Vitamin C and skin

While most of us know that Vitamin C is an important part of a healthy diet, we may not be aware of the importance and ubiquity of Vitamin C in our numerous body processes. Since its discovery sixty-five years ago, Vitamin C has come to be known as something of a 'wonder worker.'

Vitamin C reaches every cell of the body. It can be found helping the immune system to fight off foreign invaders and tumor cells, supporting the cardiovascular system, fighting off free-radicals, assisting the nervous system, as well as functioning as a primary ingredient of collagen - the most abundant of the fibers contained in connective tissue. Skin, teeth and bones all benefit from Vitamin C's collagen-forming and invader-resisting properties. Unfortunately, humans are one of the few animals that cannot produce Vitamin C on our own, so we must obtain this vital nutrient through our diet.

Your skin will benefit from ample Vitamin C, obtained through your diet or a supplement, as well as applied topically. When applied to the skin, Vitamin C stimulates cell renewal, collagen and elastin production and increases healthy circulation. Because your skin is your first line of defense, Vitamin C also boosts your skin's natural immune properties and its can help minimize the damage caused by free radicals from the sun, pollution and smoking. Free radicals accelerate skin damage and the wrinkles associated with premature aging. Vitamin C can also help brighten the skin, reducing the discoloration of the skin that can occur from years of sun exposure.