Ascorbic acid——the nemesis of melanin

Ascorbic acid was first crystallized from lemon juice in 1932. The main source is fresh fruits and vegetables, such as tomatoes, citrus, hawthorn, kiwi, fresh dates, grapefruit, strawberries, oranges, etc. Humans cannot synthesize ascorbic acid by themselves. Ascorbic acid participates in a series of important metabolic processes in the body, including directly stimulating peptide synthesis, participating in the hydrolysis of proline and lysine in collagen formation, participating in the synthesis of adrenaline, and participating in the conversion of folic acid to leucovorin. Moreover, ascorbic acid can also promote the absorption of iron ions in the gastrointestinal tract, and has a wide range of applications in addition to being a nutrient.

Ascorbic acid is the formation of antibodies and collagen, tissue repair (including some redox effects), metabolism of phenylalanine, tyrosine, and folic acid, utilization of iron and carbohydrates, synthesis of fat and protein, maintenance of immune function, and hydroxylation Serotonin is necessary to maintain the integrity of blood vessels and promote the absorption of non-heme iron. At the same time, Ascorbic acid also has anti-oxidation, anti-free radicals, and inhibits the formation of tyrosinase, thereby achieving whitening and spot-lightening effects.

Ascorbic acid’s whitening and skin care effect, even skin care Xiaobai should know it! In cosmetics, Ascorbic acid appears in the ingredient list in three forms: L-ascorbic acid, magnesium ascorbyl phosphate and esterified derivatives of ascorbic acid. Ascorbic acid is prone to oxidative deterioration and loses its skin care effect, especially L-ascorbic acid is oxidized to dehydroascorbic acid. Therefore, if you buy a product of L-C product, you must use it as soon as possible.

Ascorbic acid is a natural antioxidant used to prevent and treat skin sunburn. The human body cannot produce ascorbic acid, it must be taken from the outside world. In cosmetics, Ascorbic acid interferes with the production of melanin by interacting with copper ions at the active site of tyrosinase to reduce the multi-step melanin synthesis process such as dopaquinone, which has a good whitening and freckle effect. It also has anti-inflammatory effects. However, it is easy to be oxidized to yellow in the air, and ascorbic acid derivatives are often used instead.