Tag Archives: Regeneration

Vitamin C Intake Directly Affects Collagen Production and Skin Regeneration: Study Finds

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Recent studies reveal that vitamin C concentrations in the skin are closely linked to blood (plasma) levels, and can be enhanced by increasing fruit consumption. This research, involving 20 healthy individuals from New Zealand and Germany, demonstrated that eating two kiwifruits rich in vitamin C daily boosts plasma levels, elevates the vitamin content in the skin, enhances skin thickness (collagen production), and supports the regeneration of the skin’s outer layer.

Vitamin C (ascorbate) is found in all parts of the skin. Puller et al. conducted an extensive study to correlate plasma and skin ascorbic acid levels, emphasizing key skin compartments. Image credit: Pullar et al., doi: 10.1016/j.jid.2025.10.587.

“The strength of the link between skin thickness and vitamin C intake is striking,” remarked Professor Margriet Vissers from the University of Otago.

“We were taken aback by the significant correlation between plasma and skin vitamin C levels, which was notably stronger than that in other organs we examined.”

“For the first time, we have shown that circulating vitamin C penetrates all skin layers and correlates with enhanced skin function.”

“I’m incredibly proud of my team’s work and thrilled by the insights from our findings.”

The results imply that true beauty emanates from within, suggesting that vitamin C delivered through the bloodstream effectively supports skin function holistically.

“Vitamin C is essential for collagen synthesis.”

“This understanding has prompted the inclusion of vitamin C in numerous skincare formulations.”

“However, due to its high water solubility, vitamin C is not easily absorbed through the skin’s outer barrier.”

“Our findings indicate that the skin effectively absorbs vitamin C from blood circulation.”

“The uptake into the outer epidermal layers seems to be prioritized.”

The researchers utilized healthy skin samples from patients undergoing elective surgeries to establish the connection between plasma and skin vitamin C levels.

They carried out a pre- and post-dietary vitamin C intervention study involving 12 healthy participants in Christchurch, New Zealand, and Germany.

“Participants were instructed to consume two kiwifruits (equivalent to 250 micrograms of vitamin C) daily for eight weeks,” explained Professor Vissers.

“We collected skin samples before and after the dietary intervention, enabling us to analyze the basal skin layer in Christchurch and the integumentary skin layer alongside skin functionality tests in Germany.”

The researchers assessed skin sample regeneration, including skin thickness, elasticity, UV protection, and epidermal cell regeneration via ultrasound, to provide a comprehensive understanding of skin function.

“A significant finding was that participants’ skin thickness levels showed a notable increase, indicating enhanced collagen production and epidermal cell regeneration, essentially reflecting skin regeneration,” stated Professor Vissers.

Scientists propose that boosting dietary vitamin C intake can enrich all regions of your skin.

“It’s crucial to maintain optimal plasma levels, and we know that healthy individuals can easily reach these levels with approximately 250mg of vitamin C daily,” commented Professor Vissers.

“Nonetheless, vitamins are not stored by the body. Therefore, a healthy habit is to consume at least five servings of fruits and vegetables daily, including foods high in vitamin C.”

Refer to the study published on October 28, 2025, in the Journal of Research Dermatology.

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Juliet M. Puller et al. Dietary intake of kiwifruit, a high vitamin C food, improves vitamin C levels and skin function in human skin. Journal of Research Dermatology published online October 28, 2025. doi: 10.1016/j.jid.2025.10.587

Source: www.sci.news

Balge’s End: The Secret to Hair Regeneration Unveiled

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For some individuals, baldness may just be in their genetic destiny, as evidenced by the photo of Dwayne Johnson sporting curly hair. However, for millions dealing with hair loss due to genetics, aging, hormones, or medical conditions, recent discoveries may bring them closer to maintaining a full and lush scalp.

This progress is attributed to a new study published in the journal Natural Communication.

Researchers conducting the study used mice as subjects to delve into the mechanisms of hair follicle regeneration and the factors contributing to their demise.

In our bodies, all hair and the follicles under the skin go through cycles of growth, death, and rest. Key players in regulating the growth of new hair are hair follicular stem cells.

Hair follicles are naturally intended to die as part of the growth cycle. When they fail to regenerate, hair loss occurs. – Credit: Christopher Robbins via Getty

The study identified a protein called MCL-1 and conducted experiments to determine its function by turning it off and observing the effects on the mice.

“The researchers utilized advanced molecular biology tools to essentially remove proteins and examine the outcomes,” explained tissue engineering expert Professor Sheila McNeill, who was not part of the research team, as reported by BBC Science Focus.

By disabling MCL-1 in some mice from birth and in others after they had already lost some hair, scientists found that without MCL-1, new hair could not grow as hair follicle stem cells seemed to die off. This led to gradual hair loss in young mice and stalled growth in adult mice.

The findings suggested that MCL-1 plays a crucial role in protecting hair follicle stem cells, enabling new hair growth when old follicles die. Without this protein, hair follicles fail to regenerate.

McNeill emphasized that this study lays a solid foundation for further research, exploring whether individuals experiencing hair loss exhibit signs of MCL-1 damage and investigating ways to safeguard the protein to prevent hair loss.

However, cell biologist Professor Dorothy Bennett from St. George’s, University of London, cautioned that translating this research into a hair loss treatment presents significant challenges.

“MCL-1 is an intracellular protein, and intact proteins cannot easily penetrate cell membranes to reach their targets. Therefore, delivering MCL-1 through topical solutions or pills is unlikely to be effective,” Bennett explained.

Nevertheless, the study did identify a potential workaround through the activation of another protein, the epidermal growth factor receptor, which can boost MCL-1 levels. While this offers a promising alternative, Bennett stressed that developing such treatments presents numerous hurdles.

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About our experts:

Sheila McNeill: Professor Emeritus of Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering at the University of Sheffield, UK. McNeil specializes in tissue engineering for soft tissues and has a strong focus on research translation, with a vast publication record.

Dorothy Bennett: Research Professor in Cell Biology at St. George’s, University of London, UK. Bennett’s research interests include cell senescence, genetics of melanoma, and other pigmented skin conditions.

Source: www.sciencefocus.com