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Dry, Itchy Skin and Vitamin C
Dry and itchy skin may be the result of a skin disorder, or may occur due to improper care of the skin. To help combat dry and itchy skin, consider supplementing your diet with a variety of foods that are rich in vitamin C. This nutrient is efficient in helping to treat and prevent dry and itchy skin.
Vitamin C and Antioxidant Properties
Vitamin C is among the group of antioxidant vitamins, along with vitamin E and beta-carotene. The University of Maryland Medical Center notes that antioxidants are responsible for preventing damage that free radicals may cause 1. These harmful compounds are the result of your body turning foods you consume into energy. A build-up of free radicals over time can be dangerous, as they are believed to play a role in contributing to the aging process, conditions that may involve dry, itchy or possibly even wrinkly skin. Antioxidants like vitamin C help to locate and destroy free radicals.
- Vitamin C is among the group of antioxidant vitamins, along with vitamin E and beta-carotene.
- The University of Maryland Medical Center notes that antioxidants are responsible for preventing damage that free radicals may cause 1.
Vitamin C and Skin Benefits
Nutrition & Skin Discoloration
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Vitamin C is necessary for the regular manufacture and repair of all the tissues in your body, including the skin and is important for aiding in the production of a protein called collagen, which is used to produce skin, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center 1. Vitamin C is also essential in the healing of wounds.
Vitamin C Deficiency and Skin
Vitamin C is an essential nutrient to have in your diet, and its important to ensure that you're consuming enough vitamin C on a daily basis, as it can have negative consequences on your skin. The University of Maryland Medical Center states that low intake of vitamin C in your diet can possibly cause your skin to become dry, scaly or rough 1.
Vitamin C and Food Sources
Vitamin C & Hair Loss
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Vitamin C can be found in many foods such as:
- cauliflower
- tomatoes
- cranberries
- oranges
- grapefruit
- cooked leafy greens
- red peppers
- raspberries
- mango
- potatoes
- blueberries
- watermelon
- cabbage
- winter squash
- strawberries
- papaya
- cantaloupe
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References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid); Steven D. Ehrlich; 2009
- MedlinePlus: Vitamin C
- Al-Niaimi F, Chiang NYZ. Topical vitamin C and the skin: Mechanisms of action and clinical applications. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2017;10(7):14-17.
- Ohshima H, Mizukoshi K, Oyobikawa M, et al. Effects of vitamin C on dark circles of the lower eyelids: quantitative evaluation using image analysis and echogram. Skin Res Technol. 2009;15(2):214-217. doi:10.1111/j.1600-0846.2009.00356.x
- Pullar JM, Carr AC, Vissers MCM. The roles of vitamin C in skin health. Nutrients. 2017;9(8):866. doi:10.3390/nu9080866
- De Dormael R, Bastien P, Sextius P, et al. Vitamin C prevents ultraviolet-induced pigmentation in healthy volunteers: Bayesian meta-analysis results from 31 randomized controlled versus vehicle clinical studies. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2019;12(2):E53-E59.
- Bolke L, Schlippe G, Gerß J, Voss W. A collagen supplement improves skin hydration, elasticity, roughness, and density: Results of a randomized, placebo-controlled, blind study. Nutrients. 2019;11(10):2494. doi:10.3390/nu11102494
- Farris PK. Topical vitamin C: A useful agent for treating photoaging and other dermatologic conditions. Dermatol Surg. 2005;31(7 Pt 2):814-818. doi:10.1111/j.1524-4725.2005.31725
- Telang PS. Vitamin C in dermatology. Indian Dermatol Online J. 2013;4(2):143-146. doi:10.4103/2229-5178.110593