You know it’s great for immunity but did you know there are heaps more reasons to take a supplement with vitamin C? We round-up all the amazing beauty and health benefits of ascorbic acid.

The benefits of vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, go far beyond just relieving a case of the common cold. It’s a potent anti-ager, it’s a glow-getter AND it’s an all-round health booster.

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So what makes vitamin C such a sought after vitamin? Keep reading to be converted…

Vitamin C 101: What Is It?

Let’s start with the not so great news: vitamin C boasts an abundance of benefits but it’s an essential vitamin, which means the body can’t produce it. The good news though, you can easily obtain it through diet and supplementation – the latter is recommended because most don’t get the recommended daily intake of vitamin C (75mg for women and 90 mg for men) through diet alone. Thankfully, vitamin C is regarded as one of the safest and most effective nutrients.

The Benefits of Vitamin C

Boosts immunity

It makes sense to start with the most obvious. One of the main reasons people take vitamin C supplements is to boost immunity, which is true, it’s packed full of antioxidants that can help to decrease the length and severity of cold symptoms. People with adequate levels of vitamin C are thought to be better able to fight off infections compared to people with vitamin C deficiency. It may also help prevent acute respiratory infections, especially in those with malnutrition or who are physically stressed.

Accelerates collagen

Vitamin C supplementation has been found to combat collagen degradation. Specifically, vitamin C has been shown to stabilise and increase the collagen production process. Collagen strengthens the skin helping to maintain firmness and a radiant, youthful complexion. Studies have found that higher intakes of vitamin C result in notable decreases in skin wrinkling. It has also demonstrated reversal of age-related structural changes – like wrinkles, fine lines and sagging - in between the dermis and the epidermis.

…And elastin

Like collagen, elastin is also a naturally occurring protein in the body that helps keep skin plump and firm. It allows the tissues in our body to resume their shape after stretching or contracting, for instance after a facial expression. While collagen gives your skin strength, elastin is what allows it to bounce back. Its thickening effect helps retain moisture, increase circulation and plump up the skin’s surface. Vitamin C triggers elastin production so it’s more great news for your skin.

Improves skin texture

Vitamin C inhibits the skin’s melanin production, which is what causes skin discolouration like uneven patches and hyperpigmentation. This is why vitamin C is known as the ultimate skin brightener – its superior brightening powers effectively work to fade brown spots.

Defends against pollution

Vitamin C is rich in antioxidants that help your body fight off free radicals, which are highly reactive molecules that age the skin. Incorporating vitamin C into your beauty routine helps to offset daily aggressors like UV rays, blue light and air pollution.

Still need convincing?

The list of benefits goes on – wound healing, hydration, skin-softening – you name it, vitamin C will give your complexion the boost it needs. The potent antioxidant is integral to the skin’s natural regeneration process, especially if your skin is compromised or damaged.

Get amongst it! You’ll find vitamin C in re.skin’s re.vive supplement.