Vitamin C Benefits for Acne

Vitamin C plays many roles in skin physiology, making it essential for healthy skin. This connection demonstrates the significant link between nutrition and skin conditions, including acne.

"Vitamin C plays many roles in skin physiology, making it essential for healthy skin. This connection demonstrates the significant link between nutrition and skin conditions, including acne."

Supplementing with vitamin C, including vitamin C food sources, and topical vitamin C may play a role in acne prevention and healing. We'll explore more in today's article. Keep reading as we unpack:

• The role of vitamin C in skin health
• Does vitamin C help acne?
• How to increase vitamin C with liposomal supplements from Core Med Science

Vitamin C and Skin

Vitamin C is an essential nutrient that humans must obtain from the diet. Suboptimal vitamin C levels can affect all body systems, including skin health, as it plays a significant role in the function and structure of the skin. Interestingly, vitamin C is highly concentrated in the skin compared to other organs and tissues, and it's the most abundant antioxidant in human skin. (Source 1)

"Interestingly, vitamin C is highly concentrated in the skin compared to other organs and tissues, and it's the most abundant antioxidant in human skin."

The benefits of vitamin C for skin health include:

• Antioxidant protection from free radicals (toxins, pollution, etc.)
• Protection from UV radiation (both UVA and UVB)
• Protection from skin damage and sunburn
• Promotion of collagen synthesis for skin structure and firmness
• Reduction of inflammation
• Wound healing
• Decreased melanin production, decreased skin pigmentation
• Anti-aging benefits
• Replenishment of vitamin E, another essential antioxidant
• Reduction in skin cancer risk (Source 1, 2)

Does Vitamin C Help Acne?

Acne is an inflammatory skin condition with characteristics that may include:

• Redness
• Puffiness
• Pimples
• Clogged pores
• Increased oil production

From a functional medicine perspective, we want to consider the condition's root causes. Instead of simply treating or suppressing the symptoms, it's important to peel back the layers, consider what's driving acne, and work to address those. Possible root causes are:

• Gut microbiome imbalance
• Inflammatory diet
• Food sensitivities
• Infections
• Hormone imbalances
• Detoxification issues
• Nutrient deficiencies, including vitamin C

When considering vitamin C and other nutrients, approaches include increasing nutrition via diet and supplementation to improve nutrient levels. In addition, topical vitamin C preparations may be beneficial.

Topical vitamin C may help reduce redness, swelling, and other signs of inflammation. It can also help heal and improve the appearance of acne-related scarring. One study looked at a 5% vitamin C lotion, finding it as beneficial as topical prescription therapies. (Source 3)

Other research suggests that vitamin C supplementation (along with other nutrients) may help mitigate the side effects caused by acne medication. Those who took the dietary supplement had greater skin hydration during treatment. (Source 4)

Liposomal Vitamin C

The human body doesn't make its own vitamin C like other mammals, so we must obtain it from the diet. Eating a variety of fruits and vegetables can help you meet your daily needs. Good sources of vitamin C include citrus fruits, broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables, strawberries, kiwis, and rosehips.

Nutrition is foundational for skin health and overall wellness. In addition to a balanced, nutrient-dense diet, topical vitamin C products are widely available and may benefit various skin issues, including acne. Please discuss options with your dermatologist or other qualified provider.

To learn more about vitamin C and skin health, check out these recent Core Med Science articles:

• 5 Things Not to Mix with Vitamin C for Skin Care
• Benefits of Taking Vitamin C and Rose Hips to Improve Skin Health
• Anti-Aging Benefits of Vitamin C and Retinol

Further, liposomal vitamin C supplements can help improve vitamin C status throughout the body and support optimal levels in the skin.

"Further, liposomal vitamin C supplements can help improve vitamin C status throughout the body and support optimal levels in the skin."

Core Med Science Liposomal Vitamin C - Softgels is physician-formulated using advanced liposomal technology for superior absorption and bioavailability without digestive side effects. Because of liposomal preparation, you can get greater benefits at lower dosages.

If you suffer from acne or other skin conditions, consider a functional medicine lens with an inside-out approach. As you heal internal imbalances, it shows outwardly as clear skin, lower inflammation, and fewer breakouts. A highly bioavailable supplement from Core Med Science can help.

References:

1. Al-Niaimi, F., & Chiang, N. Y. Z. (2017). Topical Vitamin C and the Skin: Mechanisms of Action and Clinical Applications. The Journal of clinical and aesthetic dermatology, 10(7), 14-17. Full text: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5605218/
2. Telang P. S. (2013). Vitamin C in dermatology. Indian dermatology online journal, 4(2), 143-146. Full text: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3673383/
3. Woolery-Lloyd, H., Baumann, L., & Ikeno, H. (2010). Sodium L-ascorbyl-2-phosphate 5% lotion for the treatment of acne vulgaris: a randomized, double-blind, controlled trial. Journal of cosmetic dermatology, 9(1), 22-27. Abstract: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20367669/
4. Fabbrocini, G., Cameli, N., Lorenzi, S., De Padova, M. P., Marasca, C., Izzo, R., & Monfrecola, G. (2014). A dietary supplement to reduce side effects of oral isotretinoin therapy in acne patients. Giornale italiano di dermatologia e venereologia : organo ufficiale, Societa italiana di dermatologia e sifilografia, 149(4), 441-445. Abstract: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25068233/