Protocol · Dermatological
Skin Health & Anti-Aging Protocol
Collagen Peptides and Vitamin C are the core of this stack, with 2 supporting supplements. Each row gives the amount the protocol lists and the grade our evidence database holds for that supplement in Skin Health & Anti-Aging.
We are re-verifying the studies cited on protocol pages; only confirmed citations are shown.
The stack
4 supplements · 2 graded · 4 confirmed studies
| Grade | Supplement | Amount listed | Why it’s in the stack | Evidence on file | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary stackThe core of this protocol | |||||
| Collagen Peptides | Amount listed: 2.5–10 g daily | Provides amino acid building blocks for collagen synthesis and stimulates fibroblast activity to improve skin elasticity and hydration
| Grade B for Skin Elasticity1 study · 1,474 people | ||
Confirmed studies for Collagen Peptides (titles as PubMed lists them) | |||||
| Vitamin C | Amount listed: 500–1,000 mg daily (or topical 10–20%) | Essential cofactor for collagen synthesis, provides antioxidant protection against UV damage, and inhibits melanin production | Not graded yet | ||
Confirmed studies for Vitamin C (titles as PubMed lists them) | |||||
| Supporting stackListed as additions to the core | |||||
| Vitamin E | Amount listed: 100–400 IU daily | Fat-soluble antioxidant that protects cell membranes from oxidative damage and works synergistically with vitamin C
| Not graded yet | ||
| Astaxanthin | Amount listed: 4–12 mg daily | Carotenoid antioxidant that accumulates in skin, protecting against UV damage and improving moisture and elasticity
| Grade D for Bilirubin65 people | ||
Confirmed studies for Astaxanthin (titles as PubMed lists them) | |||||
Shop the evidence-backed picks
The collection holds the supplements we grade A or B for its theme, in third-party tested products where the catalog has them. It opens in our Fullscript store. You can look through it without signing in; Fullscript asks for a free account to order.
Or shop one supplement
The supplement in this protocol graded A or B. Each opens third-party tested products, matched to the dose above where we can.
- Grade B
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How this protocol works
In plain language
Skin aging is driven by two processes: intrinsic aging (natural decline in collagen and elastin) and extrinsic aging (UV damage, pollution, oxidative stress). After age 20, we lose about 1% of our collagen each year, leading to wrinkles, sagging, and decreased hydration. This protocol addresses both collagen loss and oxidative damage.
- Collagen Peptides are broken-down collagen proteins that are easily absorbed. Once digested, they provide amino acids (especially glycine, proline, hydroxyproline) that are used to build new collagen. They also signal fibroblasts to increase collagen production. Studies show significant improvements in skin elasticity, hydration, and wrinkle depth within 8-12 weeks.
- Vitamin C is absolutely essential for collagen synthesis—without it, the collagen triple helix cannot form properly. It also protects against UV-induced free radical damage and can brighten skin by inhibiting tyrosinase (which makes melanin). Both oral and topical forms are effective.
- Vitamin E is the skin's primary fat-soluble antioxidant. It protects cell membranes from oxidation and works synergistically with vitamin C—each regenerates the other. It also helps maintain the skin barrier.
- Astaxanthin is one of the most powerful antioxidants known, 6000x stronger than vitamin C at quenching singlet oxygen. It accumulates in skin tissue and provides UV protection from within. Studies show improvements in wrinkles, age spots, and skin texture.
Expected timeline: Collagen improvements visible in 8-12 weeks. Antioxidant protection begins immediately but cumulative benefits over months. Optimal results with 3-6 months of consistent use.