Diet
Healthy Skin Diet: The Truth About Antioxidants
Learn everything you need to know about these powerful ingredients -- once and for all
The truth about vitamin C
Not only is it a well-known immune system booster, vitamin C is also "a required cofactor for collagen production, which is a critical component for skin," says Simpson. Critical, because collagen production helps tighten skin cells, which helps decrease the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. In addition, as a water-soluble antioxidant, vitamin C helps protect skin cells from sun damage, says Bauer. The Recommended Daily Amount (RDA) of vitamin C for adult females over 19 years of age is 75 mg, 110 for smokers.*Where it's found: The obvious food sources are citrus fruits. However, Canfield says they actually don't have the highest levels of vitamin C. Look to the pepper family like bell peppers and jalepenos, instead, which have the highest concentrations of the vitamin.
* According to the Linus Pauling Institute
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