Acne Magazine : Skin Care, Tips, Treatment Reviews

Vitamin C is sort of one of those vitamins that became a staple for many of us, through either a multiple vitamin, or a single supplement, going back to our childhood, when many people believed vitamin C helped to fend off colds and/or shorten their duration.  I for one, still believe that vitamin C does this as well.  However, news is coming out also touting vitamin C’s benefit to the skin.

I already believe this because I’ve said numerous times in this blog that I believe drinking lemon juice in my water has immensely helped my skin, and may have even made me a bit healthier and less likely to get sick.  Vitamin C is a great antioxidant vitamin, and can be found in citrus fruits in abundance.  Fruits like oranges, tangerines, lemons and limes contain the nutrient, and also taste good, which is a bonus.

It’s also believed that juice from lemons helps with inflammation, which also may explain its benefits to the skin.  The key benefits of vitamin C may be great as an anti aging weapon, researchers are saying, because of its ability to fight free radicals, which are pivotal in breaking down collagen and leading to less skin elasticity and a breakdown of the skin’s natural defenses. 

Since it boosts natural defenses and may also reduce inflammation it may also be ideal to incorporate as an anti acne skin vitamin as well, by eating more citrus, especially lemons since they are lower in sugar than the sweeter citrus fruits. 

Also, new evidence is surfacing that vitamin C may also protect against sun damage, and the damaging UV rays that lead to premature aging, sun damage, freckles, age spots, and an uneven color to the complexion.  A whole new reason to eat your citrus fruit!  One of my favorites currently is the tangelo, which is an orange hybrid which is deliciously juicy and flavorful.   

Vitamin C has also been thought to be beneficial not only when consumed orally, but also when applied topically to the skin, as you will see many anti aging and skin-evening creams out there touting vitamin C as the main ingredient on the label.  Many skin care specialists say vitamin C applied topically is great for skin clarity and evening of the skin tone.