Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) can boost collagen production and fight skin aging by reducing oxidative stress and activating collagen-building genes. The research suggests combining vitamin C with specific amino acids—especially glycine—could work even better, since collagen is one-third glycine and needs steady supplies of it to be made effectively.

This was a review study that examined existing biochemical research and clinical evidence on how ascorbic acid affects collagen in skin, plus explored emerging combination strategies to make vitamin C products more effective.

Funding not disclosed in abstract