In recent decades, there has been a substantial increase in the population’s life expectancy. A set of factors has ensured that we live better and longer. However, our skin will not guarantee a youthful and healthy appearance if it is not treated correctly. Our environment is full of conditions and factors that harm it, especially the sun and pollution, which are among the main aggressors.
We must ensure that it is nourished, protected and cleansed every day. Several studies have focused on finding ways to ensure the health of our largest organ. Due to the great demand for healthy and natural products, studies have focused mainly on fruits. They are consumed worldwide because they have extremely rich nutritional values, as they are sources of phytochemicals, fibers and proteins.
The Power of Vitamin C
Many people do not know, but vitamin C is part of the skin’s constitution, being present in the dermis and epidermis layers. Aging contributes to the drop in ascorbic acid levels in both layers. Some of the benefits of micronutrients for the skin include: antioxidant power, stimulation of collagen production, lightening of blemishes, maintenance of a uniform tone, aid in healing and protection against UV rays.
Remember how important it is, as it is essential for the body, but it is not naturally synthesized by it. Also note that there is no way to store it in the body. Therefore, we must provide regular intakes, either through food or dietary supplements, depending on your needs. One way to bring this nutrient to the skin is through cosmetics, such as serums, moisturizing creams, facial masks, tonics, exfoliants, among others.
Acerola, a Fruit Rich in Bioactive Compounds
The highlight is Malpighia emarginata, one of the greatest sources of natural vitamin C among all foods. In addition, acerola contains many other phytonutrients, such as carotenoids, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin and much more. It can be processed to obtain concentrated extracts, which can be used in the formulation of a wide range of skin products.
How does Vitamin C Contribute to Skin Health?
The oxidation-inhibiting power of vitamin C helps combat free radicals (generated by UV rays), which are one of the biggest factors that lead to skin aging. We must ensure that our body has the ability to protect cells against the action of these elements. In addition to this bioactive, acerola also contains other components that help sequester free radicals, such as polyphenols and betalains.
Acerola is excellent at capturing free radicals! In addition to ensuring high levels of antioxidants, ascorbic acid plays a fundamental role in the synthesis of collagen, an essential protein for ensuring a good structure of the dermal layers. Without vitamin C, the collagen formed is unstable, that is, more prone to degradation, resulting in more fragile skin with slow healing.
Conclusion
Acerola, proven to be rich in vitamin C and nutrients, is essential for maintaining the health and especially youthfulness of skin tissue. Numerous benefits are associated with its consumption, as it offers protection against various damages caused by harmful agents, such as UV rays, and helps in the production of collagen, which ensures strong skin with the power to renew itself with quality. We can incorporate vitamin C into our dermal layer through the use of cosmetics that contain its extracts.
References
GALVÃO, Ana Laura; GRANZOTTI, Giovana Irene; NAVARRO, Fernanda Flores. Extrato de acerola em formulações cosméticas: metodologias de obtenção do extrato glicólico. 2019. Available at: https://www.cosmeticsonline.com.br/ct/painel/class/artigos/uploads/2d24d-CT316—52-56.pdf. Accessed on: 01/20/2025.
MAURÉ, Aurélie. The benefits of vitamin C on the skin. 16 Sep. 2022. Available at: https://novoma.com/en/blogs/articles/vitamine-c-peau. Accessed on: 01/21/2025.
MICHELS, Alexander J. Vitamin C and skin health. Linus Pauling Institute, Oregon State University, September 2011. Available at: https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/health-disease/skin-health/vitamin-C#reference46. Accessed on: 01/20/2025.
WANG, Ling; LI, Fuheng; HE, Congfen; DONG, Yinmao; Wan, Qi. Antioxidant activity and melanogenesis inhibitory effect of acerola fruit (Malpighia glabra L.) aqueous extract and its safe use in cosmetics. Asian Journal, 2015. Available at: https://asianpubs.org/index.php/ajchem/article/view/27_3_32/5474. Accessed on: 19/01/2025.
