The American Journal of Medical Sciences and Pharmaceutical Research
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TYPE
Original Research
PAGE NO.
51-55
10.37547/tajmspr/Volume07Issue08-08
OPEN ACCESS
SUBMITED
29 July 2025
ACCEPTED
15 August 2025
PUBLISHED
28
August 2025
VOLUME
Vol.07 Issue 08 2025
CITATION
Uliana-Sofiia Savchenko. (2025). Prevention Of Premature Skin Aging
Through the Use of Bioactive Forms of Vitamin C With Hyaluronate. The
American Journal of Medical Sciences and Pharmaceutical Research, 7(8),
51
–
55. https://doi.org/10.37547/tajmspr/Volume07Issue08-08
COPYRIGHT
© 2025 Original content from this work may be used under the terms
of the creative commons attributes 4.0 License.
Prevention Of Premature
Skin Aging Through the
Use of Bioactive Forms of
Vitamin C With
Hyaluronate
Master, physician-cosmetologist, Doctor Borodko Aesthetic
Center, 16 Mykhailivska St., Kyiv, Ukraine
Abstract:
Premature skin aging is a complex,
multifactorial process that results in structural and
functional alterations of the skin. It is characterized as
an accelerated aging process triggered by both
endogenous and exogenous factors. The primary
pathogenetic mechanism underlying premature skin
aging is the formation of oxidative stress induced by
ultraviolet (UV) radiation. This leads to the generation of
reactive oxygen species (ROS), which oxidize lipids,
inactivate components of the extracellular matrix, and
degrade collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid, as well as
cause direct DNA damage. The purpose of this study is
to systematically analyze scientific data on the effects of
bioactive forms of vitamin C, hyaluronate, and their
combination on the processes that contribute to
premature skin aging. The findings confirm that the
antioxidant properties of bioactive vitamin C, combined
with the hydrophilic environment created by
hyaluronate in the extracellular matrix, have a beneficial
effect in preventing premature skin aging. However, the
potential for their synergistic interaction requires
further investigation.
Keywords:
vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, hyaluronate,
antioxidants, oxidative stress, skin aging, photoaging,
extracellular matrix, collagen, ultraviolet radiation.
Introduction
Skin aging and its associated disorders represent a broad
and highly relevant issue in modern dermatology and
cosmetology [1]. The aging process is a complex,
multifactorial, and polygenic phenomenon that
develops under the influence of genetic, epigenetic, and
exogenous factors. Two primary types of aging are
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distinguished: chronological (intrinsic) aging and
external aging, also referred to as exogenous or
premature aging, including photoaging. The former is
driven by genetic factors and is an inevitable process,
while the latter results from environmental influences.
Ultraviolet and ionizing radiation, environmental
pollution, active or passive smoking, psychological
stress, and unbalanced nutrition play a key role in the
development of premature skin aging [2]. Chronic
diseases such as diabetes mellitus, hypo- or
hyperthyroidism, autoimmune disorders (including
systemic lupus erythematosus and scleroderma),
cancer, hypertension, atherosclerosis, Alzheimer’s
disease, and Parkinson’s disease, as well as deficiencies
in vitamins A, C, and E and essential minerals, are
significant contributors to the premature aging of the
skin [2, 3, 4]. It is important to emphasize that in most
cases, the aging process results from the combined
influence of these factors. Chronological skin aging is
characterized by slowed proliferation and regeneration
of keratinocytes, melanocytes, and fibroblasts, along
with decreased synthesis of collagen (primarily types I
and III) and elastin. Simultaneously, the activity of matrix
metalloproteinases
(MMPs)
increases
in
the
extracellular matrix, leading to additional degradation of
collagen, elastin, fibronectin, laminin, and hyaluronic
acid. These changes result in a decline in skin elasticity
and turgor [1, 5]. The primary factor in the development
of exogenous skin aging is the formation of reactive
oxygen species (ROS) and free radicals, which induce
oxidative stress [3, 6] and chronic, systemic, low-grade
inflammation. These agents contribute to lipid
peroxidation, protein oxidation, DNA and mitochondrial
damage, and impairment of endogenous antioxidant
systems such as glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px),
superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT). They
also promote excessive activation of MMPs and
accelerate the degeneration of the extracellular matrix
[7, 8]. Ultraviolet radiation plays a pivotal role in
initiating the formation of ROS and free radicals, which
is why the term "skin photoaging" has been introduced
[4, 5]. Antioxidants play an essential role in the
prevention and treatment of premature skin aging, as
their use is pathogenetically justified [9]. One of the
most potent water-soluble antioxidants is vitamin C
(ascorbic acid) [2]. However, this compound is relatively
unstable. To enhance its efficacy, bioactive forms of
vitamin C with improved bioavailability have been
developed [10, 11, 15]. Hyaluronic acid is a critical
component of the extracellular matrix, contributing to
the structural integrity of collagen and elastin and
maintaining the hydrophilic properties of the
extracellular environment [6, 12]. The potential
synergistic interaction between vitamin C and
hyaluronic acid holds significant clinical interest in the
prevention of premature skin aging [13].
Significance of the Study
Premature skin aging encompasses a range of medical
and psychosocial dimensions. As a result, scientific
research increasingly focuses on identifying compounds
and methods that may prevent this highly prevalent
condition. This study seeks to clarify the pathogenetic
basis for the use of vitamin C, hyaluronate, and their
combination in the prevention of premature skin aging.
Particular attention is given to their concurrent effects
on oxidative stress, extracellular matrix degradation,
inflammatory responses, and skin dehydration. The
study also highlights the need for further, targeted
research into the interaction between vitamin C and
hyaluronate in order to develop optimal strategies for
their clinical application.
Materials And Methods
This literature review analyzed existing scientific data on
the effects of bioactive forms of vitamin C and
hyaluronate in preventing premature skin aging. Leading
electronic scientific databases and peer-reviewed
journals were used as primary sources for the literature
search. These included Springer, Elsevier, Google
Scholar, Scopus, and PubMed. The search encompassed
research articles, literature reviews, and meta-analyses.
Editorials, expert opinions lacking references or
empirical data, and duplicate content were excluded.
The remaining sources were compiled into a working
database, which served as the foundation for a critical
analysis. This analysis focused on evaluating
methodological quality, identifying limitations, and
assessing potential biases. Particular attention was
given to clinical studies examining the effects of vitamin
C and hyaluronate on skin aging processes, both as
individual agents and in combination.
Results
The review synthesized current scientific evidence
regarding the role of vitamin C, hyaluronate, and their
combination in the prevention of skin aging and the
maintenance of skin health. The major proposed
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mechanisms of action discussed in the literature are
summarized below.
Influence of Bioactive Forms of Vitamin C on Premature
Skin Aging Processes
Vitamin C is one of the most widely recognized and
extensively studied antioxidants. However, its most
common form, L-ascorbic acid, is relatively unstable and
rapidly degrades upon exposure to light, air, and heat.
To enhance its stability and efficacy, several derivatives
have been developed, including ascorbyl phosphate,
sodium ascorbyl phosphate, ascorbyl palmitate, 3-O-
ethyl ascorbic acid, tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, and
ascorbyl glucoside [14, 15]. Research indicates that
these stable derivatives of vitamin C effectively
neutralize reactive oxygen species (ROS) and free
radicals within the dermis and epidermis, particularly
those generated by ultraviolet (UV) radiation. This
action protects skin cells and the extracellular matrix
from oxidative damage. Vitamin C also serves as a critical
cofactor for the enzymes prolyl hydroxylase and lysyl
hydroxylase, which may enhance the synthesis of
collagen types I and III. Additionally, vitamin C inhibits
hyperpigmentation, which is a key feature of
photoaging, by reducing the activity of tyrosinase, an
enzyme involved in melanin production [20].
Influence of Hyaluronic Acid on Premature Skin Aging
Processes
Hyaluronic
acid
is
a
naturally
occurring
glycosaminoglycan and an essential component of the
extracellular matrix. It possesses strong hygroscopic
properties and can retain water molecules in quantities
significantly exceeding its own mass, thereby
maintaining optimal hydration of the epidermis and
dermis [4, 21]. Hyaluronate creates a favorable
hydrophilic environment within the dermal extracellular
matrix that supports the function of collagen and elastin
fibers and enhances fibroblast activity. This, in turn,
promotes the synthesis of key extracellular matrix
components [4, 21, 22]. It plays a critical role in the
regenerative and proliferative processes of both the
epidermis and dermis by creating optimal conditions for
the migration, proliferation, and regeneration of skin
cells [4, 23]. Although hyaluronic acid is not an
antioxidant, it has the ability to chelate metal ions,
thereby preventing the formation of reactive oxygen
species (ROS) [24]. Additionally, it can reduce levels of
pro-inflammatory cytokines, helping to suppress
chronic, systemic, low-grade inflammation, which is a
major contributor to premature skin aging [25].
Synergistic Action of Vitamin C and Hyaluronate in the
Prevention and Treatment of Premature Skin Aging
The synergistic effect of vitamin C and hyaluronate is
attributed to their complementary mechanisms, which
simultaneously target oxidative stress, extracellular
matrix protein degradation, and inflammation. When
used together, hyaluronate and vitamin C provide the
skin with more comprehensive and effective protection
against these damaging factors. Vitamin C neutralizes
free radicals, and its action is enhanced by hyaluronate,
which helps maintain extracellular matrix homeostasis.
This combination creates favorable conditions for the
optimal functioning of antioxidant systems in both the
epidermis and dermis. Moreover, hyaluronate
establishes a hydrophilic environment within the
extracellular matrix (ECM), which is essential for the
proper activity of enzymes involved in collagen
synthesis.
Discussion
This study aimed to structure and analyze scientific data
on the effectiveness of bioactive forms of vitamin C and
hyaluronate in the prevention of premature skin aging.
The findings confirm that these components play a
multifaceted
role
in
counteracting
the
key
pathophysiological mechanisms involved in skin aging.
As the reviewed data indicate, vitamin C is an important
antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals and mitigates
the harmful effects of oxidative stress on skin cells and
the extracellular matrix [2, 1]. The use of bioactive forms
of vitamin C addresses its inherent instability and
significantly improves its bioavailability [9]. Although
hyaluronate is not a direct antioxidant, it plays a crucial
role in maintaining adequate hydration
within the skin’s
extracellular matrix. This contributes to a healthy
microenvironment that enhances tissue resilience to
aging-inducing factors [26]. The interaction between
vitamin C and hyaluronate is particularly noteworthy. On
the one hand, the hydrophilic environment maintained
by hyaluronate enhances the antioxidant efficiency of
vitamin C. On the other hand, vitamin C interacts
beneficially with the structural components of the
extracellular matrix, helping to preserve and prolong its
functional integrity [26].
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Limitations
Despite the availability of substantial data, this review
has several limitations. One key limitation is the
variability in research methodologies, including
differences in study design, types and formulations of
the components used, and clinical trial protocols. These
inconsistencies hinder direct comparison of results
across studies. Another limitation is that most research
focuses on the individual mechanisms of action of
hyaluronate and vitamin C, rather than exploring their
potential synergistic effects in a comprehensive manner.
Implications of the Study
This review highlights the potential for developing
innovative formulations that combine stable, bioactive
forms of vitamin C with hyaluronate. Such combinations
may enhance the beneficial effects of each component
on skin cells and the extracellular matrix, thereby
improving outcomes in the prevention of premature skin
aging. At the same time, the findings underline the need
for further, targeted research into the interaction
between bioactive forms of vitamin C and hyaluronate.
Although the individual properties and benefits of each
substance are well-documented, the precise molecular
mechanisms and optimal concentrations for their
combined use remain insufficiently studied. Future
research should include direct comparisons between
monotherapy and combination therapy, as well as
investigations into different molecular forms and
concentrations of both hyaluronate and vitamin C.
CONCLUSIONS
The combination of bioactive forms of vitamin C and
hyaluronate represents an effective preventive strategy
against premature skin aging, which is driven by a range
of complex pathophysiological processes. Their
synergistic and complementary effects act on multiple
pathways involved in the pathogenesis of skin aging.
This combination not only helps prevent the progression
of skin aging but also significantly reduces the visible
signs associated with structural and functional
deterioration of the skin. Further studies focused on
optimizing the combination of these two agents are
needed to clarify the mechanisms underlying their
synergy and to determine the most effective approaches
for using vitamin C and hyaluronate to support skin
health.
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