C vitamin potential
14 September 2009
This study sheds new light on the healing properties of vitamin C. However, this research is still in its infancy and we're a long way from understanding how exactly it can be used. 
Dr Karen Woo, associate medical director, Bupa
Experts have discovered new protective roles for vitamin C in skin.
The researchers found that vitamin C can help speed up wound healing and protect skin against sun damage.
In a laboratory, scientists exposed skin cells from a healthy donor to vitamin C. They created a wound in the cells by cutting into them and used ultraviolet (UV) radiation to mimic the sun's rays.
Genetic analyses found that the cells exposed to vitamin C grew quicker and were able to combat and repair damage better than the cells that weren't.
Dr Karen Woo, associate medical director for Bupa, said: "This study sheds new light on the healing properties of vitamin C. We've known about its use as a treatment for scurvy for many years, but now the potential is there for it to be used in wound healing and preventing skin cancer. However, this research is still in its infancy and we're a long way from understanding how exactly it can be used.
"In the meantime, stick to what we already know. Make sure you get all the vitamins and minerals you need from eating a well-balanced diet. And, when you're in the sun, always use sunscreen of at least SPF 15 that protects your skin from both UVA and UVB rays."
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Related information
- Sun care health factsheet
- Healthy eating health factsheet
- Vitamins and minerals healthy living article
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