Vitamin C reduces elastin in skin

[amonavis]

I ran accross this study that shows that vitamin C reduces elastin, but increases collagen. Here is the study in full:

EDIT: this site won't allow me to post the link. :x Do a google search for Vitamin C and "reduces elastin" and it should be the first thing that comes up.

the study is called "Ascorbate Differentially Regulates Elastin and Collagen
Biosynthesis in Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells and Skin Fibroblasts
by Pretranslational Mechanisms*" and is published in the journal of biological chemistry, 1997.


Given this information, is it still wise to use Vitamin C, and if so, how frequently, and at what concentration?

[Skeeter42]

[amonavis]

I understand that there are many people who swear by C serums but if you look at this published study it is clear that C does increase collagen but elastin is decreased. I wonder what Dr Todorov has to say about this, since he mentions in one of his articles that too much emphasis is placed on collagen while elastin is often ignored. Both have a role is skin firmness.

Then there is the stablilty issue. I just think that vitamin C seems a bit overrated for the price. I know there are many die hard C serum users and I dont want to offend them but I think it is good to question why we use what we use. Dr Todorov, what do you think of this study? Has it been disproved since it was published? 1997

[Skeeter42]

Stability is a non issue if you use the right ingredients and store and use it properly. Making your own serum is dirt cheap compared to big brand names such as Skinceuticals CE Ferulic.

[drtodorov]

[amonavis]

It seems that all the studies i have been reading don't realy conclude anything specific about the elastin issue. Some people believe that it could prevent the accumulation of elastin that is seen in photoaged skin. Others are concerned it could decrease normal amounts of elastin.

[amyde]

let's assume for the sake of argument it does reduce elastin, is the net resulting effect better or worse?

ie., do the increases in collagen offset the reduction in elastin?

[wannerce]

and that being said, is there a C serum out there that contains ingredients that support elastin production? I know that Cellex's advanced serum contains tyrosine, zinc and a few other antioxidants other than C and IS Clinical's super serum advance is also a C cocktail...

i am considering switching to one of these two after my CE Ferulic is gone, since they seem to have more compound components...

Any thoughts or suggestions, Dr T?

[dakota]

Here is a study that says vitamin c and derivatives DO promote synthesis of elastin, in fact it says that MAP strongly promotes synthesis of elastin.

[dakota]

Sorry,I forgot the study link, here it is:
patentstorm.us/patents/5801192/description.html

[drtodorov]

This is a patent rather than a clinical study, i.e. it does not rise to the same level of proof as a clinical study.

[dakota]

Bummer. I guess I was trying to be hopeful that it was valid info. supporting the fact that vit. c and derivatives don't hinder elastin production. I mix my MAP with COQ10 also and hope that even IF vit.c and derivatives affected elastin that the COQ10 would nullify that problem because I heard it helps with both collagen and elastin production. Who knows?!?

[wannerce]

The IS Super Serum Advance contains copper, which i believe supports elastin production - right? I'm trying it now, will post results in a few mos.

[nicola_bop]

[KathrynCarr]

Vitamin C also known as L-ascorbic acid helps to minimize the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles as we age. As skin's collagen production is reduced it tends to sag. Daily use of vitamin C helps to slow down wrinkles and fine lines of aging. It helps in get to skin cells directly to boost collagen and the elastin help keep your skin firm and reduce fine lines, wrinkles, brightens and promotes an even skin tone.