Beets, Beta vulgaris, have a number of properties that support good health. According to The Ohio State University, beets are rich in minerals and vitamins, such as iron and vitamin C. Just one beet can deliver:
- 22% daily value (DV) of folate
- 9% DV of fiber
- 8% DV of potassium
Although many people suggest that those properties should and could relate directly to skin health, there’s no current direct clinical research to back this up.
Claims that beetroot and beetroot juice can benefit the skin are likely attributed to its vitamin C content. Some of these proposed beneficial properties include:
- anti-aging
- acne treatment
- skin brightening
- antioxidant
- anti-inflammatory
Beets and anti-aging
Because beets are high in vitamin C, some consider beets to be good for the skin, even suggesting that they can protect from signs of aging, such as wrinkles.
According to Oregon State University, both topical and dietary vitamin C have beneficial effects on skin cells. Vitamin C is found in both the outer layer of your skin, called the epidermis, and the layer of skin under your epidermis, called the dermis.
The dermis contains:
- nerve endings
- capillaries
- hair follicles
- sweat glands
Vitamin C is also found in anti-aging skin care products because of its:
antioxidant properties
role in collagen synthesis
help in repairing and preventing dry skin
Beets and acne
Because of vitamin C’s anti-inflammatory properties, it can be used in the treatments of conditions such as acne.
Beets and skin pigmentation
According to a 2013 studyTrusted Source, vitamin C can be used in treating hyperpigmentation to decrease melanin formation. Some feel that since beets contain vitamin C, they can be used for this condition.