Skin-protective properties
Vitamin C aids in the prevention of UV-light-induced skin injury. Vitamin C cannot absorb UV light, so it cannot function as a sunscreen. However, the antioxidant properties of vitamin C safeguard the skin from UV light damage. In response to UV light exposure, the amount of vitamin C transport proteins increases. Increased vitamin C transport proteins suggest a greater need for vitamin C absorption to provide adequate protection. The addition of keratinocytes and vitamin C reduces UV light-induced and lipid peroxidation-induced skin injury. Consequently, limiting the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines and protecting against apoptosis. Numerous studies indicate that vitamin C alone cannot mitigate the effects of UV exposure.
However, a combination of vitamins E and C substantially increases the minimal erythemal dose (MED) that induces detectable erythema and decreases the erythema-induced blood flow to the damaged skin areas. Therefore, interactions between vitamin C and vitamin E may be essential for UV protection. Additionally, the topical administration of vitamin C-containing creams exacerbates the effects of UV exposure, skin wrinkling, and skin cancer. Vitamin C reduces the number of sunburned cells by decreasing the erythema response and DNA damage caused by UV exposure. The combination of both antioxidant vitamins, i.e., vitamin C and vitamin E, reduces the immunosuppressive effects of increasing MED, UV light exposure, and cell injury.
