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Can Vitamin C Help Acne?

Limited research suggests that vitamin C may be able to help reduce inflammatory lesions caused by acne.

A 2010 study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology explored the effects of topical vitamin C as a treatment for acne vulgaris. The double-blind study included 50 participants who used a topical vitamin C treatment for 12 weeks. The study concluded that the treatment demonstrated a significant improvement. The researchers theorized that vitamin C may act to prevent the oxidation of sebum, which produces and aggravates acne. (Woolery-Lloyd, 22)

Additional Skin Benefits of Vitamin C

Many respected studies have established the skin benefits of vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that blocks damage caused by free radicals. One such study published in the journal Experimental Dermatology explored the effects of topical vitamin C on healthy women with photo-aged skin (skin with some amount of sun damage). To test the hypothesis the volunteers used topical vitamin C daily on only one side of the face for six months. After six months, the vitamin C treated side exhibited a significant increase in the density of skin and a decrease in deep furrows. Elastic tissue repair was evident in the vitamin C side. (Humbert, 237)

Additional Health Benefits of Vitamin C

Further research has indicated that the immune properties of vitamin C may play a role in cancer prevention, age-related macular degeneration and cataracts, cardiovascular disease, and even the common cold. ("Vitamin C - Health Professional Fact Sheet.", ods.od.nih.gov)