Vitamin C – what a brilliant vitamin! When it comes to skin, it’s an absolute multitasker. For example, did you know that epidermis (the outermost layer of your skin) contains five times more vitamin C than what is found in the deeper layers?
Here is what it does there:
– it helps prevent water loss, helping skin maintain its barrier function,
– it builds collagen and elastin,
– it protects you from free radicals, preventing premature aging and many other health problems,
– it shields you from the sun. This is especially true when combined with vitamin E and is used in topical applications, such as sunscreens.
More facts
– Many animals can produce their own vitamin C, but we, humans, should get it through food.
– In addition, a constant supply is needed because your body is getting rid of any vitamin C that is not absorbed immediately.
– There is a debate whether you should take it orally or topically. We wrote about here and here, got confused and came to conclusion that you should do both until scientists have it sorted.
– Some suggest you can get as much or even more benefit by simply squeezing an orange and applying its juice on your skin, just like this lady.
– In any case, there is no debate that vitamin C is very delicate and loses its antioxidant activity when exposed to oxygen and light, so the lady is probably right.