---
title: "Evidence: collagen biosynthesis, photoprotection"
description: "A 5% vitamin C cream applied topically improved the appearance and structure of sun-damaged skin over 6 months."
url: "https://magellanlongevity.com/study/s179.md"
canonical: "https://magellanlongevity.com/study/s179.html"
html: "https://magellanlongevity.com/study/s179.html"
type: "study"
study_key: "s179"
journal: "Exp Dermatol"
year: 2003
pmid: "12823436"
doi: "10.1034/j.1600-0625.2003.00008.x"
citations: 1
updated: 2026-09-02
author: "Gabriel Radu, DO"
author_credentials: "Physiatrist (PM&R). NY medical license 275110. NPI 1376861765."
publisher: "Magellan Longevity"
content_format: "markdown"
---

# Evidence: collagen biosynthesis, photoprotection

[Home](https://magellanlongevity.com/) › [Research map](https://magellanlongevity.com/longevity-research-map.html) › Evidence: collagen biosynthesis, photoprotection

**HTML version:** https://magellanlongevity.com/study/s179.html · **In the Magellan app:** https://magellanlongevity.com/#/study/s179

## Citation

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Journal | Exp Dermatol |
| Year | 2003 |
| PMID | [12823436](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12823436/) |
| DOI | [10.1034/j.1600-0625.2003.00008.x](https://doi.org/10.1034/j.1600-0625.2003.00008.x) |
| Study key | s179 |

## Takeaway

A 5% vitamin C cream applied topically improved the appearance and structure of sun-damaged skin over 6 months.

## The question

Can topical application of a 5% vitamin C cream improve photoaged skin and is it well-tolerated?

## Hypothesis

Topical vitamin C, known for its antioxidant and collagen-biosynthetic properties, may prevent and treat skin aging.

## Methods

A 6-month double-blind, randomized trial compared a 5% vitamin C cream to an excipient on photoaged skin of healthy female volunteers' low-neck and arms. Clinical assessments by investigators and self-assessments by volunteers were performed at baseline, 3, and 6 months. Skin relief was measured using silicone replicas, and biopsies at the trial's end were analyzed with immunohistochemistry and electron microscopy.

## Results

Clinical and self-assessments showed significant improvement in the 'global score' on the vitamin C-treated side compared to the control. There was a highly significant increase in skin microrelief density and a decrease in deep furrows. Ultrastructural evidence of elastic tissue repair was also observed.

## Conclusion

Topical application of 5% vitamin C cream was an effective and well-tolerated treatment, leading to clinically apparent improvement in photodamaged skin and inducing positive modifications in skin relief and ultrastructure, suggesting a beneficial effect on sun-induced skin aging.

## Limitations

The abstract does not explicitly state any limitations of the study.

## Verbatim from the abstract

> positive influence of topical vitamin C on parameters characteristic for sun-induced skin ageing

## Where this study is used on Magellan

This paper is one of the citations behind the evidence grade on the pages below. Grades are assigned from the published research and are independent of affiliate commissions.

| Compound or device | Evidence grade | Graded pages |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Vitamin C (L-Ascorbic) Serum | Moderate evidence | [Vitamin C (L-Ascorbic) Serum](https://magellanlongevity.com/p/179.md) |

## Reference

1. **Evidence: collagen biosynthesis, photoprotection**
   Exp Dermatol 2003 · [PMID 12823436](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12823436/) · [DOI 10.1034/j.1600-0625.2003.00008.x](https://doi.org/10.1034/j.1600-0625.2003.00008.x)

   > positive influence of topical vitamin C on parameters characteristic for sun-induced skin ageing

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## Related on Magellan Longevity

- [Vitamin C (L-Ascorbic) Serum](https://magellanlongevity.com/p/179.md) — product graded on this and related evidence
- [Topical delivery of l-ascorbic acid spanlastics for stability enhancement and treatment…](https://magellanlongevity.com/study/d33620008.md)
- [A clinical evaluation of a topical antioxidant formulation featuring vitamin C,…](https://magellanlongevity.com/study/d37608511.md)
- [Longevity research map](https://magellanlongevity.com/longevity-research-map.html)
- [Evidence-based longevity supplements](https://magellanlongevity.com/longevity-supplements.md)

## Scope and disclosures

Educational information, not medical advice. Nothing here is intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Talk to your physician before starting any supplement or device, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medication.

Editorial firewall: evidence grades are assigned from the published research and are independent of any affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate, Magellan Longevity earns from qualifying purchases.

Reviewed for accuracy by a board-certified physician (DO).