According to research by scientists at the University of Otago (New Zealand), the amount of vitamin C absorbed from food is directly related to the skin's ability to regenerate and produce collagen. The results show that vitamin C in the blood can travel to all skin layers, helping the skin become healthier and thicker.
Research published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology, confirms that vitamin C levels in the skin reflect very closely vitamin C levels in the blood.
Eat two kiwis a day, skin thicker and healthier
The study was conducted on 24 healthy adults in New Zealand and Germany. Participants who ate two rich vitamin C kiwis every day for 8 weeks recorded a significant increase in vitamin C in the skin.
Notably, this increase comes with stronger skin, showing that collagen production is improved and the rate of epidermal regeneration is faster.
Professor Margreet Vissers (Otago University, New Zealand), the main author of the study, said that the link between the amount of vitamin C ingested and the skin thickness is very clear and convincing.
The effectiveness of eating is superior to cosmetics
According to the research group, vitamin C is often supplemented in skin care products thanks to its important role in creating collagen. However, vitamin C is difficult to penetrate through the skin's external protective barrier.
Conversely, when absorbed through eating, vitamin C follows the blood into the skin very effectively. Skin cells have the ability to absorb vitamin C from the blood much better than applying it on the skin.
Not only kiwi, many other foods are also rich in vitamin C
Scientists say kiwi was chosen in the study because it has a high and stable vitamin C content. However, similar benefits can also be achieved when supplementing vitamin C from other fruits and vegetables such as oranges, tangerines, strawberries, bell peppers, and broccoli.
Maintaining vitamin C daily is key
Vitamin C is not stored long-term by the body, so regular daily supplementation is very important. According to Professor Vissers, healthy people only need about 250 mg of vitamin C per day to reach the optimal level in the blood.
Experts recommend maintaining a habit of eating enough vegetables and fruits every day, including at least one type of food rich in vitamin C to support skin health from the inside out.
