The skin is a multi-functional organ (the largest in the body), and its appearance generally mirrors the health and efficiency of its underlying structures.
The skin’s fundamental role is to act as a protective barrier against damage from the external environment, providing shielding from UV irradiation, pathogens, toxicity and dehydration. Being in constant contact with the external environment, the skin is subject to more damage than most of our other organs, and is where the first visible signs of ageing appear.
Skin composition
The skin is composed of two layers: an outer epidermal layer - the protective interface between the external environment and our body tissues - and the inner dermal layer, which ensures strength and elasticity and provides nutritional support to the epidermis. Within the dermis is a matrix of complex proteins, which are particularly rich in collagen fibres. This constitutes about 75% of the dermis, water weight aside. Fibroblasts - cells in the dermis - are heavily involved in the synthesis of the matrix components, including collagen.
Nutrients and skin
Nutritional status is important for skin health and appearance. Evidence of this is seen in many vitamin deficiency diseases which result in significant disorders of the skin. The vitamin C deficiency disease scurvy is characterised by skin fragility, easy bruising, bleeding gums and corkscrew hairs, as well as impaired wound healing. This is because vitamin C is needed for making collagen, an important component in connective tissues.
ALSO SEE: Results From Scientific Collagen Studies
Vitamin C and collagen synthesis
In collagen synthesis, amongst other roles, vitamin C helps other elements (proline and lysine) stabilise the collagen molecule. Vitamin C deficiency is associated with the loss of a number of important skin functions. In particular, poor wound healing (associated with collagen formation.)
Normal skin contains high concentrations of vitamin C, supporting important and well-known functions, stimulating collagen synthesis, assisting in antioxidant protection against sun damage, and also helping to hinder hyperpigmentation.
Buffered vitamin C
We’ve added 500mg of buffered vitamin C (calcium ascorbate) to each serving of Beauty Gen Beauty Greens®. Calcium ascorbate is buffered with calcium and is a less acidic form of vitamin C. Calcium ascorbate is gentler on the stomach than regular vitamin C, helping to support overall wellness.
