Speakers - CARWC2025

Abstract

Background:

Vitamin C is a critical micronutrient for collagen synthesis, antioxidant defense, and tissue repair—functions that are central to skin health and aging. While topical formulations dominate cosmetic applications, systemic delivery—especially via oral or parenteral routes—may offer unique benefits in both aesthetic and clinical settings.

Objective:

To evaluate the role of systemic vitamin C—administered orally or parenterally—in skin aging, repair, and rejuvenation, with an emphasis on its pharmacokinetics, bioavailability, and clinical applications in nutrition support.

Methods:

This presentation synthesizes findings from:
- Published data on vitamin C’s role in collagen formation and skin aging;
- Clinical research on pharmacologic plasma concentrations achievable with parenteral (IV) vitamin C;
- Real-world experience integrating vitamin C into parenteral nutrition (PN) for patients with increased oxidative stress or healing needs.

Results:

- Oral vitamin C is limited by saturable absorption, typically achieving peak plasma concentrations of ~70–80 µmol/L.
- Parenteral vitamin C can reach pharmacologic levels >1000 µmol/L, potentially enhancing antioxidant effects, especially in post-operative or wound-healing contexts.
- In critically ill and malnourished patients, IV vitamin C has been associated with reduced capillary permeability and enhanced tissue repair.
- Emerging interest exists in systemic vitamin C for cosmetic recovery, aging prevention, and skin rejuvenation protocols.

Conclusion:

Vitamin C plays a foundational role in skin aging and repair. While topical use is everyday in cosmetic practice, systemic delivery—particularly via the parenteral route—can achieve higher bioavailability and may support skin structure, oxidative balance, and healing. Clinicians, dermatologists, and nutrition specialists should consider systemic vitamin C delivery as a complementary strategy in anti-aging and cosmetic recovery protocols.

Keywords:

Vitamin C, Anti-aging, Parenteral nutrition, Skin health, Collagen synthesis, Rejuvenation, Oral vs. IV bioavailability