Benefits of folic acid for the skin Holland & Barrett

Benefits of folic acid for the skin

March 6, 2024

Beneficios del ácido fólico para la piel

Most people first hear about folic acid during pregnancy, as health professionals advise expectant mothers to take it as a supplement to keep their baby healthy.

However, pregnant women are not the only ones who can benefit from folic acid. This essential vitamin belongs to the B vitamin family and plays a fundamental role in various biological processes in the body, especially in the synthesis and repair of DNA and the production of red blood cells.

Folate is essential for overall health, and is particularly crucial during periods of rapid growth, such as pregnancy and childhood.

In this article, we'll look at how this powerful vitamin can not only contribute to good health, but could also give your skin a glow in the process...

What is folic acid?

Folic acid, also known as folate or vitamin B9, is an essential water-soluble vitamin that plays a crucial role in several physiological processes in the body, including DNA synthesis, cell division, and repair.

Folate stimulates the body to produce healthy blood cells and protects against anemia.

3 Benefits of folic acid for the skin

Folic acid is essential for several processes in the body, so it makes sense that it's also great for your skin (after all, it's our largest organ)!

Here are some ways folic acid can help skin health:

1.Support skin health and protect against photoaging

While folic acid itself does not directly reduce sun damage or combat photoaging, its participation in DNA repair, antioxidant activity, collagen production and melanin synthesis indirectly contributes to skin health and protection against sun-induced damage.

Folic acid applied topically has been shown to help reduce some visual indicators of sun damage, including the firmness and severity of wrinkles.

2.Production and renewal of skin cells

Folic acid is involved in DNA synthesis and cell division, which are crucial for the production and renewal of skin cells.

Adequate cell renewal is necessary to maintain healthy skin barrier function. eleven

A healthy skin barrier regulates water loss from the inside out, retains moisture, and keeps skin hydrated and glowing. 12

3.Collagen synthesis:

A scientific study found that the application of folic acid and creatine was able to stimulate collagen metabolism and increase skin firmness in participants. 13

Using powerful laser scanning microscopy, the researchers were able to identify increased collagen gene expression, higher levels of procollagen, and improved collagen fiber density. 13

It is important to note that while these general mechanisms suggest a potential role for folic acid in supporting skin health, more research is needed to establish the connection between folic acid, the skin, and its barrier function.

4 forms of folic acid for the skin

Folic acid is commercially available in the following forms:

Capsule supplements: Folic acid is available in the form of oral capsules or tablets as a dietary supplement. These supplements come in different dosages, and it is essential to follow the recommended dosage as advised by a health professional.
Powder: Some dietary supplements may offer folic acid in powder form, allowing for flexibility in dosage and ease of consumption.
Moisturizers and creams: Certain skin care products, particularly moisturizers, may contain folic acid as an active ingredient to support skin health and hydration. Designed for topical use and can be applied directly to the skin.
Serum: Folic acid serums are formulated to deliver the active ingredient directly to the skin and can be used as part of a skin care routine.

Increase folate levels through what you eat

Folate is the natural form of vitamin B9 found in foods. It is present in a variety of plant-based sources, such as leafy green vegetables, legumes, fruits, and fortified grains.

Examples of foods rich in folic acid

Green leafy vegetables (lettuce, broccoli, kale, and spinach)
Brussels sprouts, asparagus and peas
Fruits (oranges, bananas, avocados)
Legumes (beans, lentils, chickpeas)
Mushrooms
Meats such as pork, poultry, kidney and liver

It is important to note that folate is not chemically stable, making it prone to degradation during food processing and cooking. You can lessen this effect by steaming or microwaving vegetables instead of boiling them and avoiding overcooking.

There are many ways to incorporate folate-rich foods into your daily diet, and most people can get the folic acid they need from what they eat. However, there are some exceptions to this, such as women who are trying to conceive or are in the early weeks of pregnancy.

Folic acid is the synthetic form of vitamin B9 used in dietary supplements and fortified foods. It is a more stable and bioavailable form compared to natural folate, meaning it can be better absorbed by the body.

Folic acid is widely used in supplements and is commonly added to fortified foods, such as cereals and grain products.

Many foods commonly found in your pantries are fortified with folic acid, including:

Marmite
Bovril
Corn flakes and other cereals
wheat bran
A little bread and flour

Conclusion

Folic acid, also known as vitamin B9 or folate, is an essential water-soluble vitamin that plays a critical role in DNA synthesis, cell division, and repair. It is vital for overall health and especially important during pregnancy and periods of rapid growth.
While more research is needed to establish the connection between folic acid and skin health, studies have shown potential benefits for good skin health, such as: supporting DNA repair, collagen production and synthesis of melanin, which protect against sun-induced damage. It also promotes proper skin cell production and renewal, maintaining healthy skin barrier function.
Folic acid is available in both synthetic and natural forms. The synthetic form, found in dietary supplements and fortified foods, is more stable and easily absorbed by the body. Many foods in the UK are fortified with folic acid to improve overall nutrition.

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