Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) is a water-soluble vitamin and a recognized antioxidant drug that\nis used topically in dermatology to treat and prevent the changes associated with photoaging, as well\nas for the treatment of hyperpigmentation. Ascorbic acid has neutralizing properties of free radicals,\nbeing able to interact with superoxide, hydroxyl and free oxygen ions, preventing the inflammatory\nprocesses, carcinogens, and other processes that accelerate photoaging in the skin. Current research\nfocuses on the search for stable compounds of ascorbic acid and new alternatives for administration\nin the dermis. Unlike plants and most animals, humans do not have the ability to synthesize our own\nascorbic acid due to the deficiency of the enzyme L-gulono-gamma-lactone oxidase, which catalyzes\nthe passage terminal in the ascorbic acid biosynthesis. To deal with this situation, humans obtain this\nvitamin from the diet and/or vitamin supplements, thus preventing the development of diseases and\nachieving general well-being. Ascorbic acid is involved in important metabolic functions and is vital\nfor the growth and maintenance of healthy bones, teeth, gums, ligaments, and blood vessels. Ascorbic\nacid is a very unstable vitamin and is easily oxidized in aqueous solutions and cosmetic formulations.\nAscorbic acid is extensively used as an ingredient in anti-aging cosmetic products, as sodium ascorbate\nor ascorbyl palmitate. This review discusses and describes the potential roles for ascorbic acid in skin\nhealth and their clinical applications (antioxidative, photoprotective, anti-aging, and anti-pigmentary\neffects) of topical ascorbic acid on the skin and main mechanisms of action. Considering the instability\nand difficulty in administering ascorbic acid, we also discuss the importance of several factors\ninvolved in the formulation and stabilization of their topical preparations in this review.
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