While we all know that Vitamin C is essential for the body, it is also definitely essential for healthy skin; so what are some functions that Vitamin C - more specifically L-ascorbic Acid - serve inside the human body:
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Collagen and anti-aging: it is a co-factor for enzymes involved in stabilizing collagen’s triple-helix structure during the maturation of collagen.
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Anti-oxidizing protection: both internal (ATP production, cellular respiration, immune cell function) and external (UV, pollution) factors produce reactive oxygen species which when levels are high can oxidize and damage cellular structures, which L-ascorbic Acid functions as a powerful antioxidant to help neutralize and prevent them from further damaging our cellular structures.
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Skin barrier and cell differentiation: promotes differentiation of keratinocytes in the epidermis, such as the assembly of stratum corneum and organization of barrier lipids for a more fortified and healthier skin surface.
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Regulation of pigmentation and brightening: inhibits melanogenesis by reducing dopaquinone back to DOPA and interfering with tyrosinase activity, as tyrosinase is the rate-limiting enzyme in melanin synthesis.
How Vitamin C Effectively Enters the Skin -
Vitamin C have special entrances on our cell membrane known as Sodium-dependent VC Transporters that take them in. While it is essential for intake of adequate amount to maintain cellular function, an excess of Vitamin C will only saturate the system with excess being excreted out of the body via urine. Therefore, it is recommended to take in time-release Vitamin C or multiple topical doses throughout the day - one during morning and the other in the evening - to ensure sufficient supply of Vitamin C for cellular support.