One of the keys to a great complexion is Vitamin C—and that includes whether it's absorbed inside via your healthy diet or through your skin in a topical cream. Since the body doesn't store it, it's important to make sure you are keeping up with your daily balances of this essential antioxidant so you have a continuing supply for all the jobs Vitamin C does to keep you looking and feeling great.
HOW MUCH VITAMIN C DO YOU NEED?
“I recommend, for the sake of your skin, try to exceed your daily needs for Vitamin C. The recommended daily amount is 75 mg for women and 90 for men.”
Complexion expert Maxine Warsh
High Vitamin C helps your complexion
Higher intake of Vitamin C from food is associated with a reduced risk for cancers and cardiovascular problems; it boosts your immune system, reduces inflammation with all the attendant benefits, is good for teeth and gums, joint health, and your skin. Vitamin C is needed to synthesize collagen—contributing to everything from a healthier state in your arteries to a younger-looking complexion. Collagen keeps your skin flexible and firm. Better collagen production also helps scratches, scrapes, and wounds heal faster.
It hasn't yet been proven that Vitamin C prevents colds or flu, although it can't hurt to try a few oranges when flu threatens or extra helpings of red peppers or broccoli... What is known is that Vitamin C from natural foods helps protect you from health risks that may come with getting older—and is great for your complexion at any age.
Most of us know that Vitamin C prevents scurvy, as discovered by Sir James Lind, a British Navy surgeon, in the mid-1700's with citrus fruit and juices. Ascorbic acid wasn't identified as the key component until 1932.
Best choices for Vitamin C foods
Besides citrus, good choices for Vitamin C include guavas, bell peppers, kale, parsley, strawberries, kiwi, broccoli, and brussels sprouts. (Top 39 foods with Vitamin C and tips on how to include in your diet.)
How to lighten, tighten, and brighten your skin
Vitamin C serum—such as the all-natural and preservative free epiSILK Vitamin C Serum from Maxine Warsh—boosts collagen and is a good way to brighten and lighten the complexion. It works to even out skin tone—helping with age spots and discoloration. Serums with Vitamin C are perfect for skin of any age to tighten and smooth so make sure to use it daily.
Available in Regular and Sensitive
Note: (in fact, you can use Vitamin C as it comes--from lemons—to help with age spots over time. Dab a little on your skin and leave for 10 minutes before washing off--don't go outside with it on!).
How much Vitamin C is in an average serving of...?
Broccoli (raw) 42 mg in half a cup
Red Pepper (raw) 101-144 mg in half a cup
Orange- 1 medium 59-83 mg
