is excreted in the urine. Taking over 400-500mg a day often will not be absorbed and so doses more than this are not advised unless you are taking a therapeutic dose for a short period e.g. to help your immune system* or treat deficiency.

Vitamin C from Altruvita