Now, prioritizing vitamin C intake doesn’t just mean consuming one or two pieces of fruit daily; we’re talking about checking off the full 75 milligrams per day for adult women and 90 milligrams daily for adult men1.
That said, research shows that higher intakes (i.e., 200 milligrams or more each day) may provide better overall health outcomes—especially in regards to immune function and response2. But back to skin benefits: How does vitamin C help your complexion when ingested?
Most notably, ingesting vitamin C has solid research to prove it will support overall skin health3. According to a study4 published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, higher vitamin C intake is associated with less wrinkled skin.
It’s also shown to help manage oxidative stress in cells thanks to its antioxidant properties—this not only supports skin cell health but can help support skin from previous UV damage5 (which often manifests as dark spots).
Major plus: Vitamin C supports collagen production as well. “Vitamin C is a key cofactor in the synthesis of collagen and elastin, [which help] give your skin that plump and youthful appearance,” board-certified dermatologist Kiara Barr, M.D., previously told mbg. The nutrient also protects the collagen you already have by working against collagen-degrading enzymes6.
With all of these benefits combined, it’s no wonder vitamin C can help ease dark spots from the inside and the outside. However, your body can’t make its own vitamin C, which is why it falls into a class of “essential nutrients.”
To ensure you’re getting enough every day, consider picking up a high-quality vitamin C supplement—start here with a curated list of the 10 best options on the market right now.