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Vitamin C, the immune booster

Written by Margit Rüdiger 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

Tested for you: 30% Vitamin C in „Boost Up“ from Trinny London

Written by Margit Rüdiger on . Posted in #me.

Vitamin C gives the skin the ultimate glow. But that’s not all, because this vitamin is a real all-rounder: it is effective against pigmentation spots and protects the complexion from environmental pollution and damage caused by sunlight. However, most commercially available skincare products only contain ten to 15 percent of the active ingredient. For this reason alone, I was curious to see what effect I could achieve for my skin with the 30% vitamin C boost from Trinny London. This super-powerful serum not only contains a high concentration of vitamin C in the form of ethyl ascorbic acid. This is particularly effective as it does not need to be converted into pure ascorbic acid in the skin. In addition, ethyl ascorbic acid is very stable in cosmetics, can have a long-term effect and is very well tolerated. In “Boost up”, together with plankton extract and natural microalgae, it strengthens the skin’s natural defenses. Vitamin C for a glow in the morning “Vitamin C has always been one of my great passions. Our radiant serum with 30 percent vitamin C makes the skin brighter and the complexion more even. “Boost up is the best morning boost for your complexion. I can’t get enough of it.” Trinny Woodall, founder & CEO Due to the high concentration of active ingredients, the manufacturer recommends the product “only for very experienced skincare users”. Boost up” is not suitable for first-time users of vitamin C, i.e. people who have never used highly active products before or who have sensitive or irritable skin. Such a highly concentrated formulation can cause irritation to very sensitive skin. Patch test on the forearm To ensure that the serum is well tolerated, a patch test (e.g. on the forearm) is recommended before the first application. The best way to do this is to apply a pump of the product to the forearm and leave it on overnight to check how well it is tolerated by the skin. I have to admit that I didn’t do the patch test. My skin has been used to highly active ingredients such as retinol for years. However, for safety reasons, I only used the vitamin C serum every other day in the morning in the initial phase and then applied a sunscreen to gradually acclimatize my skin to the active ingredient. The ultimate complexion boost – this is what my skincare routine looks like: After cleansing in the morning, I apply a pump to the face (avoidin Beginners use the serum twice a week to start with and slowly increase the application to daily use.… weiterlesen

Vitamin Supplements – The Best Time To Take Them

Written by Margit Rüdiger 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 Vizepräsidentin 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 Rüdiger on . Posted in Health & Beauty.

Vitamin D wird im Körper durch die Sonneneinstrahlung und die Ernährung gewährleistet. Falsch! Über keine Substanz im Körper gibt es so viele Irrtümer und Fehleinschätzungen wie bei Vitamin D (wissenschaftlich Vitamin D3). Hier sind die sechs wichtigsten Mythen: Irrtum 1: Gesunde Ernährung sichert den Vitamin-D-Spiegel Vitamin D wird im Gegensatz zu vielen anderen Vitaminen nicht vorwiegend über die Ernährung aufgenommen. Es wird zum größten Teil durch die UVB-Strahlen der Sonne in der Haut produziert. Deshalb ist allein die Sonnenexposition für eine ausreichende Menge Vitamin D im Körper entscheidend. Und die erreicht man in den seltensten Fällen. 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 Gründen sind viele Menschen nicht ausreichend mit Vitamin D versorgt. Im Winter, und der dauert bei uns nun mal fünf Monate, sieht es noch schlechter aus. In den Ländern über dem 42. Breitengrad (oberhalb von Rom) steht die Sonne zwischen Oktober und März so tief, dass zu wenig UV-Strahlen durchkommen. Irrtum 3: Im Winter versorgt sich der Körper mit den Vorräten aus dem Sommer Auch das funktioniert leider nicht so, denn der Vitamin-D-Spiegel fällt 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 Entzündungswerte 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 Schlüsselrolle 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 Ausschütten der Schilddrüsenhormone 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 tatsächlichen 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 Rüdiger 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 (µg) or international units (IU). 1 µg corresponds to 40 IU. Preparations with a daily dose of more than 10 to 25 μg ( 400 to 1000 IU) require a pharmacy prescription, and more than 25 μg (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 Rüdiger 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

Spring Skincare: Time For A Change

Written by Margit Rüdiger on . Posted in Cream.

Skincare is not a routine that is set in stone. Depending on the season, readjustments and adjustments are necessary. After all, we change the tires on our car after the frosty months and swap a T-shirt for a turtleneck. It all goes without saying. No discussion. But what about our skin? Skincare should adapt to the season. With the change from winter to spring, the skin is exposed to less cold and dry air, but higher humidity and more sun. While we used to pamper it with layers of rich creams, serums and oils during the cold season, now more lightness is required. You may now be saying that the jar of expensive winter cream is still half full. I can’t just throw it out now. You should at least do that when applying it to your face. If we continue to stick to our winter rituals, the skin will literally get short of breath under the thick layers of skin care when the outside temperatures warm up and the humidity rises. “The oily products would clog the pores and lead to heat build-up. This causes redness and, in the worst case, inflammation,” says Dr. Timm Golüke, dermatologist in Munich. Nevertheless, winter cream doesn’t have to go in the bin. My tip: I use it on my décolleté and also on my shins, which are prone to dryness. Luxury, I know. But before the product sits open in the jar until next winter and is then unusable… Skincare in spring: UV protection SPF50 In spring, it is best to replace the richer moisturizer or oil-based serum with a hyaluronic acid, water or aloe vera-based texture. Now the skin can store more moisture on its own and needs less support in this respect. And such a light serum still has all the nutrients the cells need. It is also absorbed more quickly, which is an advantage during the day. In addition, New York dermatologist Dermatologin Dr. Patricia Wexler strongly advises a high light filter: “While a moisturizer with SPF 30 is sufficient in winter, it should be at least SPF 50 now, apart from lotion and make-up.” Dermatologists have long agreed that, regardless of the weather and temperature, all parts of the body that are exposed to light need UV protection – on a daily basis. Unfortunately, the reality is different. Especially people who live in northern regions or have rarely spent the winter outdoors tend to forget sun protection in spring.… weiterlesen

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

Written by Margit Rüdiger 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 Rüdiger 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