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Vitamin C, the immune booster

Written by Margit RĂŒdiger on . Posted in Health & Beauty.

Especially now in autumn, the water-soluble vitamin is back in fashion because it strengthens the immune system. And in the current Corona times, it is even more in demand. Vitamin C also protects and supports the skin. But not everyone can take it. Have you ever heard of a vitamin C allergy or intolerance? Neither do I until I got it. To be more precise, I reacted extremely badly to ascorbic acid, as vitamin C is also called. It started with the fact that every time I took pain pills that combined acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) with ascorbic acid, I got thick puffiness under my eyes. If I ate too many foods containing vitamin C, I felt sick and the toilet became my best friend. Often times I wasn’t even aware of an overdose. Because vitamin C is not only found in fruits and fresh vegetables, where one suspects it. It is also used as an additive in many products, such as sausages and meat products, to make them more durable and prevent discoloration. Because ascorbic acid reduces the formation of free radicals, which can arise from the oxygen in the air. So it’s a natural antioxidant. Unfortunately, I didn’t succeed much better with vitamin C in cosmetics either. Instead of glow and long-lasting moisture, redness and pustular appearances adorned my face. And what does the dermatologist say? Dr. Hans Peter Schoppelrey, dermatologist and allergist at the „Haut- und Laser Zentrum“ in Munich, promptly provided me with confirmation that one can actually be allergic to vitamin C. “It’s true,” he says. “But for the medical professionals it was rather a surprising finding that some people develop intolerance and even allergies to vitamin C taken orally. However, many products today contain industrially produced, high-dose vitamin C. In the event of an overdose, the vitamin is excreted in the urine because it is water-soluble, but some of it can be stored on the passage through the intestine.“ And because vitamin C also travels through the kidneys, problems with an overdose can occur, especially in people with underactive kidneys. Oxalic acid is then increasingly formed in the kidneys, which promotes the formation of kidney stones. And how does an allergic reaction manifest itself? “With bitches on the tongue, gas and diarrhea,” explains Schoppelrey. “Perioral dermatitis can occur around the mouth.“ How can you tell when it is better to avoid cosmetics containing vitamin C? Schoppelrey: “Vitamin C on the skin can cause two reactions.… weiterlesen

Vitamin Supplements – The Best Time To Take Them

Written by Margit RĂŒdiger on . Posted in Health & Beauty.

Vitamin supplements are now part of many people’s everyday diet. More than two thirds of people in Germany take food supplements every week. But you should know which vitamins or multivitamins are best to take and when, and which substances are incompatible. Vitamin supplements are on everyone’s lips and are being consumed more and more regularly. According to Statista, vitamins (61 percent) and minerals (36 percent) are the most widely used in Germany. They are followed by proteins, which are taken by one in four of the study participants. Only 23% still rely on their food to provide them with the nutrients they need every day. The revenue generated in the Vitamins & Minerals market market worldwide in 2024 amounts to a staggering US$31.93bn. When comparing revenue on a global scale, it is evident that the highest amount is generated in China, reaching US$5,328.00m in 2024. To put this into perspective, in 2024, the per person revenue in the Vitamins & Minerals market stands at US$4.12 worldwide. A stressful lifestyle, genetic variations, age and the current phase of life, such as pregnancy, may make it necessary to take vitamin supplements. However, anyone who does not meet their vitamin and mineral requirements through their normal diet should consult their doctor before taking vitamins or similar supplements. Under no circumstances should vitamin supplements replace a balanced diet. At best, they can supplement missing nutrients. Vitamin supplements – which ones for whom? Pregnant women, for example, need folic acid and iron. An iron supplement may also be necessary during menstruation. Vegetarians and vegans often have a B12 deficiency, older people need calcium and the majority of the population needs vitamin D, especially if they live in areas with little sunlight. Those who have little fruit and vegetables in their diet should also help with vitamin supplements. Multivitamins are very popular. These are food supplements that contain vitamins and minerals in varying amounts and in a dose that is recommended to support general health and to cover deficiencies in the diet. “The body absorbs vitamins and minerals from multivitamins in a similar way to food. The nutrients are broken down in the digestive tract and then absorbed into the bloodstream, where they are transported to different parts of the body to perform their functions,” says Dr. Jennifer Martin-Biggers, HUM VizeprĂ€sidentin in Los Angeles. What should a multivitamin supplement contain? All B-complex vitamins are important. Trace elements such as zinc, selenium, iron and calcium as well as fat-soluble vitamins such as A, D and E are also beneficial.… weiterlesen

Vitamin D: The 6 Most Common Errors

Written by Margit RĂŒdiger on . Posted in Health & Beauty.

Vitamin D wird im Körper durch die Sonneneinstrahlung und die ErnĂ€hrung gewĂ€hrleistet. Falsch! Über keine Substanz im Körper gibt es so viele IrrtĂŒmer und FehleinschĂ€tzungen wie bei Vitamin D (wissenschaftlich Vitamin D3). Hier sind die sechs wichtigsten Mythen: Irrtum 1: Gesunde ErnĂ€hrung sichert den Vitamin-D-Spiegel Vitamin D wird im Gegensatz zu vielen anderen Vitaminen nicht vorwiegend ĂŒber die ErnĂ€hrung aufgenommen. Es wird zum grĂ¶ĂŸten Teil durch die UVB-Strahlen der Sonne in der Haut produziert. Deshalb ist allein die Sonnenexposition fĂŒr eine ausreichende Menge Vitamin D im Körper entscheidend. Und die erreicht man in den seltensten FĂ€llen. Irrtum 2: Über die Sonne nimmt man genug auf Die Sonneneinstrahlung reicht bei uns in Mitteleuropa nicht aus. Selbst im Sommer ist der Anteil des UVB-Spektrums der Sonne nur zwischen 11 und 16 Uhr hoch genug. Das sind aber genau die Zeiten, in denen man sich nicht in der prallen Sonne aufhalten sollte. Aber das Vitamin kann nur bei direkter Bestrahlung auf die nackte Haut produziert werden. Und das am besten im Liegen, weil dann der Einfallswinkel der Lichtstrahlen optimal ist. Aus diesen GrĂŒnden sind viele Menschen nicht ausreichend mit Vitamin D versorgt. Im Winter, und der dauert bei uns nun mal fĂŒnf Monate, sieht es noch schlechter aus. In den LĂ€ndern ĂŒber dem 42. Breitengrad (oberhalb von Rom) steht die Sonne zwischen Oktober und MĂ€rz so tief, dass zu wenig UV-Strahlen durchkommen. Irrtum 3: Im Winter versorgt sich der Körper mit den VorrĂ€ten aus dem Sommer Auch das funktioniert leider nicht so, denn der Vitamin-D-Spiegel fĂ€llt bereits nach etwa acht Wochen stark ab. Daher sind fast 80 Prozent der Bevölkerung im Winter mit dem wichtigen Vitamin unterversorgt. Starke Schwankungen wirken sich jedoch auf den gesamten Körper aus, weshalb im Winter beispielsweise EntzĂŒndungswerte im Blut ansteigen. Die bekannteste Funktion von Vitamin D ist die Beteiligung am Knochenstoffwechsel. So fördert es die Aufnahme (Resorption) von Calcium und Phosphat aus dem Darm sowie deren Einbau in den Knochen und nimmt damit eine SchlĂŒsselrolle bei der Knochenmineralisierung ein. Inzwischen wird Vitamin D von Wissenschaftlern auch als Hormon bezeichnet (Vitamin D Hormon), da es das Ablesen hormonsensitiver Gene reguliert. Der Vitamin-D-Spiegel nimmt außerdem Einfluss auf die Produktion und das AusschĂŒtten der SchilddrĂŒsenhormone sowie die Sekretion von Insulin. Eine ausreichende und stabile D-Versorgung sollte deshalb das ganze Jahres sichergestellt werden. Irrtum 4: 1000 IE (Internationale Einheiten) pro Tag reichen aus Diese Menge galt jahrelang als offizielle Empfehlung. Mehrere Studien konnten mittlerweile belegen, dass bei dieser Berechnung des Vitamin-D-Bedarfs statistische Fehler begangen wurden, die den tatsĂ€chlichen Bedarf um den Faktor 10 zu niedrig angesetzt haben.… weiterlesen

Tested for you: „Vitamin C Booster“ from Noble Panacea

Written by Margit Hiebl on . Posted in #me.

Vitamin C plays a major role not only in nutrition. It has also become indispensable in skin care. Of course, because it is the top active ingredient when it comes to the coveted glow. But not only that -the water-soluble vitamin is one of the most important cell protectors. “Vitamin C as a serum can support sun protection and prevent pigmentation disorders,” confirms Munich dermatologist Dr. Christian Merkel to me. He therefore recommends that I also apply a vitamin C serum in the morning before sun protection, for example. I’m looking forward to my test product, the “Vitamin C Booster” from Noble Panacea. The Test The product I’m testing contains more than 20 percent stabilized pure ascorbic acid, as well as other natural sources of vitamin C such as acerola, camu camu and cockatoo plum. Unfortunately, this is not fully developed in many products, because the vitamin C is sensitive to light and air and thus loses much of its potential. In Noble Panacea, however, a special technology (OSMV) is said to take effect, encapsulating the active ingredient and thus protecting it. It also allows the the water-soluble vitamin to be delivered to the skin not all at once, but continuously throughout the day. This also multiplies the effect. 20 percent sounds quite a lot, and I know that vitamin C can also irritate the skin. Since my skin is very sensitive, I am therefore cautious. I first test in the crook of my arm. As there is no redness in the evening, I start my 30-day cure the next morning. And indeed: no redness, no tension, actually my skin feels quite good. Afterwards, I apply my usual care with SPF 50, as I do every day. I don’t quite trust the peace yet, so I slowly increase the dose. First I use the vitamin C product only every other day, but after a week I use it every day. Conclusion: My sensitive skin tolerated the vitamin C serum perfectly. And already looks really fresher after a few days. And the glow? Yes, that also appears gradually. Does it also reduce pigmentation spots? I can’t say, because I don’t have any on my face. But an extract of white pine bark promises to support the vitamin in this job as well. But I found other plus points: The product is a perfect travel companion because it’s packaged in small sachets that contain a generous single serving.… weiterlesen

Tested for you: „Vegan Vitamin D3“ from Foondiert

Written by Margit RĂŒdiger on . Posted in #me.

Dietary supplements like Vitamin D3 are currently flooding the market. But which ones do you need, and which ones don’t you need? And what is the bioavailability of the individual products, can the body utilize them at all? These are questions that no one can answer conclusively for most dietary supplements. That always leaves me a bit frustrated. Vitamin D3, the sun vitamin The situation is different with vitamin D3, the so-called sun vitamin. Around 80 to 90 percent of the daily requirement is formed through the skin under the influence of sunlight. The rest must be supplied – via food, but only a few contain vitamin D (e.g. egg yolk, mushrooms, cheese), or via NEMs. Therefore, this supplement makes perfect sense. Vitamin D3 is an essential vitamin for our body. By promoting the absorption of calcium in the intestine, it contributes to the maintenance of strong bones and healthy teeth. It also has an influence on muscle function and the immune system. There is now even evidence that low levels of vitamin D increase the risk of acute respiratory infections. Vitamin D is measured in micrograms (”g) or international units (IU). 1 ”g corresponds to 40 IU. Preparations with a daily dose of more than 10 to 25 ÎŒg ( 400 to 1000 IU) require a pharmacy prescription, and more than 25 ÎŒg (1000 IU) require a prescription. High bioavailability Back to bioavailability. This is taken very seriously with Foondiert products. By the way, the name Foondiert is phonetically derived from the German word „fundiert“ (pronounced foon-diert), what means well-founded and informed. This principle stands for all formulations, expertise and also the thoughtful packaging. Founder and Managing Directo Dr. Natalie Validi, MRPHarmS, has worked as a licensed pharmacist for 25 years in research-based pharmaceutical companies. She says, “We place special emphasis on the high bioavailability of our ingredients because the health benefits of a nutrient are limited by its bioavailability in the body. We use nutrients in their biologically active form, which can be directly absorbed and utilized by the body without conversion losses.” Spray instead of pills What I particularly like about the vitamin D3 spray from Foondiert: I do not have to swallow tablets (I hate!). The direct spray is absorbed through the oral mucosa and is quickly available for the organism.daily one spray is enough. It contains 1000 IU, so I am well supplied for the month.… weiterlesen

Tested for you: Eucerin „Vitamin C Booster“

Written by Margit RĂŒdiger on . Posted in #me.

A few fine lines, especially those above the upper lip, have bothered me for a long time. And vitamin C is known not only to be a powerful antioxidant, but also the key to the synthesis of collagen in skin cells. That’s why I came across the “Vitamin C Booster” from Eucerin. It contains 10% pure vitamin C, ten times as much as an orange, but not too much so that it could cause irritation. They start with formulas over 20 percent. The booster also contains short-chain hyaluronic acid, which helps to reduce wrinkles, and licochalcone A, which enhances the antioxidant effect of vitamin C. What I also like is that the vitamin C is only freshly activated when the dispenser is used, as the water-soluble vitamin breaks down under the action of oxygen. Push the button Press, shake, freshly mixed onto the skin – that’s the instruction. So first I remove the foil from the bottom of the dispenser so that I can activate the pressure mechanism that presses the vitamin C powder into the hyaluronic acid serum. Shake for 10 seconds to mix the two components. Then I squeeze two drops out of the dispenser and apply them over my upper lip. The texture is pretty thin. I have to be careful that nothing drips from my finger. I apply it twice a day. During the day I apply a cream with a light protection filter over it – even now in winter. Vitamin C has the property that it can increase the skin’s sensitivity to light. And I don’t want to risk pigment spots. The booster should be used up within 21 days to ensure its effectiveness. I also notice that the initially whitish serum turns to yellowish towards the end – a sign that the oxidation process is starting. The first bottle is empty, I can’t see any improvement yet. I’ll start with the second from the three-pack. After eight weeks, the lines above the upper lip are actually much finer and less visible. Only a deeper one persists 
 Eucerin „Hyaluron-Filler Vitamin C Booster“, 8ml, approx 20 $US… weiterlesen

Tested for you: Rose care line from Italy “Acqua alle Rose”

Written by Margit RĂŒdiger on . Posted in #me.

Acqua alle Rose is the second brand that has found its way into my bathroom in Italy, alongside Borotalco. The same manufacturer, by the way. A dear friend from Munich (!) introduced me to it because she wanted to bring the products back to Germany. Together we went in search of Acqua alle Rose. I immediately liked the packaging with its ornate, Italian-antiquated white label on a sea-blue bottle. I was surprised by the reasonable price considering the complicated rose distillation process.. Acqua alle Rose – a look at its history As the name suggests, rose essence is the basis of all these products. The origins of the line go back a long way. In 1843, Henry Roberts opened the pharmaceutical laboratory H. Roberts & Co. in the center of Florence. However, their distilled rose water only came onto the market in 1867. The mixture of pure distilled water and extracts of precious roses became the beauty secret of generations of Italian women. As early as the 1930s, production was expanded as demand for rose water continued to rise. In 1983, the first advertisement appeared, claiming that Robert’s rose water “removes the veil of tiredness from your face”. In 2014, the first facial care range was ready for the market, followed in 2020 by a complete range with the unmistakable scent of roses – for all skin types and for all ages.. Roses, roses, roses A wide variety of roses are used for the distilled rose water – from Rosa Janina (rosehip) and Rosa Mosqueta, which is rich in Omega 3, Omega 6 and vitamin A, to Rosa Centifoglia and the well-known Damask rose, which also has an important name in perfume production. The extracts not only have a high skincare effect, but also give the products their subtle, delicate fragrance. The rose hip, also known as the shrub rose, is one of the countless species of wild roses that grow wild in the Italian forests, especially in the Apennines. The small red berries are an incredibly rich source of vitamin C, which is contained in up to 100 times the concentration of citrus fruits. In addition to the rosehip berries, parts of the flower such as petals and buds are also used. Its cosmetic effect is extremely potent, as vitamin C has a strong antioxidant effect that counteracts damage caused by free radicals and combats photoageing. The fruit also contains natural acids with a smoothing and moisturizing effect, tannins and carotenoids.… weiterlesen

Niacinamide Is Considered A Power Substance For Your Skin

Written by Margit RĂŒdiger on . Posted in Cream.

Niacinamide creams and serums are currently in the highest demand in drugstores and perfumeries and always sell out the fastest. They are experiencing an absolute run among female consumers. But men also benefit from niacinamide for enlarged pores, spots and wrinkles. Niacinamide is considered a power ingredient. From Nivea to luxury skincare brands such as Dr. Barbara Sturm, no brand today can do without it. Anyone who deals with dietary supplements is sure to have come across the substance niacin. This is vitamin B3 (the chemical name for vitamin B3 is niacin). Niacin is converted into niacinamide in the body and is therefore an important precursor of two co-enzymes of radical importance for the body’s health: NAD (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) and NADPH (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate). These two co-enzymes boost the energy of cells and are involved in more than 200 vital enzymatic reactions. It has been scientifically proven that these two co-enzymes decrease with increasing age, particularly in skin tissue. This decline is linked to cell senescence. Aged skin cells secrete less collagen: Niacinamide could help to boost production again. Ageing skin damaged by sunlight can also benefit from this. Niacinamide in serums and creams In skin care, the term niacinamide or nicotinamide is used. Niacinamide is a derivative of vitamin B3, which means that it has a slightly different chemical structural formula to niacin. In the cosmetic field, the water-soluble vitamin B3 derivative is increasingly being mixed into serums or creams. It is considered a remedy for many of the most common problems that can arise from stress, but also from over-care of the skin. Niacinamide is characterized by five important benefits in skin care: It is a “cell-communicating” ingredient that helps to strengthen the building blocks of the skin barrier – ceramides and keratin. Improving the barrier makes the skin more resistant to external influences. An increased ceramide level means that moisture can be stored better. This in turn improves the texture of the skin. It looks plumper and feels softer. As the vitamin B3 derivative regulates melanin production, hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tones can be reduced. The complexion looks healthier and less dull as niacinamide counteracts the glycation process that contributes to collagen breakdown. It has a kind of blurring effect: its anti-inflammatory properties not only help to reduce redness and small imperfections, it can also reduce dark circles under the eyes. The power in gredient can also reduce the size of pores and improve the appearance of blackheads.… weiterlesen

Tested for you: Sunny Glow Bronzing Drops from Pacifica

Written by Margit RĂŒdiger on . Posted in #me.

The bronzing drops from the Sunny Glow line belong to the American cosmetics company Pacifica Beauty, based in Carpinteria. It was founded in 1996 in Portland, Oregon by Brook Harvey-Taylor on her personal path to self-discovery and environmental awareness, together with her husband Billy Taylor. Brook Harvey-Taylor is considered a pioneer of 100 percent vegan, cruelty-free and clean beauty. Even though the names are very similar, the Californian brand should not be confused with Verona Pooth’s German beauty brand “Pacific Healthcare“. Bronzing drops from California The Bronzing Drops provide the perfect glow for the summer complexion. Even if your skin is already slightly tanned like mine, the drops give it a fresher and more vital radiance thanks to vitamin C, glycolic acid and kakadu plum. I use them to highlight my cheeks, forehead and the tip of my nose, and that’s what they’re designed for. You only need a few drops. I find the product unsuitable for applying to the entire face, unless you want to play along with Karl May. I also find the bronzing drops ideal for modeling the jawline. The Bronzing Drops also have a toning, protective and nourishing effect and are free from silicones and parabens. Incidentally, the color harmonizes with every skin tone – from light to dark. Peeling first Any tanning product looks much better on perfectly smooth skin. That’s why the Glow Baby range includes the Brightening Peel Pads. They contain rich complexes of various vegan fruit acids (10% AHA and BHA) such as lactic acid, glycolic acid and salicylic acid. Apple fruit extract moisturizes and also has a soothing effect. The result is a gentle exfoliation that still thoroughly cleanses the pores and prepares the complexion perfectly for the Bronzing Drops. But don’t overdo it, the pads should be used a maximum of three times a week. Sunny Glow Bronzing Drops from Pacifica, 30 ml, US$ 16; Glow Baby Brightening Peel Pads from Pacifica, 60 pieces, US$ 16.… weiterlesen

Tested for you: Reformulated hyaluronic acid serum “Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5” by The Ordinary

Written by Margit RĂŒdiger on . Posted in #me.

Hyaluronic acid and provitamin B5 are two important components in anti-ageing skincare. “Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5” is one of The Ordinary’s bestsellers. The new formulation makes the serum even more potent. The light, fragrance-free texture moisturizes the skin throughout the day while helping it to retain moisture better. Hyaluronic acid, the natural moisturizer The immediate plumping effect and long-lasting hydration are provided by five different types of hyaluronic acid, which moisturize the skin in several layers. These include low, medium and high molecular weight compounds, an HA cross-polymer and hydrolyzed HA. Hyaluronic acid is not an unknown substance for the body. It is a natural humectant that occurs in various tissues and binds water there. Hyaluronic acid is mainly found in our skin and in the cartilage mass in the joint fluids. In these two skin layers, hyaluronic acid is synthesized by very specific cells, the so-called fibroblasts. They contain very specific proteins (hyaluronic acid synthases) in their cell membrane that are capable of producing hyaluronic acid. As HA is a specific component of the cell membrane, its “production” takes place not only in a specific organ, but throughout the entire body. However, a large number of vitamins, especially vitamin C, magnesium, zinc and phytoestrogens are required for this. This is why it is so important to ensure an optimal supply of nutrients through your diet. Vegan and oil-free The new formulation of the “Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5” serum also contains ceramides known as sphingolipids. These are lipids that also occur naturally in the skin to lock in moisture. At the same time, they strengthen the skin’s protective barrier. Provitamin B5 in turn supports the formation of important skin barrier components such as ceramides and fatty acids. This also helps to retain moisture and thus provide the skin with long-term hydration. My test has shown: First of all, the moisturizing, vegan formula with ultra-pure hyaluronic acid is pleasant to spread on the skin. A few drops in the morning and evening are completely sufficient. As there is no oil in the formula, my skin starts to tighten a few minutes after application. For a pleasant feeling, you should definitely use your usual skincare cream afterwards. I was surprised that my skin immediately felt softer and smoother. It is so well moisturized throughout the day that dryness lines no longer stand a chance and all signs of dehydration disappear. My skin’s elasticity has also improved significantly after several weeks of regular use.… weiterlesen