Abstract
Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) is a water-soluble vitamin and a recognized antioxidant drug that is used topically in dermatology to treat and prevent the changes associated with photoaging, as well as for the treatment of hyperpigmentation. Ascorbic acid has neutralizing properties of free radicals, being able to interact with superoxide, hydroxyl and free oxygen ions, preventing the inflammatory processes, carcinogens, and other processes that accelerate photoaging in the skin. Current research focuses on the search for stable compounds of ascorbic acid and new alternatives for administration in the dermis. Unlike plants and most animals, humans do not have the ability to synthesize our own ascorbic acid due to the deficiency of the enzyme L-gulono-gamma-lactone oxidase, which catalyzes the passage terminal in the ascorbic acid biosynthesis. To deal with this situation, humans obtain this vitamin from the diet and/or vitamin supplements, thus preventing the development of diseases and achieving general well-being. Ascorbic acid is involved in important metabolic functions and is vital for the growth and maintenance of healthy bones, teeth, gums, ligaments, and blood vessels. Ascorbic acid is a very unstable vitamin and is easily oxidized in aqueous solutions and cosmetic formulations. Ascorbic acid is extensively used as an ingredient in anti-aging cosmetic products, as sodium ascorbate or ascorbyl palmitate. This review discusses and describes the potential roles for ascorbic acid in skin health and their clinical applications (antioxidative, photoprotective, anti-aging, and anti-pigmentary effects) of topical ascorbic acid on the skin and main mechanisms of action. Considering the instability and difficulty in administering ascorbic acid, we also discuss the importance of several factors involved in the formulation and stabilization of their topical preparations in this review.
Highlights
Ascorbic acid is the most plentiful and most typically water-soluble nonenzymic antioxidant in human tissue [1,2]
Ascorbic acid belongstotothe thegroup groupof ofenzymatic enzymatic and that actact by by Ascorbic acid belongs and non-enzymatic non-enzymaticantioxidants antioxidants that protecting the skin of the reactive oxygen species (ROS)
Human sunburned cells decreased, and improvement occurred after three days of UVB exposure to sites treated with 10% topical ascorbic acid 15 to 30 minutes before exposure
Summary
Ascorbic acid (vitamin C, Figure 1) is the most plentiful and most typically water-soluble nonenzymic antioxidant in human tissue [1,2]. The chemical structure of ascorbic acid determines its physical and chemical properties It is a weak, water-soluble, unstable organic acid which can be oxidized or destroyed by light, aerobic conditions (oxygen), high temperatures, alkali, copper, and heavy metals. Oral route cannot provide a source of ascorbic acid to peripheral structures as skin. The only route that can provide a source of ascorbic acid to peripheral structures as skin. Topical or or local routes cancan provide a source of of ascorbic acid, demonstrating that local application promotes surgical healing and better tissue reconstruction [1,3,7]. Normal skin contains high concentrations of ascorbic acid, with levels comparable to other body tissues and well above plasma concentrations, suggesting an active accumulation of this compound. The essentials of the use of topical ascorbic acid in dermatological practice
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
