The skin can only absorb a limited amount of vitamin C, with studies suggesting that around 20% of topical vitamin C is absorbed by the skin.
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The skin is capable of absorbing a limited amount of vitamin C, with studies indicating that only about 20% of topical vitamin C is absorbed through the skin. The amount of vitamin C that can be absorbed by the skin depends on various factors such as the concentration of the vitamin C in the product, the formulation, and the condition of the skin.
According to Dr. David Leffell, a professor of dermatology and surgery at Yale School of Medicine, “Vitamin C, when applied topically, can act as an antioxidant to help protect the skin from harmful environmental stressors like UV damage and pollution.” In addition, vitamin C plays a crucial role in collagen synthesis, which helps maintain healthy and youthful-looking skin.
Interestingly, vitamin C is not stored in the body, which means that it needs to be replenished regularly through diet or supplements. However, topical application of vitamin C has been shown to improve skin texture, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and brighten the complexion.
It’s also important to note that the efficacy of vitamin C products can vary greatly depending on the formulation and method of application. Products containing L-ascorbic acid, the most effective form of vitamin C, should be stored in airtight, opaque packaging to prevent oxidation.
Here’s a table summarizing some key points on the topic:
| Topic | Key Points |
|---|---|
| Skin absorption of vitamin C | Only around 20% of topical vitamin C is absorbed by the skin |
| Benefits of vitamin C for skin | Acts as an antioxidant to protect skin from environmental stressors, plays a role in collagen synthesis, improves skin texture and brightness |
| Importance of regular vitamin C intake | Vitamin C is not stored in the body and needs to be replenished regularly |
| Formulation and application | Efficacy can vary widely depending on formulation and method of application, L-ascorbic acid should be stored in airtight, opaque packaging. |
In the words of renowned cosmetic dermatologist Dr. Patricia Wexler, “When it comes to vitamin C, anything is better than nothing, but higher percentages do correlate with greater efficacy.” Therefore, it’s crucial to choose a high-quality vitamin C product with the right formulation and concentration to ensure maximum absorption and benefits for the skin.
Other answers to your question
Although concentrations of vitamin C up to 30% have been used for animal studies, maximal absorption was achieved with a 20% vitamin C solution, with higher concentrations showing lower absorption (11). Topical application of ascorbic acid will cross the epidermis into the underlying dermal layers.
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Vitamin B3 or niacinamide is a powerful skin vitamin that protects and restores DNA, preventing various skin problems like dermatitis, dry, brittle or scaly skin. It also reduces the risk of skin cancer, acne, and brown spots on the skin, while acting as an anti-aging factor. Although it can be found in several foods, there can be a deficiency due to depleting foods leading to a deficiency in B3. The cure of pellagra by vitamin B3 was discovered by a chemist, linking pellagra to a deficiency in vitamin B3.