Vitamin C from food boosts collagen levels in skin

Medical Xpress / University of Otago / Journal of Investigative Dermatology ^ | Dec. 3, 2025 | Juliet M. Pullar et al

[ConservativeMind]

A new study has found that collagen production and skin renewal directly respond to the amount of vitamin C we eat.

The study shows that skin vitamin C levels are closely tied to levels of the vitamin in the blood (plasma) and can be boosted by increasing fruit intake.

Carried out on two dozen healthy adults, the study shows that boosting plasma levels by consuming two vitamin C-rich kiwifruit per day increases the amount of the vitamin in the skin, improving skin thickness (collagen production) and stimulating renewal and regeneration of the outer skin layer.

Professor Vissers says, "We are the first to demonstrate that vitamin C in the blood circulation penetrates all layers of the skin and is associated with improved skin function."

The study comprised two stages. The first stage established the association between plasma and skin vitamin C levels, using healthy skin tissue from patients undergoing elective surgical procedures.

The second stage involved a before-and-after, dietary vitamin C intervention study at two sites (in Christchurch and Germany), each with 12 healthy participants.

The Institute measured skin sample regeneration—including ultrasound tested measures of skin thickness, elasticity, UV protection and renewal of epidermal cells—giving a complete picture of skin function.

"The other really substantial finding showed a significant increase in the participants' skin thickness levels, reflecting collagen production and an upsurge in the regeneration of their epidermal cells, in other words skin renewal," Professor Vissers says.

"We suggest that increasing your dietary vitamin C intake will result in effective vitamin C uptake into all compartments of the skin," Professor Vissers says.

"The important thing is to keep your plasma levels optimal, which we know can be achieved in a healthy person with a vitamin C intake of around 250mg per day. The body, however, does not store the vitamin."

---

TOPICS: Health/Medicine
KEYWORDS: collagen; skin; vitaminc

[ConservativeMind]

Ingesting Vitamin C, not applying it on the outside, assures all layers of skin get it and make better, thicker layers of skin for you.

Vitamin C does not stay in the body, so trickling it in throughout the day is best.

[ConservativeMind]

The “Take Charge Of Your Health” Ping List
This high volume ping list is for health articles and studies which describe something you or your doctor, when informed, may be able to immediately implement for your benefit.

Email me to get on either the “Common/Top Issues” (20 - 25% fewer pings) or “Everything” list.

[glorgau]

Also try pairing with collagen peptides.

[WinMod70]

Anyone on blood thinners should take note of the vitamin K content in kiwifruit and consult a doctor before consuming.