The pennies-a-day way to reverse aging

everyday stress, which inhibits the production of new collagen and can even destroy some existing collagen, resulting in fine lines, wrinkles and even cellulite! The great news: “If you boost your vitamin C intake to 2,000 milligrams a day, your skin can

B etter known as the vitamin you reach for to stave off a cold, vitamin C is also an anti-aging miracle-worker that protects and repairs skin cells, smooths wrinkles and stops sagging! It’s a collagen saver! “Taking a daily C supplement is the absolute best way to get your body to create more collagen,” the protein that keeps skin plump and youthful all over, says Michelle Schoffro Cook, Ph. D., author of Be Your Own Herbalist. In fact, it’s the only vitamin study-proven to power collagen growth. Yet multiple studies show that a host of things can hamper your ability to absorb C— everything from too much caffeine to It’s a powerful antioxidant! Skin is under constant assault from free radicals that attack healthy cells, causing inflammation and speeding aging. Fortunately, C is a powerful defender against these destructive molecules. “Vitamin C is a super-antioxidant that goes straight to the source of the problem and neutralizes free radicals caused by pollution, UV rays and It’s a skin brightener! Wish you could take an all-natural pill that makes sun spots disappear? Try vitamin C! “It brightens skin and helps fade dark spots by inhibiting an enzyme responsible for producing melanin, which helps prevent hyperpigmentation,” reveals dermatologist Debra Jaliman, M.D., author of Skin Rules.

Tip: To boost the benefit, pair a vitamin C supplement with a topical C serum! In a recent study, women over 40 who smoothed on a solution of 5% L-ascorbic acid (aka vitamin C) daily significantly reduced skin aging— repairing past sun damage without irritating sensitive skin. One option: Timeless Hyaluronic Acid + Vitamin C, $15.65 at Amazon.com.