The Importance of Vitamin C For Your Hair, Skin & Gut Explained

by Laura Forsyth | 9th August, 2023 | Nutrition

Want to look your radiant best? Unlock the beauty secrets of Vitamin C, the all-rounder for your skin and hair. In collaboration with the beauty experts at grüum, we’ve delved into the wonders of this essential nutrient. 

Discover the power of Vitamin C for your skin and hair, as well as its essential role when it comes to regulating gut health. We’ll top things off with some top tips on how to incorporate more into your diet and your daily routine.

What is Vitamin C?

Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is an essential nutrient that plays a key role in many bodily functions. It’s a powerful antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage caused by free radicals, substances that can lead to oxidative stress and contribute to the development of conditions like heart disease and cancer.

Why is Vitamin C Important?

Vitamin C is crucial for the synthesis of collagen, a protein that helps wound healing and maintains the health of skin, cartilage, teeth, bone, and blood vessels. It also enhances the absorption of iron from plant-based foods, supports the immune system, and aids in the metabolism of proteins.

The body cannot produce vitamin C on its own, so it must be obtained from food or supplements. Fruits and vegetables are the best sources of vitamin C; citrus fruits like oranges and lemons, strawberries, kiwi fruit, bell peppers, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and spinach all contain it in abundance.

Is Vitamin C Good for Your Skin?

Yes. Vitamin C is a powerhouse in skincare, known for its essential role in maintaining and boosting skin health. Its benefits are rooted in its powerful antioxidant properties and its ability to support key skin functions. This nutrient not only protects the skin but also revitalizes it, contributing to a more radiant and youthful appearance.

Vitamin C Skin Benefits

Some key, research-backed benefits of vitamin C for your skin include:

• Antioxidant Protection: Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps to protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals and UV exposure. This can help to prevent signs of ageing, such as wrinkles and fine lines.
• Collagen Production: It is crucial for the synthesis of collagen, a protein that gives the skin its structure and elasticity. By promoting collagen production, vitamin C can help to keep the skin firm and youthful.
• Brightening: Vitamin C can help to fade pigmentation, reduce redness, and improve the overall skin tone by inhibiting the enzyme responsible for melanin production. This results in a brighter, more even complexion.
• Healing: Its role in collagen production not only helps with skin firmness but also aids in the healing process of wounds. Vitamin C can speed up the repair of damaged skin, making it beneficial for reducing the appearance of acne scars and other blemishes.

Hydration: Vitamin C can help the skin retain water, keeping it hydrated and plump. This is especially beneficial for dry or dehydrated skin types.

Is Vitamin C Good for Hair?

Vitamin C is not only fantastic for your skin, it’s great for your hair, too. Because it stimulates collagen production, an essential component of hair structure, this promotes healthy hair growth. It also aids in the absorption of iron, a crucial nutrient for hair health. By supporting the hair follicles and improving blood circulation to the scalp, Vitamin C contributes to the appearance of vibrant locks.

Vitamin C Hair Benefits

As well as stimulating hair growth, vitamin C is responsible for a wide array of benefits for your hair:

• Prevents Hair Loss: It doesn’t just stimulate hair growth, it mitigates against hair loss at the same time. Its antioxidant properties help protect the scalp and hair follicles from damage by free radicals, which can reduce hair loss.
• Enhances Hair Health: Vitamin C helps in the absorption of iron, a mineral necessary for hair growth. By ensuring adequate iron absorption, vitamin C can prevent hair from becoming weak, brittle, and prone to breakage.
• Fights Dandruff and Scalp Conditions: Vitamin C’s anti-inflammatory properties can help reduce the symptoms of dandruff and other scalp conditions, leading to a healthier scalp environment.
• Improves Hair Texture and Shine: By fighting oxidative stress, vitamin C can enhance hair’s texture and shine, making it look healthier and more vibrant.

Protects Against UV Damage: The antioxidant properties of vitamin C also protect the hair from damage caused by UV exposure, which can lead to hair becoming dry, brittle, and weak.

Where Can you Find Natural Sources of Vitamin C for Skin and Hair Care?

Incorporate natural sources of Vitamin C for skin and hair care from products enriched with ingredients like coconut and orange oil. These products offer nourishing properties that support healthy skin and hair, helping you achieve a radiant and vibrant look. In fact, grüum offers a great range of products that harness the power of coconut and orange oil for your beauty needs.

Does Vitamin C Help Gut Health?

Yes, incorporating vitamin C-rich foods into your diet can support gut health along with providing other systemic benefits. 

However, it’s important to maintain a balanced diet and consider other aspects of gut health, such as fiber intake, hydration, and overall nutrition. For individuals with specific gastrointestinal conditions, it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before making significant changes to their diet or supplement regimen.

The Relationship Between Vitamin C and Gut Health Explained

Vitamin C plays a beneficial role in maintaining gut health via a variety of mechanisms. Below, we’ve outlined and briefly explained some of the most common ways Vitamin C can lead to a happier gut:

• Antioxidant Protection: Vitamin C’s antioxidant properties can help reduce inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract, which is beneficial for maintaining the integrity of the gut lining. This can help prevent conditions like leaky gut, where the barrier function of the intestines is compromised.
• Collagen Synthesis: Vitamin C is essential for the synthesis of collagen, a protein that helps maintain the strength and integrity of the gut lining. A healthy gut lining is crucial for preventing pathogens and toxins from entering the bloodstream and for ensuring proper nutrient absorption.
• Immune Function: A significant portion of the body’s immune system is located in the gut. Vitamin C supports the immune system by enhancing the function of immune cells. A healthy immune system is vital for protecting the gut from infections and inflammation.
• Iron Absorption: Vitamin C enhances the absorption of non-heme iron (the form of iron found in plant-based foods), which is important for preventing anemia. Anemia can affect gut health by leading to fatigue and reduced oxygenation of body tissues, including the gut.

Prebiotic-like Effects: Some research suggests that vitamin C may have prebiotic-like effects, promoting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. A healthy microbiome is essential for good digestive health, nutrient absorption, and immune function.

How to Boost Vitamin C Intake Naturally

Adding Vitamin C-rich foods to your daily diet is simple and rewarding. Start your day with a refreshing citrus burst with fruits like oranges, strawberries or mangos. Veggies include the likes of broccoli, bell peppers, spinach and tomatoes. Adding these delicious and nutritious foods into your meals ensures you receive the full spectrum of Vitamin C’s benefits for your skin, hair, and gut.

At Lions Prep, we pride ourselves on the nutritional content of our meals, and so ordering yourself one of our award-winning meals will put you on a strong footing and get you well on your way towards hitting your vitamin C daily intake and reaping the benefits.