Vitamin C is best known for its role in skin care, but it is in fact a water-soluble nutrient involved in many of the body's fundamental functions — one that needs to be obtained regularly from the diet. Before we get to its effects on the skin, let's look at why vitamin C matters for the whole body.
Supporting the immune system
Vitamin C is one of the nutrients that contributes to the normal function of the immune system. It helps support the function of immune cells, and its antioxidant properties help protect cells against oxidative stress.
Its role in collagen production
Vitamin C is required for collagen synthesis throughout the body — not only in the skin, but in bone, cartilage, gum tissue and blood vessels, all of which rely on collagen. This is why vitamin C deficiency can be associated with symptoms such as slower wound healing and deteriorating gum health.
Supporting iron absorption
The absorption of plant-based (non-heme) iron in the gut increases significantly in the presence of vitamin C. For this reason, it is especially recommended for those following a largely plant-based diet to pair iron-rich foods with vitamin C sources (such as citrus fruits, peppers, and parsley).
Antioxidant protection
Vitamin C is a well-known antioxidant that helps reduce the potential damage free radicals can cause to cells. This protective effect contributes to supporting overall cellular health.
Fatigue and a general sense of vitality
Vitamin C contributes to processes involved in the body's energy metabolism and may help support normal psychological function. As part of a balanced diet, adequate vitamin C intake can help support an overall sense of vitality.
Everyday sources of vitamin C
- Citrus fruits (orange, grapefruit, tangerine, lemon)
- Kiwi, strawberries and other red/orange fruits
- Red and green peppers
- Broccoli, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts
- Parsley and other fresh leafy greens
Vitamin C can be sensitive to heat and prolonged cooking, so consuming these sources fresh or lightly cooked where possible is a practical way to support your intake.
So how does this connect to skin care?
While dietary vitamin C supports the body as a whole, vitamin C applied directly to the skin plays a different, complementary role: it offers a localized, targeted antioxidant boost at the skin's surface and contributes to a more even-looking skin tone. The two approaches don't replace one another — together, they form a more complete vitamin C routine.
If you'd like to look more closely at its effects on the skin and the correct order to use it in your morning routine, see our article What Does Vitamin C Do for Skin? To add it to your skin care routine, take a look at the Dr. Atabay Vitamin C Facial Serum.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly does vitamin C do in the body?
Vitamin C plays a role in many processes: supporting the immune system, collagen production, wound healing, supporting the absorption of iron from plant-based sources, and acting as an antioxidant that helps protect cells from oxidative stress.
What are the signs of vitamin C deficiency?
Prolonged, severe deficiency can lead to bleeding gums, slower wound healing, fatigue, and weakened immunity. Mild deficiencies often go unnoticed; a balanced diet provides sufficient vitamin C intake for most people.
Should I get vitamin C from both food and a skin care product?
The two serve different purposes. Dietary vitamin C supports the body's overall functions; a topical vitamin C serum aims to provide a more targeted, localized effect on skin tone and antioxidant protection. They are not mutually exclusive — they complement each other.