Vitamin C For Aging Skin?
Findings of a recent study by Japanese researchers suggest that vitamin C might help thicken aging skin by activating genes responsible for skin cell growth through a process called DNA demethylation. A research team led by investigators from Tokyo Metropolitan Institute for Geriatrics and Gerontology used lab-grown human skin models to simulate real conditions. They found that topical vitamin C boosted the proliferation and differentiation of keratinocytes — the main skin cells forming the epidermis — by reactivating growth-related genes. Vitamin C supports this by enhancing TET enzyme activity, which removes methyl groups from DNA and influences gene function.
After two weeks, the laboratory created skin treated with vitamin C had a thicker inner epidermal layer, increased active cell division, over 10,000 DNA sites with reduced methylation, and an up to 75-fold increase in 12 key growth genes. These effects disappeared when TET enzymes were blocked, confirming that vitamin C acts through this genetic pathway. The findings suggest vitamin C may be a promising treatment for age-related thinning skin by helping restore its regenerative capacity.
Try this recipe today: Apricots & Red Quinoa
Sign up for more Dr. Weil newsletters!
