Vitamin C in dermatology and cosmetology: a review

Abstract

Vitamin C is a very powerful water-soluble antioxidant with various potential benefits for patients with skin diseases. The chemically active form of vitamin C is L-ascorbic acid (LAA) and thus is used extensively in medical practices. Due to an active transport mechanism, the absorption of vitamin C in the gut is limited, thereby reducing the amount of drug absorbed orally despite a high dosage, which in turn reduces the bioavailability of vitamin C in the skin. Therefore, topical use of vitamin C is usually preferred in dermatology practice. The function of vitamin C is mostly linked to its electron-donating property. Several processes such as reduction of iron in the gastrointestinal tract, synthesis of carnitine, gene transcription, protection against reactive oxygen species (ROS), demethylation of DNA, Hydroxylation of transcription factors, tRNA, and ribosomal proteins, collagen, and hormonal synthesis are carried out due to the active participation of vitamin C in the body. Scurvy usually occurs due to inadequate consumption of vitamin C through a regular diet or inability to absorb the vitamin C in the body. 90% of ascorbic acid comes from fresh fruits and vegetable consumption, failure of which can lead to scurvy.