Check out this answer from Consensus:

Vitamin C is beneficial for skin health due to its antioxidant properties, its role in collagen synthesis, and its ability to protect against UV-induced damage. It can improve skin elasticity, reduce pigmentation, and potentially aid in the treatment of certain skin diseases. Both dietary intake and topical application of Vitamin C are effective, with advancements in topical formulations enhancing its efficacy.

Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is a vital nutrient for maintaining skin health. It is known for its antioxidant properties, its role in collagen synthesis, and its potential to protect against UV-induced photodamage. This synthesis aims to evaluate the benefits of Vitamin C for skin health based on multiple research studies.

Key Insights

• Antioxidant and Photoprotective Properties:

  • Vitamin C acts as a powerful antioxidant, protecting the skin from oxidative stress and UV-induced photodamage1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9.

  • It helps in reducing pigmentation and preventing signs of photoaging by decreasing melanin formation and stabilizing collagen fibers3 5 7 8.

• Collagen Synthesis and Skin Structure:

  • Vitamin C stimulates collagen synthesis, which is crucial for maintaining skin elasticity and strength. It also stabilizes collagen fibers and decreases collagen degradation1 2 3 4 8 9 10.

  • Topical application of Vitamin C has been shown to improve the clinical appearance of photodamaged skin and promote epidermal thickening4 9 10.

• Therapeutic Potential in Skin Diseases:

  • Vitamin C can promote the differentiation of keratinocytes and decrease melanin synthesis, which is beneficial in treating skin conditions like atopic dermatitis and porphyria cutanea tarda2.

  • High doses of Vitamin C have shown potential in reducing cancer cell viability and invasiveness in malignant melanoma2.

• Topical vs. Dietary Intake:

  • While both topical application and dietary intake of Vitamin C have benefits, the efficacy of topical formulations depends on the stability and permeability of the product1 3 7 9 10.

  • Topical Vitamin C formulations, such as Vitamin C-squalene bioconjugates, have been developed to improve skin diffusion and delivery, showing significant benefits in collagen production and skin thickness10.

Is Vitamin C good for skin?

Anitra Carr has answered Likely An expert from University of Otago in Vitamin C

Yes – vitamin C is good for skin. Because of its antioxidant properties, it is capable of protecting against UV-related damage [1]. It is also able to support barrier function and help wound healing through its role in collagen formation. However, being water-soluble – it is not readily absorbed into the skin – so it is best taken orally.

Reference:

1.       Pullar JM, Carr AC, Vissers MCM. The Roles of Vitamin C in Skin Health. Nutrients. 2017;9(8).