It is widely known that diet can have an immense impact on hair growth and scalp health. This is because food sources contain a variety of nutrients, such as ascorbic acid, which are important for maintaining key bodily functions.
The following article will explore the effect of ascorbic acid, more commonly known as vitamin C, on scalp and hair health.
Ascorbic Acid and Its Effect on the Human Body
Ascorbic acid is a nutrient the body needs to form key components such as cartilage, blood vessels and muscle. In addition, getting enough vitamin C is important for supporting the body’s immune function and facilitating collagen production.
Vitamin C can also be a potent antioxidant, which means it helps lessen or prevent the effects of free radicals on the body. In addition to its antioxidant properties, vitamin C also has the following benefits:
- Reducing the risk of chronic disease
- Maintaining healthy blood pressure
- Lowering the risk of heart disease
- Reducing uric acid levels in the blood and preventing gout attacks
- Mitigating the chances of iron deficiency
- Reducing the chances of premature ageing
Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin, which means your body doesn’t store it and it thus has to come from food or supplements. Natural and synthetic ascorbic acid is generally found in tablet, capsule or chewable forms, but it can also be found in topical solutions for targeted use on skin and hair, such as Divi’s highly rated Scalp Serum.
The Benefits of Ascorbic Acid for Your Hair and Scalp
Prevent Free-Radical Damage
Ascorbic acid is an antioxidant, which means it can help neutralize free radicals and, in turn, reduce free radical damage.
Strengthens Hair Follicles
Because vitamin C can boost collagen production, and collagen is an important part of hair follicles, ascorbic acid can be a useful tool for promoting stronger hair.
Boosts Shine
Ascorbic acid can also work to brighten the hair and improve its overall health and shine.
Helps with Scalp Irritation
Vitamin C’s antibacterial and antiviral properties can help ease a dry and itchy scalp. Additionally, it may help fight dandruff and eliminate follicle debris, making the scalp a more hospitable environment for hair growth.
Does Ascorbic Acid Block DHT in the Scalp?
Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is one of the leading causes of male-pattern baldness. DHT triggers the production of the DKK-1 protein, which is also known as the “baldness protein.” As the levels of DKK-1 rise, the production of hair papilla cells drops.
A deficiency in hair papilla cells leads to a weakening of the cells, the outermost sheath of hair strands being synthesized and the cells eventually not functioning altogether. The result of this is increased hair loss and no new hair growth.
Vitamin C represses DHT by reducing its formation, meaning it can play a role in mitigating or slowing down hair loss. This is why vitamin C is commonly used in modern hair and scalp care products.
The Effect of Ascorbic Acid Treatments on Follicle Health
Vitamin C aids the body’s ability to absorb iron, which is an essential for promoting hair growth and reducing hair loss.
Consuming sufficient amounts of vitamin C is important for supporting the health of your scalp and strengthening hair follicles. Furthermore, vitamin C can help the functioning of epidermal stem cells and hair cells that help control growth.
Free-radical damage can prevent hair growth and cause hair to age before its time. The antioxidant properties of vitamin C can protect hair follicles against the oxidative stress caused by this process.
Besides being an essential nutrient, vitamin C also supports the production of collagen, which is a critical part of hair structure. Regularly ingesting vitamin C-rich foods, such as citrus fruits, or using vitamin C supplements, can help keep collagen production on track, particularly if you’re over the age of 25, as this is when collagen production tends to dip.
How to Apply Ascorbic Acid to Your Scalp Using Divi’s Scalp Serum
Divi makes reaping the benefits of vitamin C pain-free and easy. Because the ingredients are mixed in an optimal ratio, you can simply apply Divi’s Scalp Serum directly to your scalp each day and let it absorb into your hair follicles. A topical application once a day (in the morning or at night) is all you need.
Side Effects of Ascorbic Acid
As a hero ingredient in Divi’s Scalp Serum, ascorbic acid is safe to use and has been dermatologist tested to ensure it will not cause any adverse effects when applied topically.
Other Ingredients Promoting Scalp Health and Hair Growth
What sets Divi apart from other hair products on the market is their firm understanding that the hair and scalp require a multitude of nutrients to thrive.
The following is a list of some of the other ingredients in Divi’s Scalp Serum that have been proven to effectively promote healthier hair and scalp:
Menthol
Because menthol is a vasodilator, it can temporarily dilate your blood vessels following topical application. Once the blood vessels in your skin have widened, more oxygen- and nutrient-rich blood is able to flow to your hair follicles, which can then support hair growth.
In addition, menthol is also known to have antimicrobial and antifungal properties, which means it can alleviate skin irritation and reduce flakiness.
Green Tea Leaf Extract
The epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) in green tea can slow androgenic hair loss by elongating the androgen hair growth phase and slowing down the telogen phase when hair shedding typically occurs.
Copper Tripeptide-1
Peptides are small chains of amino acids that aid elastin and collagen production, which in turn can contribute to the firming of the skin. Because copper peptides are known to facilitate blood circulation, copper tripeptide-1 is used in Divi’s Scalp Serum to support hair growth by improving the supply of oxygen and nutrient-rich blood.
Copper is also used by the body to produce melanin, which is responsible for ensuring that your hair strands maintain their natural color.
Peppermint Oil
The peppermint oil in Divi’s Scalp Serum causes an unmistakable tingling sensation on the scalp, effectively soothing the scalp, particularly one that’s irritated due to conditions such as eczema, psoriasis or stress. Peppermint oil is an essential nutrient for promoting hair growth during the growing phase.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil, also known as melaleuca oil, is commonly known for its antifungal and antibacterial properties. It’s also known to be a powerful antioxidant, which further supports the reduction of free-radical damage.
In addition to having a fresh, clean smell, the topical application of tea tree oil has been shown to reduce scalp inflammation and promote hair growth.
FAQs About Ascorbic Acid and Hair Growth
What are the best food sources for vitamin C?
Fruits and vegetables are generally the best food sources of vitamin C. More specifically, foods such as oranges, kiwis, bell peppers, tomatoes, broccoli and white potatoes typically yield substantial amounts of the nutrient.
Is natural vitamin C better than the synthetic version?
In terms of their chemical structures, synthetic and food-derived vitamin C are the same, so neither is necessarily better than the other. However, consuming food-derived vitamin C has the added bonus of ingesting additional micronutrients.Synthetic vitamin C can be good for people with difficulty consuming food naturally containing it.
Ultimately, judging which one is right for you may also come down to what’s more convenient.
Divi’s Scalp Serum for Optimal Hair Health
We take pride in ensuring that every bottle of Divi’s Scalp Serum contains a perfect blend of ingredients.
Divi’s Scalp Serum is a proprietary blend of carefully selected ingredients that are mixed in an optimal ratio to cultivate a healthy environment for hair growth. Apart from being backed by science, Divi’s Scalp Serum is thoroughly tested to ensure it provides a safe and effective experience. Give our Scalp Serum a try to see if you enjoy the benefits of vitamin C on your scalp.
