Vitamins and mineralsVitamin C for Wrinkles — Collagen from Within Instead of Expensive Creams?
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Henryk Różański points out that vitamin C is essential for collagen synthesis, which forms the basis for attributing an effect on skin aging to it.
- Andrzej Frydrychowski describes oral collagen as stimulating collagen renewal in the skin, while collagen applied to the skin forms a layer that limits water loss.
- Henryk Różański notes that collagen is practically not digested by human digestive tract enzymes.
- Hubert Czerniak cites collagen with vitamins C and E and coenzyme Q10 as a way to support collagen in the body.
What the authors write
Henryk Różański
Vitamin C is essential for collagen synthesis, and this role forms the basis for attributing an effect on skin aging to it.
„Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is essential for synthesis (the process of hydroxylating proline and lysine into hydroxyproline and hydroxylysine). This is why taking vitamin C is recommended for osteoarthritis, wounds that are slow to heal, and fractures. It is also why vitamin C is credited with properties that delay skin aging.”Do syntezy (proces hydroksylacji proliny i lizyny do hydroksyproliny i hydroksylizyny) niezbędna jest witamina C (kwas askorbinowy – ascorbic acid). Stąd polecane jest przy artrozach, trudno gojących się ranach, złamaniach – zażywanie witaminy C. Stąd też przypisuje się witaminie C właściwości opóźniające starzenie skóry.
Andrzej Frydrychowski
Vitamin C is neither produced nor stored by the body, and taking it as a supplement together with collagen is associated with additional benefits.
„Vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, is essential to the synthesis of proteins, including collagen. The human body does not produce or store vitamin C, so it must be obtained from outside sources. Taking collagen together with vitamin C offers additional benefits.”Witamina C, czyli kwas askorbinowy, jest niezbędna w procesie syntezy białek, w tym kolagenu. Organizm ludzki nie wytwarza i nie magazynuje witaminy C, dlatego konieczne jest jej pozyskiwanie z zewnątrz. Suplementacja kolagenu w połączeniu z witaminą C daje dodatkowe korzyści.
Andrzej Frydrychowski
According to this description, oral collagen is supposed to increase collagen activity in the skin and stimulate its renewal.
„It increases collagen activity in the skin and stimulates its renewal, resulting in visibly younger-looking skin. Over time, as you regularly replenish this valuable protein, collagen levels in the body rise, and natural renewal processes also begin in the hair, nails, connective tissue, and internal organs, among other things.”Zwiększa on aktywność kolagenu w skórze, stymuluje jego odbudowę, czego efektem jest wyraźne odmłodzenie skóry. Wraz z upływem czasu, uzupełniając regularnie to cenne białko, stęż enie kolagenu w organizmie jest coraz większe i zaczynają zachodzić naturalne procesy odnowy także między innymi włosów, paznokci, tkanki łącznej czy organów wewnętrznych.
Andrzej Frydrychowski
Collagen applied to the skin forms a thin layer that limits water evaporation and moisturizes the skin.
„When applied to the skin, it forms a very thin film on its surface that makes water evaporation more difficult. As a result, it moisturizes the skin very effectively. Products containing collagen also contain polypeptides that can penetrate the skin barrier. They help the skin’s regenerative processes take place much faster and more effectively.”Nałożony na skórę tworzy na jej powierzchni bardzo cienką błonę utrudniającą parowanie wody. W efekcie perfekcyjnie nawilża skórę. W produktach z kolagenem znajdują się również polipeptydy, które mają zdolność penetrowania bariery skórnej. Dzięki nim procesy regeneracji skóry zachodzą znacznie szybciej i sprawniej.
Henryk Różański
Collagen is practically not digested by human digestive tract enzymes.
„Tropocollagen breaks down into individual chains. Gelatin is digested and absorbed by our bodies, whereas collagen is practically not digested by human digestive tract enzymes. Pancreatic proteolytic enzymes do not digest collagen. Pepsin and papain digest it very slowly.”Tropokolagen rozpada się na pojedyncze łańcuchy. Żelatyna jest trawiona i przyswajana przez nasz organizm, natomiast kolagen nie jest (praktycznie) trawiony przez enzymy przewodu pokarmowego człowieka. Enzymy proteolityczne trzustki nie trawią kolagenu. Pepsyna i papaina trawią go bardzo wolno.
Hubert Czerniak
Collagen with vitamins C and E and coenzyme Q10 is cited as a way to support collagen in the body.
„It is important to provide the body with vitamins C and E and coenzyme Q10 along with collagen. These are antioxidants that help neutralize harmful substances such as oxygen and nitrogen free radicals. Supplements should be enriched with, among other things, glucosamine, hyaluronic acid, vitamin D3, and biotin, as well as natural extracts, for example.”Ważne, aby razem z kolagenem dostarczać organizmowi witamin C i E oraz koenzymu Q10, czyli antyoksydantów, pomagających niwelować substancje destrukcyjne jak wolne rodniki tlenowe i azotowe. Suplementy powinny być wzmocnione m.in. glukozaminą, kwasem hialuronowym, witaminą D3 i biotyną, a także naturalnymi ekstraktami np.
Hubert Czerniak
Collagen is described as necessary for people with wrinkles, and supplementation is particularly recommended after the age of thirty.
„People with wrinkles, cellulite, and stretch marks need collagen, as does everyone, especially after the age of 30. Collagen is the main structural protein in the skin and internal organs. It is strong but not elastic, and is responsible for proper hydration—it holds water around itself.”Podaży kolagenu wymagają osoby ze zmarszczkami, cellulitem i rozstępami, ale również każdy z nas, zwłaszcza po 30 r.ż. Kolagen stanowi podstawowe białko podporowe skóry i narządów wewnętrznych. Jest wytrzymały, ale nie rozciągliwy i odpowiedzialny za prawidłowe nawilżenie – trzyma wokół siebie wodę.
Hubert Czerniak
Diet is supposed to support collagen production, and fish collagen from wild Atlantic cod is presented as the most easily absorbed.
„Diet is an important part of the body’s proper functioning and collagen production. Pork trotter jelly, head cheese, collagen broth, or pork knuckle are the basics for getting good collagen. However, we should remember that pork or veal collagen is not well absorbed by our bodies. The most easily absorbed form is fish collagen from wild, not farmed, Atlantic cod.”Ważnym elementem prawidłowego funkcjonowania organizmu i produkcji kolagenu jest dieta. Galaretka z nóżek wieprzowych, salceson, bulion kolagenowy czy golonka, to podstawy, byśmy mieli dobry kolagen. Musimy jednak pamiętać, że kolagen wieprzowy czy cielęcy nie jest dobrze wchłaniany przez nasz organizm. Najlepiej przyswajalną formą jest kolagen rybi z dorsza atlantyckiego, dziko żyjącego, a nie hodowlanego.
Andrzej Frydrychowski
Collagen production is said to slow down after the age of 25, and supplementation is presented as a way to prevent this.
„It is found in all organs, binding cells together. Around 3 kg of proteins are replaced in the body each year. We need it as much as water and air. Meanwhile, after the age of 25, collagen production slows down inexorably. You can prevent this through carefully planned supplementation.”Występuje we wszystkich narządach, spajając komórki. W ciągu roku ulega wymianie około 3 kg białek w organizmie. Jest nam potrzebny jak woda i powietrze. Tymczasem po 25. roku życia produkcja kolagenu nieubłaganie spowalnia. Możesz temu zapobiec przez przemyślaną suplementację.
Jerzy Zięba
Natural vitamin C is described as more bioavailable and bioactive, but relatively expensive.
„This type of vitamin C has the highest bioavailability and bioactivity. This also means that a smaller amount is needed to achieve the same effect. Unfortunately, these products are relatively expensive and, in the everyday reality of our country, not every Polish person can afford them.”Taki rodzaj witaminy C wykazuje największą biodostępność i największą bioaktywność. Oznacza to również, że takiej witaminy po- trzeba odpowiednio mniej, żeby uzyskać ten sam efekt. Niestety, są to produkty stosunkowo drogie i w codziennej rzeczywistości naszego kraju nie są one w finansowym zasięgu każdego Polaka.
Research from PubMed · Europe PMC
We selected 2 studies with the best, positive results. This is a selection, not a full review of all research.
Total number of studies on this topic in PubMed: 144.
The review found that topical vitamin C improved the appearance of the skin, making it smoother and less wrinkled.
Aim of the study: Vitamin C is a micronutrient present in high concentrations in normal skin and a highly prescribed cosmeceutical, well known for protecting against ultraviolet-induced pigmentation and regulating collagen production. However, there is a lack of studies evaluating the efficacy of topical vitamin C in photoaging and melasma, with this systematic review being the first to assess the existing evidence.
Results: Seven publications were included, with 139 volunteers in total. Studies that evaluated the topography of skin indicated that the treated skin appeared smoother and less wrinkled, which was supported by biopsy data. Objective assessments of pigmentation showed significant lightening of the treated skin. Hydration improved equally at the sites treated with vitamin C and placebo. This study found that vitamin C is effective in treating uneven, wrinkled skin and has depigmenting properties, but long-term use may be needed to achieve noticeable changes. Protocols combining vitamin C with a Q-switched Nd:YAG laser appear to enhance its effects. Topical vitamin C may be a suitable alternative for melasma and photoaging, but more studies are needed to confirm these results and assess the ideal vitamin C concentration.
Money for the studynot stated
Do the authors have ties to companies?not stated
Did a manufacturer help with the study?unknown
Type of studyreview of many studies
“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.
In the study, oral supplements containing collagen and vitamin C improved skin texture and reduced the appearance of wrinkles.
Aim of the study: Collagen dietary supplements are becoming increasingly popular as a means to reduce signs of skin ageing. The objective of this three-way, randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind study was to examine and contrast the effects of dietary supplementation with a daily dose of 5 g hydrolysed collagen with 80 mg of vitamin C (CP product) and their combination with 30 mg of hyaluronic acid (CPHA product) over 16 weeks.
Results: The results showed beneficial effects of both test products, with notable enhancements in dermis density, skin texture, and a reduction in the severity of wrinkles. In contrast, the administration of either of the products did not yield any significant impacts on skin elasticity or hydration. Observation of the investigated skin parameters did not show superior effects of the addition of hyaluronic acid (HA) to collagen. Therefore, the ability of supplementation with HA to improve the effects on investigated skin parameters beyond the supplementation of collagen alone cannot be confirmed.
Money for the studycompany together with others · Slovenian Research and Innovation Agency, Tosla d.o.o. (Ajdovščina, Slovenia)
Do the authors have ties to companies?no — the authors say so
Did a manufacturer help with the study?YES
Type of studystudy with random allocation to groups (RCT)
Participants87
“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.
Perspectives and opinion materials
The content below presents the authors’ opinions, interpretations and hypotheses. It is not treated as equal to scientific studies and systematic reviews.
Orthomolecular Medicine News Service Opinion material
„Stem cell therapy can: Rejuvenate skin by stimulating collagen and elastin [1-4] Regrow thinning hair by reviving hair follicles [5-8] Improve wound healing and reduce scarring [9-12] Restore skin vitality and glow [13,14] When paired with key nutrients (Vitamin C, niacin, collagen precursors), these effects are enhanced, longer-lasting, and more natural-looking. Whole-Body Anti-Aging Effects True anti-aging is about more than appearance—it’s about restoring youthful energy and function.”Stem cell therapy can: Rejuvenate skin by stimulating collagen and elastin [1-4] Regrow thinning hair by reviving hair follicles [5-8] Improve wound healing and reduce scarring [9-12] Restore skin vitality and glow [13,14] When paired with key nutrients (Vitamin C, niacin, collagen precursors), these effects are enhanced, longer-lasting, and more natural-looking. Whole-Body Anti-Aging Effects True anti-aging is about more than appearance-it's about restoring youthful energy and function.
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