| Researchers discovered Vitamin C, arguably the most | | | | regeneration of skin cells. The study focused on gene |
| thoroughly researched vitamin, a century ago while | | | | expression of these cells and the effect of exposure |
| searching for a cure for the scurvy. Scurvy was a | | | | to vitamin C. |
| frightening condition that caused small blood vessels | | | | The results demonstrated that vitamin C improved |
| to rupture resulting in life-threatening uncontrolled | | | | wound healing by stimulating fibroblasts to divide, and |
| bleeding. Scurvy also caused swelling of the joints and | | | | by promoting their migration into the wounded area. |
| destroyed the matrix of bones, making them weak | | | | Additionally, Vitamin C protected the skin by inducing |
| and brittle. Scurvy would eventually lead to death if | | | | fibroblast-repair of potentially dangerous mutant DNA |
| left untreated. | | | | lesions. |
| Since its discovery, vitamin C has been | | | | Co-author, Dr. Marcus S. Cooke of the University of |
| well-researched. However, scientists are still learning | | | | Leicester's Department of Cancer Studies and |
| how vitamin C works in the body. The latest | | | | Molecular Medicine, commented at the end of the |
| research on vitamin C, published in the journal Free | | | | study; "This study indicates a mechanism by which |
| Radical Biology and Medicine sheds new light on the | | | | vitamin C contributes to the maintenance of a |
| mechanisms involved in vitamin C's ability to heal, | | | | healthy skin by promoting wound healing. Vitamin C |
| rejuvenate and protect the skin. | | | | also protects skin against cellular DNA against damage |
| Vitamin C is a vital Co factor for the production of | | | | caused by oxidation," "These findings of are particular |
| collagen, the principal protein-component in skin. In the | | | | importance to our photobiology interests, and we will |
| past, researchers demonstrated that vitamin C could | | | | certainly be looking into this further". |
| stimulate DNA repair. They were able to determine a | | | | The best way to take advantage of the skin-healing |
| meaningful increase in DNA repair, in vitamin C users. | | | | properties of vitamin C is to apply topically to |
| The latest research focused on gene expression and | | | | damaged skin. Numerous studies have demonstrated |
| DNA repair of human skin cells called dermal | | | | that low-molecular weight antioxidants like vitamin E |
| fibroblasts. Dermal fibroblasts play a vital role in the | | | | and vitamin C are readily absorbed when topically |
| healing of wounds. According to lead-researcher, Dr. | | | | applied to the skin. Vitamin C is active in the dermis, |
| Tiago Duarte, "exposure to the sun's ultraviolet | | | | the inner layer of skin that contains the proteins |
| radiation increases in summer, often resulting in a | | | | responsible for the structure and elasticity of skin. |
| higher incidence of skin lesions". "Ultraviolet radiation is | | | | The antioxidant properties of vitamin C protect |
| also a genotoxic agent responsible for skin cancer, | | | | collagen and elastin, the framework of skin, from |
| through the formation of free radicals and DNA | | | | oxidative damage. |
| damage." | | | | There is a number of pure vitamin C preparations |
| In this latest vitamin C research, Dr. Duarte and his | | | | that can help damaged or aging skin. The one I use |
| colleagues confirmed vitamin C's well-known ability to | | | | and recommend is Serum C, which contains a high |
| scavenge free radicals, but more importantly, they | | | | concentration of vitamin C in the form of L-Ascorbic |
| found that vitamin C left a genetic sequence | | | | acid. Serum C also contains an antioxidant complex of |
| revealing its mechanisms for repairing skin and | | | | extracts of grape skins, grape seeds and green tea. |
| protecting it from further damage. | | | | There is compelling evidence that reducing oxidative |
| Researchers exposed human dermal fibroblasts to | | | | stress through the use of antioxidants like vitamin C |
| vitamin C in the form of ascorbic acid 2-phosphate. A | | | | will heal, and protect, damaged or aging skin. |
| fibroblast is a cell that synthesizes extra-cellular | | | | Numerous studies indicate topically applied vitamin C |
| matrix and collagen that serves as the structural | | | | can increase the body's natural healing process. Apply |
| framework for human skin and connective tissue. | | | | vitamin C, to your hands, face and neck, morning and |
| Fibroblasts play a vital role in wound healing and | | | | night for sixty days. |