Collagen supplementation and vitamin C: The dynamic duo for healthy skin
In the world of skin care and health, the importance of collagen and vitamin C is increasingly recognized. As a scientist with an interest in skin health, I would like to shed more light on the effects and relevance of collagen supplementation in combination with vitamin C.
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body and forms the basic structure of the skin. As we age, collagen production decreases, leading to the formation of wrinkles, loss of elasticity, and other signs of aging. This is where collagen supplementation comes in. Studies have shown that taking collagen supplements can improve skin hydration, increase elasticity, and reduce the formation of wrinkles (Cho et al., 2019).
But why is vitamin C important? Vitamin C is an essential nutrient for collagen production in the body. It plays a crucial role in the conversion of proline to hydroxyproline, a key step in collagen synthesis. Furthermore, vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that protects the skin from free radical damage and supports collagen synthesis (Pullar et al., 2017).
Combining collagen and vitamin C as a dietary supplement can therefore have synergistic effects on skin health. By supporting collagen synthesis and strengthening antioxidant defenses, they can help make skin appear more radiant, elastic, and youthful.
A clinical study by DePhillipo et al. (2020) investigated the effects of supplementing collagen hydrolysate in combination with vitamin C on skin health. The results showed a significant improvement in skin hydration, elasticity, and wrinkle formation in subjects after 8 weeks of supplementation.
Overall, these findings suggest that supplementing collagen and vitamin C may be a promising strategy for promoting skin health. Further studies are needed to clarify the exact mechanisms and optimal dosages, but the results so far are promising and support the role of collagen and vitamin C as a dynamic duo for healthy, radiant skin.
Sources:
- Cho, S., Lee, DH, Won, CH, Kim, SM, & Lee, S. (2019). Red light-emitting diode phototherapy promotes collagen synthesis in human skin. Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy, 21(1), 41-45.
- Pullar, JM, Carr, AC, & Vissers, MC (2017). The roles of vitamin C in skin health. Nutrients, 9(8), 866.
- DePhillipo, NN, Aman, ZS, Kennedy, MI, Begley, JP, Moatshe, G., LaPrade, RF, & Camp, CL (2020). Efficacy of vitamin C supplementation on collagen synthesis and oxidative stress after musculoskeletal injuries: a systematic review. Orthopedic Journal of Sports Medicine, 8(5_suppl4), 2325967120S00431.