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Eating Vitamin C Foods More Effective for Collagen Than Topical Application, Doctor Says

From Liberty Times · () Chinese

Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Eating vitamin C-rich foods, like kiwifruit, is more effective for collagen production than topical application, according to a doctor.
  • A study found that consuming two kiwifruits daily for two months increased collagen generation and skin renewal.
  • Other fruits and vegetables like citrus, berries, chili peppers, and broccoli are also good sources of vitamin C.

Consuming vitamin C-rich foods, particularly kiwifruit, offers superior benefits for skin health compared to topical creams or supplements, according to nephrologist Dr. Chiang Shou-shan. He highlighted a study indicating that daily intake of two kiwifruits for two months significantly boosted collagen production, accelerated skin cell renewal, and resulted in thicker skin.

The results found that increasing vitamin C intake in the diet can nourish every layer of the skin, promote collagen production, and speed up skin renewal.

— Dr. Chiang Shou-shanExplaining the findings of a study on vitamin C intake and skin health.

Dr. Chiang explained that while vitamin C is water-soluble, its absorption through the skin is limited. However, skin cells can efficiently absorb vitamin C from the bloodstream, with the epidermis appearing to prioritize its uptake. This internal absorption process is key to nourishing all layers of the skin and promoting a more youthful appearance.

The research involved 24 healthy participants who consumed two kiwifruits daily for two months. The results demonstrated a marked improvement in skin thickness and a faster rate of epidermal turnover. Dr. Chiang emphasized that this dietary approach far surpasses the efficacy of simply applying vitamin C to the face.

Participants had higher collagen production, thicker skin, and faster epidermal renewal, showing that vitamin C intake is far superior to just applying it to the skin.

— Dr. Chiang Shou-shanSummarizing the study's impact on participants' skin.

Beyond kiwifruit, Dr. Chiang noted that other fruits and vegetables are also excellent sources of vitamin C. These include citrus fruits, berries, chili peppers, and green broccoli. He encourages individuals seeking radiant skin to prioritize incorporating these vitamin C-rich foods into their diet rather than relying solely on external applications.

Skin cells can efficiently absorb vitamin C from the bloodstream, and the epidermis seems to prioritize absorbing vitamin C.

— Dr. Chiang Shou-shanDescribing the mechanism of vitamin C absorption in the body.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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