Vitamin C and Collagen Formation
Vitamin C plays a critical role in collagen production by specifically boosting type 1 and type 3 pro-collagen messenger RNA levels in human fibroblasts, the cells responsible for generating collagen. Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body, essential for maintaining the strength and integrity of our skin, bones, and connective tissues.
To form strong collagen fibers, the body requires both vitamin C and iron to facilitate a process called hydroxylation. This process involves the addition of hydroxyl groups to the amino acids proline and lysine, converting them into hydroxyproline and hydroxylysine. These modified amino acids enable the formation of robust, triple-helix structures that resemble strong “rope-like” strands, essential for resilient connective tissues.
Without adequate vitamin C and iron, the hydroxylation process cannot occur efficiently. This deficiency prevents collagen fibres from forming their necessary triple-helical structure, resulting in weakened connective tissue. Consequently, poor collagen formation can impede wound healing and accelerate the ageing process, highlighting the importance of vitamin C in maintaining healthy skin and overall tissue integrity.
Vitamin C and Its Protective Antioxidant Functions
Beyond its role in collagen synthesis, vitamin C also acts as a powerful antioxidant, protecting Vitamin A from oxidative damage. Furthermore, vitamin C, known as ascorbic acid in its active form, reactivates Vitamin E after it has neutralised free radicals. This antioxidant recycling helps maintain a steady supply of protective molecules that guard cells against oxidative stress, which can damage cellular structures and accelerate ageing.
For optimal antioxidant performance, vitamin C works best alongside other companion antioxidants such as beta-carotene and thioctic acid. These combinations enhance each other’s effects, offering a synergistic boost to skin health and overall wellness.
Additional Health Benefits of Vitamin C
Vitamin C’s benefits extend far beyond collagen formation and antioxidant protection. It plays a crucial role in enhancing the absorption of inorganic iron, which is vital for healthy blood cell function. Additionally, vitamin C supports the metabolism of folic acid, aids in the synthesis of some hormones and amino acids, and significantly boosts the immune system.
These multiple functions underline the versatility of vitamin C as a nutrient that not only supports skin health but also contributes to broader physiological processes essential for overall well-being.
Conclusion
Vitamin C is much more than just an essential vitamin for preventing colds; it is a cornerstone for skin health, tissue repair, and antioxidant defence. Ensuring adequate vitamin C intake through diet or supplements can help maintain healthy collagen levels, protect against oxidative stress, and support numerous bodily functions that keep us feeling youthful and vibrant.
By including foods rich in vitamin C or a well-formulated supplement in your daily routine, you can optimise collagen formation, enhance your skin’s resilience, and bolster your overall health.
Skin Applications
DMK – Direct Delivery Vitamin C
Stimulating the cellular renewal process, Direct Delivery Vitamin C reduces the number of damaged cells, aiding the revision of ageing, scarring, skin tone and texture with a stabilised vitamin C formulation.
Its is a sophisticated serum used to stimulate collagen production, reduces pigmentation formation, protects against environmental damage as well as regenerates healthy skin. Being a stabilised form of Vitamin C, it is ideal for wrinkles, fine lines, sagging skin, skin tone and texture, acne, darker skin tones, pigmentation, and scarring. It can also be used on pre and post-operative treatments to encourage healing.
Key Ingredients:
Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)
Ascorbyl Glucoside
Magnesium Ascorbyl phosphate
Panthenol Vitamin B5
Can only be prescribed by a DMK Skin Revision Technician. 369 Laser Clinics are fully qualified DMK clinic.
DMK – FibroMax C
DMK’s potent stabilised vitamin C works to tone, tighten and brighten the skin.
DMK’s strongest most bioactive form of vitamin C, FibroMax C’s unique micro-encapsulation technology works to revise ageing, pigmentation, fragile capillaries, dullness and problematic skin. This exclusive formula encapsulates liquid droplets of pure ethyl ascorbic acid, the purest form of stable vitamin C in silica particles to form a powder, that when rubbed into the skin transforms into a liquid. Fantastic for targeting areas of pigmentation, wrinkles and fine lines.
Key Ingredients:
20% Pure Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
Silica Silylate
Can only be prescribed by a DMK Skin Revision Technician. 369 Laser Clinics are fully qualified DMK clinic.
Comments are closed.