Benefits of Vitamin C: More than giving a glow to skin, it also rebuilds it, says Japanese study

Vitamin C has long been the go-to ingredient for brighter skin. Your daily serum or a refreshing citrus-packed smoothie, is often packed with vitamin C and is said to offer its glow-boosting, antioxidant powers. Many people swear by it to help fade dark spots, even out skin tone and protect against pollution damage. It’s that little daily ritual that feels like self-care in a bottle or glass, promising smoother, fresher-looking skin with every use.

Several people turn to Vitamin C because it makes their skin feel brighter, softer and healthier. It’s often seen as a skin shield, fighting dullness and boosting glow after sun exposure or stress. You apply it, sip it, or mix it into your routine, expecting that glowing, more even look.

Vitamin C does more than just improve the surface of your skin. According to a recent study from Tokyo Metropolitan Institute for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Vitamin C could play a bigger role in skin health. Researchers found it protects skin, and can also help rebuild it. The study revealed that Vitamin C helps to activate specific genes responsible for skin cell growth, thickening the skin from within by promoting DNA changes that allow cells to grow and multiply.

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Here are some ways Vitamin C may support your ageing skin:

• Reactivate your skin’s youth: Vitamin C helps to turn on genes linked to skin renewal, potentially reversing thinning caused by age or damage.

• Strengthen from within: It boosts the production of keratinocytes, key skin cells that form the protective outer layer and maintain skin thickness.

• Encourage deep repair: By promoting DNA demethylation, Vitamin C supports deeper healing and cellular repair at the genetic level.

• Support longer-lasting results: Vitamin C’s effects go beyond temporary protection, it actively encourages your skin to rebuild itself over time.

• Mirrors youthful processes: This vitamin triggers biological processes similar to youthful skin, supporting both cell growth and natural skin defence mechanisms.

• Help ageing skin bounce back: Particularly helpful for mature or damaged skin, Vitamin C may restore resilience and slow the thinning that often comes with age.