Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) an antioxidant that also has beneficial skin lightening properties and plays a big role on the assistance of other mineral and vitamins absorption. Vitamin C is commonly taken alongside bioflavonoids in order to help with better absorption. In it's ascorbyl form it has been shown to help inhibit melanin's production over time (1,000mg-3,000mg) and there are various forms of vitamin C, so if taking it as an oral supplement, liquid casules, liquid form, and powdered forms are better absorbed compared to the tablet form.


What the vitamin C does is it helps boost the glutathione (a potent antioxidant) as well as our vitamin E levels in the body, please keep in mind that glutathione pills do nothing for the body nor lighten skin due to it's poor absorption though the GI tract. There are two forms of melanin, the eumelanin (black & brown pigments) and there is pheomelanin (the yellow & red pigments). Lighter skin produces more pheomelanin, so glutathione plays a key role in the regulation of pheomelanin and eumelanin. When L-cysteine and glutathione become depleted more eumelanin is produced, thus = darker skin. Pheomelanin and eumelanin are dependent on L-cysteine, glutathione, and tyrosinase-related protein-1 The TYRP1 enzyme)...and vitamin C helps to maintain glutathione in it's reduced form in blood.

Alongside vitamin C supplements you also increase your daily intake by eating more of tomatoe, cayenne, citrus fruits, alfalfa, berries, green vegetables, etc. that are rich sources of vitamin C. Remember to drink a lot of water. As for topical applications, although very beneficial, many skin care products do not use an appropriate amount that is stable nor high enough in percentage, it will have to be greater than 5% when applied topically. Keep in mind though, when applied topically it can be unstable, meaning that it can oxidate quickly if it is exposed to air. Vitamin C is also effective in fighting against anti-aging such as wrinkles and fine lines, due to it's assistance with the production of elastin and collagen.