Ascorbic acid enhances the expression of type 1 and type 4 collagen and SVCT2 in cultured human skin fibroblasts

► We examined intracellular ascorbic acid levels and stability in culture medium. ► Prolonged ascorbic acid exposure maintained intracellular ascorbic acid levels. ► Ascorbic acid enhances the expression of type 1 and type 4 collagen and SVCT2. ► Ascorbic acid enhanced type 1 procollagen content but not hyaluronic acid or elastin.