What are the benefits of Vitamin C, both inside & outside of the body?

Otherwise known as ascorbic acid, vitamin C is a water-soluble antioxidant found in fruits and vegetables. Antioxidants protect our cells from free radicals that float around our systems and cause illness, inflammation, and lack of immunity.

Vitamin C has been widely shown to improve health in many ways. Because our bodies don't make the vitamin on their own, we must get it from food, like citrus fruits, or dietary supplements.

• It may improve chronic diseases like heart disease.
• Vitamin C supplements have been shown to lower blood pressure.
• Taking pure vitamin C has been linked to reduced levels of uric acid and improved inflammatory conditions such as gout.
• It improves the absorption of iron, especially from poorly absorbed food sources.
• High intake is linked to protection against dementia and loss of cognitive skills.
• It has been shown to improve white blood cell function, which helps boost immunity as well as improves wound healing time and the skin's defense systems.

Topical vitamin C appears to be an effective method to administer the vitamin because skin readily accepts and absorbs the ascorbic acid. So what are the benefits of it on the outside of your body then?

• Observational studies found that topical applications of 3 to 10% of vitamin C showed notable decreases in wrinkling and increases in overall appearance of skin.
• Similarly, the use of a 3 to 10% vitamin C application increased collagen production and apparent softness of the skin.
• Oral supplementation of vitamin C may help prevent UV-related skin damage, especially when combined with vitamin E.
• It is shown to reduce redness, inflammation, and hyperpigmentation.
• It has a mild exfoliating effect, which, along with its skin-healing abilities, can contribute to brightening skin and a fresh appearance of skin.

Friends, we're not pushy here at Grove. We're not going to say you must start using products that contain vitamin C.

However, the science clearly shows that the effects of vitamin C are beneficial for your health, so why not give yourself the best chance for your glowiest, best skin and body ever?

You can use both vitamin C and retinol (synthetic vitamin A, a superstar in fighting the effects of aging skin) in your skincare regimen, but experts recommend using them at different times due to their differing ideal pH levels.

For example, because retinol doesn't fare well in the sun, it's best used at night. So you might apply vitamin C in your morning routine and retinol at bedtime. You can also alternate nights that you use the products, or space them out at least 30 minutes apart.