Vitamin C

Abstract

The role of ascorbic acid in the metabolism of connective tissue has been recognized since the sixteenth century, when scurvy was prevented by dietary intake of citric fruits. The earliest reports related to the topical use of vitamin C, initially in Guinea pigs, were published during the sixties. However it was only recently that the value of vitamin C for topical use has been recognized. The authors present a review of this subject, discussing the effects of vitamin C on the connective tissue metabolism, wound healing, antioxidant activity and its mechanisms of action.