When it comes to the health of our skin, one of my fave key nutrients is Vitamin C! I know you are probably thinking it’s just for the immune system, but girl, let me tell you, it is so important for the health of your skin!
Here’s why:
- Acne – Vitamin C reduces the inflammation and helps clear up the redness in your skin caused by acne. Another benefit for acne with Vitamin C is it helps strengthen the lining of capillaries, which bring nutrients and oxygen to the layer of skin where new cells are formed to create healthier skin!
- Anti-aging – Vitamin C is an essential component for the production of collagen and elastin in your skin, which basically keeps it firm and toned looking. A study performed in the US looking at dietary nutrient intake and skin-aging appearance in middle-aged American women found that a higher Vitamin C intake lowered the likelihood of a wrinkled appearance and dry skin.
- Antioxidants – And a lot of them! The more antioxidants the better, so it fights off free radicals which can damage the skin.
- Vitamin E Regeneration – Vitamin C helps regenerate Vitamin E in the body. And Vitamin E is also good for neutralizing free radicals along with keeping skin hydrated and protection against UVB light.
So now that you know how amazing Vitamin C is, I bet you are wondering, how do I get as much Vitamin C as possible! Here are some foods high in Vitamin C: bell peppers, brussel sprouts, cabbage, kale, kiwi, papaya, strawberries, pineapple, lemon, lime, oranges, grapefruit, broccoli, cherries, thyme, parsley… I could go on, but here is a good starting point.
A way I like to up my Vitamin C intake is with some Camu Camu powder. My fave is from Miski Organics. I put about ½ tsp in my water bottle , shake it up, and a way I go! It kind of tastes like a healthy ice tea with all the amazing health benefits of Vitamin C. Camu Camu has some pretty outstanding qualities too. It is the highest known source of natural Vitamin C, it helps prevent viral and bacterial infections in the body – which helps with acne, it is full of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory. Score!
References
- Hart, J. (2014). Eat Pretty | Nutrition for Beauty, Inside and Out. San Francisco, Chronicle Books LLC.
- Tayor, S.C. & Holloway Barbosa, V. (2009). Reader’s Digest Guide to Skin Care. Pleasantville, NY: The Reader’s Digest Association
- http://miskiorganics.com/product/organic-dried-camu-camu-powder/
- http://www.onegreenplanet.org/natural-health/foods-more-beneficial-for-your-skin-than-chemical-treatments/
- https://www.facingacne.com/vitamin-c-acne/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5579659/
- https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/health-disease/skin-health/vitamin-C