Growing up, you likely heard the general advice to get lots of Vitamin C because it can help boost your overall health and wellbeing. But did you know that Vitamin C can also help promote and nourish your natural beauty? The KeyGlam team is here to help break down the science behind the beauty benefits of Vitamin C. 

A Natural Way to Nourish Skin

Scientists have been studying Vitamin C for centuries, discovering more and more ways that it can help to benefit the human body. Over the past few decades, the benefits that Vitamin C can provide to skin have become much more evident. In basic terms, Vitamin C helps to stimulate the body’s production of collagen, which are naturally occurring protein fibers that help to keep skin more firm, for a more youthful-looking appearance. 

Those who experience hyperpigmentation or red or brown spotting on their skin might also want to consider Vitamin C because it also helps to reduce the production of melanin, one of the leading causes of these types of skin blemishes. You may not know it, but Vitamin C is also an antioxidant, which means it improves your body’s ability to repair damaged skin cells.

Start with a Serum

In general, most dermatologists recommend trying Vitamin C serums when it comes to improving the health and appearance of skin, because these products are typically more effective at penetrating to deeper dermal layers when compared to creams and toners. You should look for serums that contain L-ascorbic acid as the main active ingredient, because it’s been found to be the most stable and effective form of Vitamin C when it comes to skin benefits. If you have sensitive skin and you experience any sort of negative reaction such as redness, then you should consult with a doctor or dermatologist about whether Vitamin C products and supplements are right for you.

Help for Healthier Hair

A diet that is deficient in Vitamin C has been shown to contribute to dry hair and split ends in many cases. As we noted above, Vitamin C helps to increase the body’s production of collagen, which can not only benefit your skin, but also help your hair remain stronger and less brittle. If you think you might not getting your share of Vitamin C, the good news is that there are tons of healthy and delicious ways to increase your intake. In general, you can try to eat Vitamin C-rich fruits and vegetables as part of your diet, including:

• Strawberries
• Mangos
• Pineapples
• Lemons
• Oranges
• Kiwis
• Peppers
• Broccoli
• Kale
• Papaya
• Cauliflower

It’s important to keep in mind that vitamin C is water-soluble, which means that it’s naturally expelled on a daily basis and not stored in the body. As a result, you’ll need to maintain your Vitamin C intake over time to maintain the benefits. The general recommendations for Vitamin C intake are 90mg for men and 75mg for women.

Has Vitamin C Helped You?

Have you found that Vitamin C helped improve your natural beauty? We want to hear from our users about the best products, practices, Vitamin C boosting recipes, and more. Share in the comments below.