For many years, Vitamin C (aka: ascorbic acid) has been a staple in the skincare and dermatology fields. It’s well-known for its powerful antioxidant effects and its vital role in helping our bodies produce collagen. While these benefits are widely recognized, recent studies have revealed something new about how Vitamin C affects our skin: it plays a significant role in regulating gene activity through a process called TET-mediated demethylation.
To understand why this is important, it's helpful to know a bit about DNA methylation. This is a key process in which methyl groups (CH₃) are added to DNA, often leading to the “turning off” of certain genes. When this happens in skin cells, it can hinder the repair process and lead to signs of aging.
Enter the TET enzymes. These proteins work to remove those methyl groups, effectively turning previously silenced genes back on. This process allows skin cells to produce the proteins they need for proper function, repair, and overall health.
A big takeaway from the recent research is that Vitamin C is essential for the activity of TET enzymes. Without enough Vitamin C, these enzymes don’t work as well. So, Vitamin C is more than just an antioxidant; it plays an active role in regulating how genes behave in our skin.
By supporting the TET enzymes, Vitamin C helps ensure that the instructions for maintaining a healthy skin barrier, regulating moisture levels, and promoting cell turnover are all set to go.
Why Does This Matter?
This new information changes how we think about Vitamin C. Instead of just being a passive player, it’s an active influencer of gene expression.
Vitamin C helps activate genes that are crucial for skin cell differentiation and lipid production, which maintains the skin barrier's strength.
With the right genes activated, Vitamin C helps the skin repair itself and maintain balance more effectively.
In short, this research shows that Vitamin C’s benefits for our skin are rooted in epigenetics. It acts as a key player for TET enzymes, helping the skin’s genetic makeup promote health and resilience at the cellular level. This discovery not only reinforces why we should include Vitamin C in our skincare routines but also opens new doors for developing advanced treatments that target these epigenetic processes.
Is supplementing vitamin C enough to facilitate this process in the skin? Yes and no. This process happens throughout the body. A buffered vitamin C supplement (like our tablets or powder) is excellent for making sure you have enough to help all of the tissues in your body. However, the biggest benefit for skin health is going to come from a topical application like our Manuka Skin Healing Cream.
But again, this is a process your entire body can benefit from. Making it an either/or question misses the point: Vitamin C improves your body's ability to fight aging, and now we know why!
Sources:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements-vitamin-c/art-20363932
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/06/250625075013.htm
https://app.grammarly.com/ddocs/2871243236
