Nutrition Edit

Here’s an ingredient to add to your skincare lexicon: acerola berry. Lesser known among skincare heavyweights like vitamin C and hyaluronic acid, acerola berry, a bright red fruit native to South America, is as beneficial to your health as it is for your skin.

Aside from helping to support your immune system, it’s also rich in vitamin C, which helps contribute to collagen production* and is a key player in aiding the delivery of nutrients to the layers of the epidermis – making it a winner to support glowing and hydrated-looking skin.

Below, we take a deep dive into why acerola berry is worthy of a place in your supplement routine, with insight from our skin researchers.

What is acerola berry?

This small shrub with bright red fruits is packed full of health benefits. Acerola berry is a South American cherry which is rich in vitamin C, and other antioxidant nutrients.

In fact, it’s one of the richest natural sources of ascorbic acid, containing around 50–100 times more ascorbic acid than an orange or lemon, according to recent studies [1].

It’s also high in phytonutrients (including carotenoids, phenolics, anthocyanins) and flavonoids along with iron, and calcium, phosphorus. Acerola berry works with many nutrients to help hydrate and retain moisture in the skin. The Vitamin C in acerola berry may also be taken to support immunity**, given that it can be used to help with some of the symptoms in illnesses such as flu and cold. 

What are the skin benefits of acerola berry?

Acerola berry plays a distinct role when it comes to the epidermis (top layer of skin) and dermis (inner layer). By maintaining the connection between the epidermis and dermis layers of the skin, it supports the delivery of the nutrients passing from the dermis through to the epidermis. It also improves the epidermal basement membrane, which connects and separates the epidermis and dermis.

Acerola berry also has antimicrobial properties and is packed with antioxidants and phytonutrients. It’s also a significant source of vitamin A, which helps skin rejuvenation and supports overall skin health***. Vitamin A contributes to the normal maintenance of skin and is touted for its ability to help minimise the appearance of skin ageing, helping deliver glowing skin and a more even skin tone. Finally, there’s the high concentration of vitamin C which is essential for collagen production*; the protein that makes up the building blocks for bones, muscles and connective tissues. 

If you’re unsure how to increase your intake of this skin-loving ingredient, the good news is that you can find it in our Skin Vit C which is powered by three key skincare ingredients, including vitamin C, zinc and acerola berry, to help brighten dull-looking skin. You will also find it in our Skin Collagen Synergy smart supplement system, which help activates your own collagen for youthful-looking skin.

*Vitamin C contributes to the normal function of collagen

** Vitamin C contributes to the normal function of the immune system

***Vitamin contributes to the normal maintenance of skin

Sources:

Acerola, an untapped functional superfruit: a review on latest frontiers. National Library of Medicine. Anand Parakash, Revathy Baskaran. July 2018.