Announcing Vita C Forte, a new 10% Vitamin C Serum with 2.5% hyaluronic acid and Erythorbic Acid. Both Vitamin C and hyaluronic acid appear to be two of the prime components in the anti-aging battle.

In the past year, several products containing Vitamin C has appeared on the market. The results have been very impressive and have received coverage in Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, Marie Claire(U.K.), Cosmoplitan, Allure, Health and many other publications.

Vitamin C is now known as a major component in the production of collagen fibers, which are necessary for firm, youthful appearing skin.[1,2,3] Recent research has led to a stabilized Vitamin C that penetrates to the deep layers of the skin.

Recent studies conducted by Darr et al provides evidence that vitamin C levels of the skin can be severely depleted, especially after UV irradiation. Topical use of vitamin C (l-ascorbic acid) shows promise as a broad-spectrum photoprotectant, functioning as biological co-factor and antioxidant.[4] A very interesting article by Ghersetich et al on hyaluronic acid in cutaneous aging was recently published. We have been taught to believe that wrinkles occur and the skin sags on aging because of cross-linking of elastin and collagen due to the presence of free radicals, part of which is due to excessive exposure to UV radiation. Ghersetich proposes that these phenomena may actually be due to a decrease or alteration in hyaluronic acid in the dermis. In elderly individuals, all components of the skin and subcutaneous tissue undergo histologic and ultrastructural changes. Turgidity of the dermis appears decreased, presumably due to altered patterns and levels of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), especially hyaluronic acid and dermatin sulfate, the most common. A linear, age-related decrease in the content of GAGs (mainly hyaluronic acid) is now hypothesized in aged human skin.[4]

There are many other research papers that can be cited, but the above brief excerps should point out the benefits of Vitamin C and hyaluronic acid to the skin.

References

1. Phillips CL; Tajima S; Pinnell SR. Ascorbic acid and transforming growth factor-beta 1 increas collagen biosynthesis via different mechanisms: coordinate regulation of pro alpha 1(I) and Pro alpha 1(III) collagens. Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710. Arch Biochem Biophys 295: 397-403 (1992)

2. Houglym KP; Brenner DA; Chojkier M. Ascorbic acid stimulation of collagen biosynthesis independent of hydroxylation. Department of Medicine, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, San Diego, CA. Am J Clin Nutr 54: 1141S-1143S (1991)
 

3. Middelkoop E; de Vries HJ; Ruuls L; Everts V; Wildevuur CH; Westerhof W. Adherence, proliferation and collagen turnover by human fiberblasts seeded into different types of collagen sponges. Department of Cell Biology and Histology, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Cell Tissue Res 280: 447-53 (1995)
 

4. Fox, Charles. Topical bioactive materials. (part 2). Cosmetics and Toiletries, Sept 1994 v109 n9 p83(22)