Imagine there is one vitamin, which we all know and use, that could be the key ally in the fight against skin aging! Yes, you read that right – vitamin C, found in fresh fruits and vegetables, might be the secret hero that’s been right under our noses all along, and we didn’t even know it.
A new study from Japan, led by pharmaceutical scientist Jasunori Sato from Hokuriku University, showed that a diet rich in vitamin C can significantly increase the thickness of the epidermis – the top layer of the skin – and not just any skin, but human skin grown in lab conditions! This isn’t just a beauty story; it’s a scientifically proven effect that activates genes related to cell growth.
How does vitamin C work? Besides being known for stimulating collagen production and protecting skin from harmful UV radiation, vitamin C has the power to change epigenetic marks on DNA, specifically removing methyl groups that act as molecular gene switches. This means vitamin C can turn certain genes on or off, in this case, those that promote skin cell growth and renewal.
Researchers grew human keratinocytes in special conditions simulating real skin, feeding them a solution with vitamin C concentrations matching those the skin receives from the bloodstream. The results were stunning: after just one week, the layer of living epidermal cells became thicker, and after two weeks, the layer of dead cells on the skin surface, which serves as a protective barrier, became thinner. This means vitamin C not only promotes cell renewal but also improves the skin’s protective function.
But wait, there’s more! Vitamin C also helps regenerate a specific form of iron necessary for enzymes that perform DNA demethylation, and under its influence, the expression of 12 key genes related to cell proliferation increased by a whopping 75 times! When researchers blocked these enzymes, the effect disappeared, confirming that vitamin C acts through this specific mechanism.
This discovery opens doors for developing new anti-aging skin treatments that could be more effective and natural than current options. Forget expensive creams and invasive procedures – maybe the answer lies in the humble vitamin C you already have in your kitchen!
Of course, don’t expect miracles overnight, but if you want your skin to stay youthful and healthy, maybe it’s time to make vitamin C your best friend. And hey, feel free to share in the comments if you’ve already noticed the magical effects of this vitamin or have your own skin care hacks. Who knows, maybe together we’ll uncover even more secrets to staying young!
Source: Journal of Investigative Dermatology, ScienceAlert.com, Zdravlje Kurir.rs
