The study, published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology, found that participants who consumed two vitamin C-rich kiwifruit daily experienced thicker and healthier skin within weeks. This suggests that glowing skin truly starts from within, challenging the notion that topical treatments are the only effective method. "We've identified a direct connection between how much vitamin C people eat and how well their skin produces collagen and renews itself," said a lead researcher from the University of Otago, Faculty of Medicine -- Christchurch Ōtautahi.

The findings highlight the importance of nutrition in maintaining skin health. Vitamin C is a crucial nutrient involved in collagen synthesis, a process essential for skin elasticity and repair. Collagen, a protein that provides structure to the skin, naturally declines with age, leading to wrinkles and reduced firmness. Boosting vitamin C intake helps counteract this decline by providing the necessary building blocks for collagen production.

The study's implications extend beyond individual health choices. It suggests that public health initiatives promoting vitamin C-rich diets could have a significant impact on population-wide skin health. This could potentially reduce the reliance on expensive and sometimes ineffective topical skincare products.

While the study focused on kiwifruit, other fruits and vegetables, such as oranges, strawberries, and bell peppers, are also excellent sources of vitamin C. Incorporating these foods into a balanced diet can contribute to overall skin health and well-being.

Future research will focus on exploring the optimal dosage of vitamin C for skin health and investigating the specific mechanisms by which vitamin C influences collagen production at a cellular level. The researchers also plan to examine the effects of vitamin C on other skin conditions, such as eczema and psoriasis.