From acne scars to injury scars, Vitamin C is widely known to help reduce the appearance of scars. This amazing antioxidant has so many great health benefits, such as boosting the immune system. Who knew it was good for scarring too? That’s because it has a strong ability to regulate collagen production and prevent inflammation at wound sites.
Vitamin C:
- Minimizes dark patches and discoloration by halting pigment production.
- Reduces acne lesions due to its anti-inflammatory properties that control sebum manufacture.
- Lessens the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
- Minimizes the look of scars.
- Is most effective when combined with vitamin E and ferulic acid.
- Offers photoprotection and repairs sun damage.
Acne Scars
While Vitamin C can help with all types of scars, it works best to lessen the appearance of acne scars. That’s because acne is an inflammatory disease that can result in significant scarring due to skin tissue injury. Unfortunately, most acne scars occur on the face, which negatively impacts both self-image and quality of life.
While inflamed lesions are healing, the skin repairs itself through the production of new tissue as the last step in the wound healing process. This is when scars typically develop. There are two types of acne scars: atrophic and hypertrophic.
Atrophic (AKA depressed scars) are shallow indentations that occur when your skin doesn’t produce enough collagen. Hypertrophic scars are raised in nature, due to an overproduction of collagen. Applying Vitamin C topically may enhance the appearance of skin while improving both types of scars through higher amounts of collagen production, depigmentation and tissue repair.
There are many forms of Vitamin C, but L-ascorbic acid is the most popular due to its ability to penetrate the skin barrier.
Studies show that Vitamin C can reduce inflammation, alleviate redness, pain and swelling associated with acne breakouts, and prevent further skin damage.
Vitamin C inhibits melanin production that could otherwise lead to hyperpigmentation–yet another common complaint with acne. This means you can fade and lighten those dark spots more quickly over time while brightening your complexion.
Due to its strong antioxidant capabilities, vitamin C can protect skin cells from causing damage to free radicals due to UV rays and external pollutants, thereby minimizing acne breakouts and lowering scarring risk.
And finally, antioxidants can increase blood flow to the affected area, making scars less rigid and better able to blend in with the surrounding skin.
Takeaway
In addition to consuming plenty of vitamin C, it’s imperative that you stay hydrated with lots of water. Wound and scar healing depends on it. On top of water, soups and teas are good sources of hydration.
Incorporate Scarfade silicone gel into your vitamin C regimen, too, as it will enhance the effects of healthy eating and lead to faster fading of your wound.