Vitamin C: Combating the Effects of Aging

We would all relish the ability to control time. This is apparent in our desire to make time pass quicker during an unpleasant task, or wishing for time to stand still when experiencing joyous moments. This need of ours for control is especially true when it comes to aging.

Aging is a process that goes on over our entire life span. In order for us to ‘grow old gracefully’, we must take care of our bodies. Eating a healthy diet, getting sufficient sleep, keeping physically fit, maintaining an active mind and avoiding smoking are practices that may increase our life expectancy and the chance of a full and productive life in our later years.

We age inside as well as outside, although our focus is usually on the latter. With increasing age, skin, tendons, and even blood vessels lose elasticity. This is due to the formation of cross-links between or within the molecules of collagen. Collagen is the fibrous protein which gives elasticity to these tissues. These cross-links could alter the structure and shape of the molecules so that they are unable to carry out their functions in the cell.

Not only is collagen an important element in the health of the connective tissue throughout our bodies, it is also an essential protein that keeps our skin firm and toned. When collagen is not properly produced, our skin can begin to sag and lose its vitality.

Free radicals are the unstable molecules in the environment which can cause acceleration in aging, especially of the skin. Free radicals are found in excessive sun exposure, environmental pollutants, and cigarette smoke. Age-related free radical damage depletes the body’s natural antioxidant defenses, and leads to the degeneration of the skin’s blood circulation. This circulation is responsible for removing waste products and replenishing nutrients which maintain the flexibility and resilience of the connective tissues.

Vitamin C is the most abundant antioxidant found naturally in the skin. It is important in neutralizing free radicals and can also boost the production of collagen. Vitamin C may also help prevent certain forms of cancer and accelerated aging. Declining levels of this antioxidant in the skin makes the tissue susceptible to free radical damage and slows down the repair and synthesis of collagen.

Vitamin C is depleted by exposure to sun, pollution, or smoking. Minimal exposure can decrease levels by 30%, while exposure to city pollution can decrease levels by 55%. The facts are that:

• 7,400 Americans die each year from melanoma.
• 40-50% of Americans who live to age 65 will have skin cancer at least once.
• One million cases of curable basil and squamous cell cancers occur annually in the US.

Vitamin C can help combat the effects of free radicals in your body and on your skin. Vitamin C inhibits the activity of enzymes that destroy the capillary wall; thereby helping maintain dermal blood supply. Supporting the production and regeneration of collagen helps to maintain skin tone and texture.

Our body cannot produce vitamin C on its own, making it important to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables high in this nutrient or taking a vitamin supplement. Combining a healthy diet rich in vitamin C with a vitamin supplement will help us feel better. We will also see the results on the exterior of our body as vitamin C helps provide protection against harmful UV rays, increases the production of collagen, reduces the look of wrinkles and improves our skin’s quality.