Vitamin C acts as a powerful, skin-protective antioxidant and is essential for collagen production, making it an important nutrient for skin health.

In fact, the skin contains very high levels of vitamin C, with some research finding a concentration of up to 64 mg of vitamin C per 100 grams of the epidermal skin layer.

Unsurprisingly, studies have shown that increasing dietary vitamin C through vitamin C supplements may improve many factors of skin health, including skin hydration.

Some test-tube studies have found that vitamin C may enhance skin barrier function and help reduce water loss, which may help prevent dry skin.

Plus, some studies have shown that when used in combination with other nutrients, vitamin C may help enhance skin moisture.

For example, a 6-month study in 47 men demonstrated that taking a supplement that contained 54 mg of vitamin C, as well as marine protein and a combination of other nutrients, significantly improved skin hydration, compared with a placebo group.

Other studies in women have shown similar results.

A study in 152 women found that participants who took a supplement that contained 54 mg of vitamin C, as well as zinc and marine protein, had significantly reduced skin roughness, compared with a placebo group.

However, in most of the available research on vitamin C’s effect on dry skin, vitamin C is combined with other nutrients, making it impossible to tell whether the nutrient would have the same effect if it was used on its own.

Plus, many of the studies were sponsored by the pharmaceutical companies that manufactured the product being evaluated, which may have affected study results.

Regardless, based on the most current research, supplementing with vitamin C may improve overall skin health and help combat dry skin.

As with any new supplement, you should speak with a healthcare professional before adding a vitamin C supplement to your diet. These products are widely available in stores and online.

Vitamin C is an integral nutrient for skin health. Consuming supplemental vitamin C may improve dry skin, according to some studies. However, more research on its effects on dry skin is needed.