For humans, vitamin C is a necessary nutrient. Since it has antioxidant properties, vitamin C is well-known. In biological fluids, vitamin C functions as a strong water-soluble antioxidant. In addition to lowering the risk of photoaging, vitamin C may also lower the risk of carcinogenesis. Vitamin C is necessary for collagen formation in addition to its antioxidant qualities, and demand for it typically rises when the body heals wounds. According to some research, vitamin C deficiency may lead to inadequate wound healing, and supplementing with vitamin C may be helpful for those who are deficient in it [1]. Several processes that are either lacking in function or disrupted are stimulated or restored by vitamin C. Topical application of vitamin C partially restores the anatomical structure of the epidermal-dermal junction in young skin [2].

Ascorbic acid, or vitamin C, is essential for the maintenance of healthy skin. It can increase keratinocyte differentiation and reduce melanin formation, providing antioxidant defense against UV-induced photodamage [3].

Vitamin C contributes to the reduction of surface dullness, giving skin a healthy glow. Vitamin C can aid in lightening hyperpigmentation (dark spots and sun spots), which will balance out the tone of the skin. Vitamin C is believed to hasten wound healing, lessen skin infections, and inflammation when applied to scarred skin [4].

Eczema is a skin condition that results in skin itching, roughness, inflammation, and irritation. Eczema manifests itself in various stages in people of all ages all over the world. It is estimated that up to 20% of children and adults worldwide suffer from eczema. Living with eczema, which is characterized by itchy, dry, and inflamed skin, can be aggravating at times [5].

Atopic dermatitis is the kind of eczema that is most prevalent. A persistent inflammatory cutaneous illness is atopic dermatitis (AD). It is brought on by an immunological reaction that takes place in a genetically predisposed environment. Although the causes of AD are not fully understood, they have three traits: Genetic: Between 50 and 70 percent of patients have an afflicted relative; Immunologic: Allergy symptoms are frequently seen during AD; cutaneous: cutaneous surface abnormalities [6].

At the skin's surface, AD is characterized by recurrent, pruriginous flare-ups of acute eczema that mostly impact the skin folds. Age and disease stage affect the clinical symptoms that are displayed. There are two phases that can be distinguished: pruriginous episodes of acute eczema and remission. The patient's chronic inflammatory reaction is accompanied by abnormalities of the cutaneous barrier that are either constitutive or induced, with an increase in TransEpidermal Water Loss (TEWL), abnormalities of the surface cutaneous lipids, and other clinical signs like xerosis or dryness that arise from the deterioration of the barrier function. Atopic dermatitis is another inflammatory skin disorder in which antioxidant molecules play a positive impact.

Vitamin C, which has various functions in the skin including the development of the skin barrier and collagen in the dermis, the capacity to combat skin oxidation, and the modulation of cell signal pathways of cell growth and differentiation, is required in high concentrations for normal skin.

Vitamin C levels in the dermis are decreased in inflammatory skin conditions, such as atopic dermatitis, and vitamin C insufficiency may be one of the mechanisms that contributes to the pathogenesis of AD. Vitamin C is a component of the body's defensive system. For instance, vitamin C deactivates free radicals of oxygen that are damaging to the body and are released during the inflammatory phenomena, turning them into the stable ascorbyl radical. The decline in vitamin C dermic content, notably in atopic subjects, may be explained by the mobilization of vitamin C during inflammation. In theory, if the anti-radicalizing vitamin C applied topically arrives at the site of release of the free radicals, their intervention makes the reduction of the harmful effects of these radicals possible.

In conclusion, Vitamin C is necessary for collagen synthesis and the demand for it usually increases during the wound healing process which could potentially indirectly assist in the healing of inflamed eczema sites. Vitamin C is one of   the most  powerful antioxidants that protect skin barriers and help prevent skin-damaging diseases. Consuming vitamin C can help treat eczema.

Conflict of Interest

None declared

Funding

No funding sources

Ethical Approval

The study was approved by the Institutional Ethics Committee of Civil Hospital, Nurpur

1. Wang, Kaiqin, et al. "Role of Vitamin C in Skin Diseases." Frontiers in Physiology, vol. 9, 2018, p. 378515. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2018.00819.

2. Eastmed Pharmacy. "Can Vitamin C Work Magic on Eczema?" Eastmed Pharmacy, https://eastmedpharmacy.co.nz/can-vitamin-c-work-magic-on-eczema/. Accessed January 2023.

3. Healthline. "Supplements for Eczema: The Bottom Line." Healthline, https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/supplements-for-eczema#The-bottom-line. Accessed January 2023.

4. Healthkart. "Eczema and Vitamin Deficiency: Understanding the Connection and What You Can Do." Healthkart, https://www.healthkart.com/connect/eczema-and-vitamin-deficiency-understanding-the-connection-and-what-you-can-do/. Accessed January 2023.

5. Humbert, P., L. Louvrier, P. Saas, and C. Viennet. "Vitamin C, Aged Skin, Skin Health." Vitamin C – An Update on Current Uses and Functions, IntechOpen, http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.81268. Accessed January 2023.

6. Eczemabar. "4 Reasons to Add Vitamin C Serum to Your Eczema Skincare Routine." Eczemabar, https://eczemabar.com/blogs/news/4-reasons-to-add-vitamin-c-serum-to-your-eczema-skincare-routine. Accessed January 2023.