For firm skin, vitamin C matters most: it contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of skin and protects the cells from oxidative stress. Popular additions are astaxanthin from microalgae, OPC from pine bark and coenzyme Q10 – combined with sun protection, sleep and good nutrition.
Firm, elastic skin is for many people a visible sign of vitality and well-being. Over the years, the skin changes quite naturally: the body's own collagen formation declines, the moisture in the tissue decreases, and external influences such as UV radiation, stress or an unbalanced diet leave their mark. If you want to support your complexion from within, you can – alongside skincare and lifestyle – focus specifically on nutrients that are involved in normal collagen formation and in protecting the cells. In this guide we show you what really matters when your goal is firm skin, and which products from the Scheunengut range are particularly suited to it.
The good news first: you have more influence on your complexion than you might think. Alongside genetic predisposition, it is above all lifestyle and nutrient supply that determine how resilient your skin stays. A holistic approach that combines care from the outside with a smart supply from the inside is therefore the most sensible route. That is exactly what this guide is about.
What matters when your goal is firm skin & anti-aging
The skin is our largest organ and, for its normal structure, above all needs a stable collagen framework. One nutrient stands at the centre here: vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of skin and also helps to protect the cells from oxidative stress. It is precisely these two functions that make vitamin C a basic building block of every skin routine from within. Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body and forms the supporting framework that gives the skin its firmness – without sufficient vitamin C, the body cannot build it normally.
A second factor is protection from free radicals, which arise in everyday life through sun, environmental exposure and metabolic processes. Free radicals are highly reactive molecules that can, over time, stress cell structures. Plant substances such as OPC from French maritime pine or astaxanthin obtained from microalgae are traditionally valued in connection with skincare and a fresh appearance. The body's own substance coenzyme Q10 also plays a role in the energy metabolism of the cells and has been valued in cosmetics for years.
Alongside vitamin C, it is worth looking at further skin-relevant nutrients: zinc, too, contributes to the maintenance of normal skin, and biotin and vitamin A contribute to the maintenance of normal skin. For a rounded picture, then, it is the combination of several building blocks that counts, rather than a single miracle agent. Equally important is the moisture supply of the tissue, which depends heavily on the daily amount you drink.
Important to know: nutrients support the body's normal functions, they are no substitute for sun protection, sufficient sleep, fluids and a varied diet with plenty of vegetables, high-quality protein and healthy fats. The combination of care from the outside and supply from the inside works best. Anyone who regularly smokes, gets a lot of sun without protection or chronically sleeps too little deprives their skin of precisely the rest it needs to regenerate.
Our product recommendations
Astaxanthin 12 mg from microalgae
Astaxanthin is a natural pigment from the microalga Haematococcus pluvialis and is one of the intensely coloured carotenoids. Our vegan astaxanthin contains a high dose of 12 mg per capsule, made in France. Anyone who wants to accompany their complexion from within during sun and outdoor activities happily reaches for this popular classic.
Pine bark extract with 475 mg OPC
The extract from the French maritime pine delivers, at a ratio of 25:1, around 475 mg OPC per capsule and is additionally combined with vitamin C. Vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of skin and protects the cells from oxidative stress. OPC itself is traditionally used in connection with a fresh, firm complexion.
View pine bark extract with OPC
Coenzyme Q10 from plant-based fermentation
Coenzyme Q10 (ubiquinone) is a substance produced by the body that is present in almost every cell. Our Q10 comes from purely plant-based fermentation and is therefore also suitable for people living vegan. In skincare, Q10 has long been a well-known name – as a food supplement it is suitable for everyone who wants to accompany their body's more mature skin with a high-quality ubiquinone.
Glucosamine & chondroitin optimised with vitamin C
This combination is aimed, in the classic sense, at everyone who values connective tissue and mobility, but for the goal of firm skin it scores above all through the vitamin C it contains. Because vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation – and collagen is the central building block for the structure and firmness of the skin. A sensible addition for anyone looking for a nutrient with a dual function and who thinks of skin and connective tissue together.
View glucosamine & chondroitin
Iron bisglycinate with natural vitamin C
This gentle, well-tolerated iron bisglycinate is combined with natural vitamin C from acerola. For the goal of firm skin it is once again the vitamin C that is decisive, which contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of skin. At the same time vitamin C helps to increase iron absorption – a clever combination for everyone who, alongside their skin routine, also wants to keep an eye on their iron balance. The well-tolerated bisglycinate is a pleasant choice especially for sensitive individuals.
View iron bisglycinate with vitamin C
Gentle cycle complex with vitamin C, B6 & zinc
This vital complex is composed of traditionally used women's herbs such as chaste tree, lady's mantle and saffron and additionally delivers the nutrients vitamin C, vitamin B6 and zinc. For the complexion, two of these are especially interesting: vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of skin, and zinc contributes to the maintenance of normal skin. An interesting addition for women who think of their skin routine holistically.
The basics first
No supplement replaces the basics. For firm, fresh skin, what counts first and foremost is consistent sun protection, sufficient sleep and enough fluids throughout the day. A sun protection factor belongs not only in the summer holiday but in every everyday routine, because UV radiation is regarded as one of the main factors in premature skin ageing. A diet with plenty of colourful vegetables, berries, high-quality protein and healthy fats delivers the building blocks your skin needs every day. Nicotine and excessive alcohol, on the other hand, have an unfavourable effect on the connective tissue.
Sleep, too, is an underestimated factor: during the night-time rest phase, important regeneration processes take place. Anyone who consistently sleeps too little often sees it first in the face. Therefore, round out your routine with fixed bedtimes and stress balance, for example through exercise in the fresh air.
Food supplements come in precisely where the diet leaves gaps in everyday life. They deliver specific nutrients such as vitamin C in reliable amounts and complement your routine – combined with good care and a healthy lifestyle, they come into their own. Pay attention to regular intake over several weeks, because the skin renews itself slowly and needs time. A period of two to three months gives you a realistic picture.
If you want to combine several products, it is best to proceed step by step: start with a base product such as a vitamin C source and add more after a few weeks if needed. This way you keep an overview of how your body reacts and avoid unnecessary double dosing. A fixed time for intake, for example at breakfast, helps you not to forget the routine. Storage also plays a role: keep your products cool, dry and protected from light so that the ingredients are preserved.
If you take medication on an ongoing basis, are pregnant or breastfeeding, please discuss taking new food supplements with your doctor beforehand.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Which nutrient is particularly important for the skin?
Vitamin C takes on a key role, because it contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of skin and additionally protects the cells from oxidative stress. Collagen is the central structural protein of the skin.
What actually is astaxanthin?
Astaxanthin is a natural, red-coloured plant substance from the microalga Haematococcus pluvialis. It is one of the carotenoids and is a popular companion for everyone who spends a lot of time outdoors.
Can I combine several of these products?
Yes, the products presented can be combined well with one another, as they deliver different building blocks. Stick to the respective recommended intake on the packaging.
How long should I take the products?
The skin renews itself over weeks. For a meaningful picture, regular intake over at least two to three months is advisable, accompanied by good care and lifestyle.
Are the products suitable for vegans?
Astaxanthin and coenzyme Q10 from plant-based fermentation are vegan. For the other products, check the respective product page, where you will find all the details on the composition.
Health notice: This guide is for general information purposes only and does not replace individual medical or pharmaceutical advice. Food supplements are not a substitute for a balanced, varied diet and a healthy lifestyle. If you have health concerns, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or are taking medication, please consult a doctor or pharmacist. How our guides are created →
Sources
- European Commission – EU Register of authorised health claims — Zugelassene Angaben zu Vitamin C und Kollagenbildung, 2024
- European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) — Wissenschaftliche Bewertung gesundheitsbezogener Angaben, 2023
- German Nutrition Society (DGE) — Referenzwerte für die Nährstoffzufuhr, 2024
- Federal Centre for Nutrition (BZfE) — Verbraucherinformation zu Nahrungsergänzungsmitteln, 2024








