After 40 years, collagen production naturally decreases, impacting the firmness and elasticity of the skin. Vitamin C becomes essential to counteract these effects through two main actions:
- Stimulate collagen production: It activates enzymes necessary for its synthesis.
- Protecting existing collagen: Thanks to its antioxidant properties, it neutralizes free radicals and limits damage caused by oxidative stress and UV.
Approaches to maximize the benefits of vitamin C:
- Diet : Consume foods rich in vitamin C such as red bell peppers, kiwis and strawberries.
- Dietary supplements: Opt for doses of 500 to 1000 mg/day, particularly in liposomal form for better absorption.
- Topical care: Use serums containing 10 to 20% pure vitamin C for localized application.
Expected results: A visible improvement of the skin (hydration, firmness, elasticity) in 3 to 6 months with a regular routine combining these three approaches.
How to use vitamin C like a pro
The Basics of Vitamin C and Collagen
Vitamin C plays a key role in collagen production. Let's see how it works and why it becomes particularly important with age.
The Decrease of Collagen After 40 Years
Collagen makes up about 30% of the proteins in our body. It is essential for maintaining the firmness and elasticity of the skin. But after the age of 40, its production decreases significantly, leading to visible changes.
Among these changes, we observe:
- Skin sagging
- A thinner and more fragile skin
- A slower healing
- An increase in dehydration
The Role of Vitamin C in Collagen Synthesis
Vitamin C is essential for producing collagen. As an enzymatic cofactor, it activates specific enzymes that stabilize the structure of collagen. Without this action, collagen becomes unstable, which accelerates the signs of skin aging.
How Vitamin C Protects Collagen
In addition to boosting its production, vitamin C protects existing collagen thanks to its antioxidant properties. It works on different levels to preserve the skin.
Her protective actions include:
- Neutralization of free radicals to protect collagen fibers
- Reduction of oxidative stress to maintain the skin structure
- Inhibition of destructive enzymes (MMPs) that degrade collagen
- Strengthening of the skin barrier to protect the deep layers
- Protection against UV, limiting the damage caused by the sun
These protective effects are particularly important during menopause, a period when oxidative stress increases. Serums containing 10 to 20% vitamin C are ideal for both protecting and stimulating collagen production.
Getting Enough Vitamin C for Collagen
Foods Rich in Vitamin C
To naturally support collagen production, focus on foods rich in vitamin C. For example, red peppers are an excellent option, providing 190 mg of vitamin C per 100 g. Half a cup of red peppers covers 200% of the recommended daily intake (110 mg).
Here are other interesting sources:
| Food | Vitamin C (mg/100 g) | portion |
|---|---|---|
| Guava | 126 | 1 medium fruit |
| Kiwi | 93 | 2 fruits |
| Broccoli | 89 | 1 cooked cup |
| Strawberries | 59 | 1 cup |
Guide to Vitamin C Supplements
After 40 years, vitamin C absorption may decrease. Supplements can then be useful, particularly in liposomal form, which is better absorbed by the body. For proper collagen support, a daily dose of 500 to 1000 mg is recommended.
The supplement Iconique Collagène® from Laboratoires üma combines vitamin C and marine collagen peptides, creating an effective combination to maintain healthy skin.
Topical Vitamin C Care
In addition to internal benefits, topical care allows for direct action on the skin. A serum containing 10 to 20% pure vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) is ideal for local application. For optimal absorption, the product's pH should be between 2.0 and 3.5.
Some advice for use:
- Apply the serum in the morning on clean skin, starting with a concentration of 5-10% for sensitive skin.
- Use an opaque bottle to preserve the stability of the product.
- Prefer formulas enriched with vitamin E and ferulic acid for enhanced efficacy.
Combining a vitamin C-rich diet, appropriate supplements, and topical treatments allows for a comprehensive approach to stimulate collagen production, especially after the age of 40.
Vitamin C Requirements After Age 40
The Effects of Menopause on Collagen
The decrease in estrogen associated with menopause accelerates skin aging. Each year, collagen decreases by 2%, which directly impacts the structure and quality of the skin. Meanwhile, the thickness of the skin is reduced by 1.1% per year.
The Association of Vitamin C with Other Nutrients
Vitamin C works particularly well when combined with other nutrients to support the skin during menopause.
Important combinations:
- Zinc: improves skin firmness (+32% firmness).
- Hyaluronic acid: intensely hydrates, reducing fine lines (-26%).
- Ceramides: reinforces the skin barrier for better protection.
The Menopause Solutions of Laboratoires üma
The Laboratoires üma offer a formula that combines vitamin C, collagen, and hyaluronic acid to target the specific needs of the skin during menopause. According to clinical studies, after 12 weeks of use, the results include a 28% increase in hydration, enhanced skin density, and visibly improved elasticity.
To maximize the benefits, it is recommended to consume between 500 and 1000 mg of vitamin C per day, as previously mentioned.
Issues to Watch
To get the most out of vitamin C while avoiding side effects, some precautions are necessary:
Dosage and Safety
It is advised not to exceed 2000 mg of vitamin C per day. Excessive consumption can cause discomfort such as digestive disorders, diarrhea, or, in some cases, kidney stones.
Some important tips:
- Consult a healthcare professional if you are taking anticoagulants or statins.
- Increase the dose gradually according to your tolerance (500-1000 mg per day are often recommended to support collagen production).
Choose Reliable Products
Choose a reliable and well-formulated vitamin C supplement.
| Criterion | Points to verify |
|---|---|
| Type of vitamin C | Ascorbic acid or calcium ascorbate |
| Certifications | Presence of labels such as USP or NSF |
| Transparency | Dosage clearly indicated on the packaging |
When and How to Use It
For oral supplements:
- Take them in the morning with breakfast.
- Try to take them at the same time every day.
- Avoid taking it late, as it could disrupt your sleep.
For topical applications:
- Follow the specific instructions indicated on the product.
Conclusion
Vitamin C plays a key role in supporting and protecting collagen after the age of 40, a period when its production rapidly declines, particularly during menopause (approximately 2% per year). Thanks to its two main actions – stimulating production and protecting against damage – it becomes an essential asset.
To get the most out of it, here are three complementary approaches:
- In your diet: Incorporate foods rich in vitamin C. Citrus fruits, red fruits, and green vegetables are excellent choices to meet your daily needs.
- In supplementation: Vitamin C supplements can be particularly useful, especially during menopause, when needs increase.
- For your skin: Use vitamin C-based topical treatments, such as serums to apply in the morning before your sunscreen, to boost the benefits.
Regarding the results, it generally takes between 3 and 6 months of regular use to observe visible improvements. Consistency and adherence to the recommended doses are essential to avoid any undesirable effects and ensure lasting results.
Adopting a holistic approach, combining diet, supplements, and skincare, is an effective way to support collagen production and maintain healthy, radiant skin after 40. Vitamin C, when well integrated into your routine, can truly make a difference.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to frequently asked questions about the anti-aging effect of vitamin C:
Does vitamin C promote collagen production?
Yes, she plays a key role in this process. Research has shown its impact:
Omeroglu et al.'s work demonstrated that vitamin C stimulates fibroblast activity, thereby increasing the production of procollagen and type I collagen in women over 40.
What is the recommended daily dose after age 40?
For optimal absorption, it is preferable to divide the dosage into 2 to 3 doses spread throughout the day.
How long does it take to see effects?
The effects gradually manifest:
- Topical application: 2 to 4 weeks for visible results.
- Oral intake: 8 to 12 weeks, with complete collagen formation in 4 to 6 weeks in women over 40 years.
Is vitamin C more effective with other nutrients?
Absolutely. Vitamin C works in synergy with other nutrients to stimulate collagen production. Our formulas take these associations into account to maximize the results.
Are there any precautions to take?
A few points to keep in mind:
- Check for possible interactions with other medications.
- Gradually increase the doses to avoid any discomfort.
