Vitamin C is one of the important nutrients needed in caring for the skin to be healthy and protected from damage. The benefits of vitamin C for the skin can be obtained by eating foods that contain vitamin C or using skin care products that contain vitamin C.
The function of the skin is very important for the body. This organ functions to regulate body temperature and fluid balance, produces vitamin D, and helps the body feel the sensation of touch, hot or cold temperatures. The skin also protects the body from injury, infection, and exposure to radiation, such as ultraviolet (UV) light.
Skin needs balanced nutrition to stay healthy and function properly. These nutrients include protein, water, unsaturated or healthy fats, and various vitamins. Among these nutrients, vitamin C is one type of vitamin that is very important for the skin.
Benefits of Vitamin C for Skin
Some of the main benefits of vitamin C for the skin are:
- Prevents free radical damageVitamin C is a good source of antioxidants. This substance can prevent and protect skin cell and tissue damage due to exposure to free radicals that can cause premature aging of the skin.
- Produce collagenOne of the main benefits of vitamin C for the skin is that it supports collagen production. Collagen is a type of protein that plays an important role in providing skin elasticity and flexibility and supports the skin's natural wound healing process.
- Protects skin from sun damage
Several studies have shown that vitamin C, which has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, has been shown to be effective in preventing damage and reducing inflammation of the skin caused by sun exposure. Vitamin C is also thought to help prevent the formation of dark spots on the skin.
- Lowers the risk of skin cancer.
The older a person is, the more prone his skin will be to damage. If there are other risk factors, such as frequent exposure to the sun in the long term, then the skin damage can lead to skin cancer.
Based on a health research, it is known that the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of vitamin C are also good for repairing damaged skin tissue. This effect is also thought to play a role in preventing skin cancer.
Because of the many benefits that can be obtained from vitamin C for the skin, this nutrient is important to be obtained regularly every day.
Tips for Getting the Benefits of Vitamin C for Skin
Here are some ways you can do to get the benefits of vitamin C for the skin:
Using vitamin C creams and serums
Vitamin C is good for the skin can be obtained by using a cream or serum vitamin C.
The results showed that the use of vitamin C on the skin can reduce the number of burned skin cells and reduce redness of the skin due to UV radiation from the sun. Skin care products that contain vitamin C are also known to be good for dealing with dry skin.
Basically, vitamin C creams or serums are both good for maintaining healthy skin. However, vitamin C serum is considered to be more effective than regular creams or moisturizers because it has a higher concentration of vitamin C content.
Consuming vitamin C intake
In addition to treatment from the outside, the body can also get vitamin C by eating food sources of vitamin C as a form of body care from within.
Eat fruits and vegetables that contain vitamin C every day. Some types of fruits and vegetables that contain lots of vitamin C are oranges, chilies, tomatoes, broccoli, guavas, and mangoes.
Although important for health, consumption of vitamin C should not be excessive as well. The recommended dose of vitamin C that needs to be met varies from person to person, depending on age and gender.
For men, adolescents and adults, 90 mg of vitamin C is needed per day. Meanwhile, adolescent and adult women need 75 mg of vitamin C per day. Pregnant and lactating women need 80-100 mg of vitamin C per day.
Although vitamin C is good for the skin and body, pay attention to the maximum intake of vitamin C so as not to overdo it. Consumption of vitamin C more than 1,000 mg (maximum dose of vitamin C) per day can cause stomach pain, diarrhea, and also flatulence.
If you feel a lack of vitamin C, you can get this nutrient intake by increasing the consumption of foods rich in vitamin C or taking vitamin C supplements according to the doctor's recommendations.
In general, the benefits of vitamin C for the skin if obtained from skin care products or consumption of vitamin C intake is quite safe, as long as its use is still within reasonable limits. If you want to try cosmetic procedures, such as vitamin C injections for the skin, you should first consult with your doctor.