Lifestyle

Vitamin C Supplements Are a Win for Skincare, But They Come with a Health Side Note You Should Know

Are you sure you need that many supplements?

• written by Joy Onu
• 6 min read
• 10 Feb, 2025

Vitamin C has long been crowned a powerhouse ingredient for skin health, boosting collagen production, reducing hyperpigmentation, and fighting free radicals. But while it’s a favorite among skincare enthusiasts, recent discussions suggest that excessive intake of Vitamin C supplements may pose risks to kidney health. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of Vitamin C for your skin, potential concerns for your kidneys, and how to strike the right balance.

First of all, what are Vitamin C supplements? Vitamin C supplements are supplements that contain vitamin C, which is also known as ascorbic acid. They come in various forms, including tablets, capsules, powders, and gummies, and are often taken to boost immunity, support skin health, and prevent deficiencies. While many people obtain sufficient Vitamin C from their diet, supplements can be beneficial for those with increased needs or dietary restrictions.

I was scrolling through X the other day and came across a thread about a 28-year-old lady who allegedly lost her kidneys to vitamin C and what was described as other combinations because of the need to get glowing skin. Unfortunately, we live in a time where we’d do anything to have the perfect skin, and while that is okay in moderate doses, it is easy to get carried away and go overboard, to the detriment of our health.  Vitamin C Supplements Are a Win for Skincare, but They Come with a Health Side Note You Should Know.

Dr. Christabel Akinola wrote the aforementioned thread on X, she stated that the 28-year-old was experiencing kidney failure, and the cause wasn’t the usual suspects such as smoking or diabetes. Treatment was commenced, but the condition only seemed to deteriorate, and with time and the help of her sister, she had a successful kidney transplant. To prevent the ailment from recurring, they carried out a differential diagnosis and finally landed on the cause. According to the thread, they asked a seemingly harmless question “Were you using Vitamin C supplements regularly?” Her answer, was yes. 

Turns out she took the supplement as a pill, and it was mixed with Glutathione powder which she drank, she also took infusions regularly. They also found out she continued this “glowing skin” routine even through the course of her treatment. When all is said and done, the major takeaway isn’t that Vitamin C supplements are bad, or even the other combinations. It is more or less a case of being guided by the prescription, taking more than 2000mg of Vitamin C a day for instance, is highly discouraged, and everything else you ingest should taken under the guidance of a professional. 

According to a study done by Healthline, consuming too much vitamin C may increase the amount of oxalate in your kidneys, which has the potential to lead to kidney stones. Their study goes deeper to explain that high vitamin C intake is linked to huge amounts of urinary oxalate and is also connected to the development of kidney stones, especially if you consume more than 2,000 mg per day. They further stated that certain cases of kidney failure have also been reported in people who have taken more than 2,000 mg in a day. However, this is still extremely rare to see, especially in people who have no prior health issues. 

The Skincare Benefits of Vitamin C are endless

1. Boosts Collagen Production

Collagen is essential for maintaining firm, youthful skin. Vitamin C plays a crucial role in collagen synthesis, helping to reduce fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging.

2. Fights Hyperpigmentation and Brightens Skin

Vitamin C inhibits melanin production, reducing dark spots and evening out skin tone. It’s a natural remedy for sun damage and hyperpigmentation.

3. Protects Against Free Radicals

As a potent antioxidant, Vitamin C shields the skin from environmental aggressors like UV rays and pollution, preventing premature aging and dullness.

4. Hydrates and Strengthens the Skin Barrier

Vitamin C aids in moisture retention, keeping the skin hydrated and resilient against irritation and external stressors.

The Potential Risks Of Too Much Vitamin C Supplements for Kidney Health

While Vitamin C is generally safe, excessive intake through supplements can have unintended health consequences, particularly for the kidneys.

1. Risk of Kidney Stones

High doses of Vitamin C can lead to oxalate buildup, increasing the risk of kidney stone formation. Oxalates bind with calcium in the kidneys, forming crystals that can be painful to pass.

2. Excess Vitamin C and Kidney Function

For individuals with pre-existing kidney conditions, excess Vitamin C supplementation may put additional strain on kidney function, making it crucial to consult a healthcare provider before taking high doses.

How to Use Vitamin C Safely

To reap the skincare benefits of Vitamin C without potential health risks, which is the only way anyone should do skincare anyway, consider these balanced and safe approaches:

1. Prioritize Dietary Sources

Get your daily dose of Vitamin C from whole foods like oranges, strawberries, kiwis, bell peppers, tomatoes, and spinach. These natural sources provide the vitamin in a way that is more easily processed by the body.

2. Use Topical Vitamin C for Skin Health

If your goal is skincare, opt for Vitamin C serums and creams rather than high-dose supplements. The topical application directly benefits the skin without impacting your internal organs.

3. Stick to Recommended Dosages

The recommended daily allowance (RDA) for Vitamin C is around 75 mg for women and 90 mg for men, with an upper tolerable limit of 2,000 mg per day. Avoid excessive supplementation unless directed by a doctor. 

4. Stay Hydrated

Drinking plenty of water helps flush excess oxalates from the body, reducing the risk of kidney stone formation.

When it comes to taking Vitamin C supplements, like anything else in life, moderation is key. Your skincare game should certainly not be the cause of any health issues. Speak to professionals when in doubt, follow the required prescriptions and never overly consume, if you're facing any health challenges, be upfront about every single detail of intakes or medications you're on. The list in endless, but the bottom line is, skincare should be equivocal to selfcare and not the other way round. For more articles on skincare, check out our article on skincare do's and don'ts!