ATIKA Advanced Skin Nutrition — Clinical White Paper

Prepared by: Lily Shapiro, PharmD · Founder & Formulator, ATIKA

Category: Nutritional dermatology · Skin longevity · Foundational skin nutrition

ATIKA Advanced Skin Nutrition is a once-daily powdered formula containing 18 clinically studied actives at evidence-based doses. It is designed to support the four core biological pillars of skin longevity: collagen structure, barrier lipids, antioxidant defense, and cellular energy.

This white paper summarizes the formulation rationale, mechanisms of action, and ingredient-level human evidence that informed ATIKA’s design as a foundational skin nutrition system.

1. Overview & Formulation Philosophy

Most “beauty-from-within” products are built around a single hero ingredient — usually collagen — with low doses of supporting nutrients. ATIKA takes a different approach. Collagen loss is only one dimension of skin aging. Long-term resilience depends on:

Collagen synthesis and protection
Barrier lipid quality and hydration
Antioxidant and photoprotective capacity
Cellular energy and repair

ATIKA Advanced Skin Nutrition was formulated to address all four pathways together. The product is not a “collagen supplement with extras,” but a complete skin nutrition architecture that integrates collagen peptides, ceramides, carotenoids, polyphenols, vitamins, minerals, and cofactors — each at doses supported by human data.

Formulation Principles

Evidence over trends: every active has human data for skin-related outcomes or mechanistic relevance.
Therapeutic dosing: ingredients are used at or near doses studied in clinical trials, not token inclusions.
Synergy: collagen peptides are paired with the cofactors, antioxidants, and lipids needed to build and protect new collagen.
Restraint: no unnecessary stimulants, sugars, or overlapping ingredients that complicate daily use.

2. Clinically Studied Actives & Dosages

The table below summarizes the key actives and their per-serving amounts. This aligns with the dedicated ATIKA Ingredients page and serves as the “front door” into the deeper clinical evidence discussed later in this white paper.

Ingredient	Amount per serving
VERISOL® collagen peptides Supports dermal collagen structure, elasticity, and wrinkle depth in human studies.	2.5 g
Ceramosides™ wheat extract (phytoceramides) Oral ceramides shown to improve hydration, elasticity, and reduce transepidermal water loss (TEWL).	30 mg
Sicilian Red Orange Complex™ Citrus polyphenols and carotenoids studied for photoprotective effects on redness, pigmentation, and antioxidant status.	100 mg
AstaReal® astaxanthin Carotenoid associated with improvements in wrinkles, elasticity, barrier function, and visible photodamage markers.	4 mg
Green tea extract (standardized for EGCG) Catechins that support antioxidant defenses and modulation of collagen-degrading enzymes.	150 mg
Grape-seed extract (≥95% proanthocyanidins) Oligomeric proanthocyanidins that support microvascular function, antioxidant capacity, and tone.	100 mg
Maqui berry fruit powder Delphinidin-rich anthocyanins studied for oxidative-stress and photobiology support.	100 mg
Bamboo-derived silica Source of silica to support collagen matrix, hair, and nail integrity.	100 mg
Lutein	10 mg
Zeaxanthin	2 mg
Lycopene	6 mg
Polypodium leucotomos extract	480 mg
Vitamin C	500 mg
Vitamin A (as beta-carotene)	6,000 µg RAE
Vitamin D₃	25 µg (1,000 IU)
Niacinamide (vitamin B3)	500 mg
Zinc (as zinc picolinate)	5 mg
Selenium (selenium-methionine)	75 µg
MCTs and supporting excipients Coconut-derived medium-chain triglycerides that support absorption of fat-soluble actives and create a creamy texture.	2 g

This table summarizes the key clinically studied actives and amounts in ATIKA Advanced Skin Nutrition. Always refer to the product label for the complete Supplement Facts panel.

3. The Four Pathways of Skin Longevity

Advanced Skin Nutrition is built around four biological pathways that collectively shape how skin looks, feels, and visibly ages. Each pathway is supported by specific ingredients and dosages in the formula.

3.1 Collagen Structure & Integrity

Collagen gives the dermis its firmness and tensile strength. After the mid-20s, collagen synthesis slows and breakdown accelerates, leading to fine lines, wrinkles, and loss of elasticity. The process is further affected by oxidative stress and cofactor availability.

ATIKA supports collagen integrity through:

VERISOL® collagen peptides (2.5 g) to deliver bioactive peptides that signal fibroblasts to increase production of procollagen I and elastin.
Vitamin C (500 mg) as a required cofactor for hydroxylation of proline and lysine during collagen synthesis.
Zinc (5 mg) and selenium (75 µg) to support collagen-related enzymes and antioxidant systems that protect the matrix.
Bamboo-derived silica (100 mg) to support connective tissue structure.
Niacinamide (500 mg) and vitamin D₃ (25 µg) to support cellular energy and healthy turnover in the skin environment.

3.2 Barrier Lipids & Hydration

The skin barrier’s outer layer (stratum corneum) is rich in ceramides, cholesterol, and fatty acids that hold water in and keep irritants out. With age and hormonal shifts, ceramide levels decline, leading to dryness, roughness, and a “tight but oily” feel.

ATIKA supports barrier health through:

Ceramosides™ phytoceramides (30 mg), shown to improve hydration, reduce TEWL, and increase elasticity in human trials.
Niacinamide (500 mg) to promote endogenous ceramide synthesis and barrier repair.
Carotenoids and polyphenols that help protect barrier lipids from oxidation.

3.3 Antioxidant & Photoprotective Defense

UV radiation, visible blue light, pollution, and internal metabolism generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) that damage lipids, proteins, and DNA. This oxidative stress accelerates collagen breakdown, pigmentation changes, and loss of elasticity.

No single antioxidant can neutralize every type of ROS. ATIKA uses a multi-antioxidant system:

AstaReal® astaxanthin (4 mg) for potent singlet-oxygen quenching and support of wrinkles, elasticity, and barrier function.
Sicilian Red Orange Complex™ (100 mg) for support of UV-induced redness, pigmentation, and antioxidant capacity.
Lutein (10 mg), zeaxanthin (2 mg), lycopene (6 mg) as carotenoids that filter high-energy light and help protect light-exposed tissues.
Green tea extract (150 mg), grape-seed extract (100 mg), maqui berry (100 mg) to supply polyphenols that support vascular health, antioxidant defenses, and tone.
Polypodium leucotomos (480 mg) to support the skin’s response to UV exposure and oxidative stress in human studies.
Vitamin C (500 mg) and selenium (75 mcg) as central parts of the endogenous antioxidant network.

These nutrients support the skin’s response to oxidative and light-induced stress. They do not replace daily topical sunscreen.

3.4 Cellular Energy & Renewal

Healthy skin renewal depends on adequate cellular energy and NAD⁺ availability. NAD⁺ levels decline with age, impairing DNA repair and mitochondrial efficiency.

ATIKA supports this dimension through:

Niacinamide (500 mg) as a precursor that helps replenish NAD⁺ pools.
MCTs (2 g) to aid absorption of fat-soluble actives and support anti-inflammatory energy pathways.
Carotenoids, polyphenols, and selenium to reduce mitochondrial oxidative stress.
Vitamin D to support balanced immune and barrier functions in skin.

4. Mechanism Synergy Model

ATIKA Advanced Skin Nutrition is formulated as an integrated system. Each ingredient supports a specific biological task, but the full benefit emerges from how these tasks interact. The synergy model can be understood in five steps:

1. Signal: VERISOL® collagen peptides and niacinamide help activate fibroblasts and cellular pathways that initiate renewal.
2. Enable: Vitamin C, zinc, selenium, vitamin A, silica, and vitamin D supply the enzymatic cofactors required for collagen formation, repair, and turnover.
3. Protect: Carotenoids, polyphenols, and polypodium leucotomos help reduce oxidative and light-induced damage to collagen, elastin, and barrier lipids.
4. Replenish: Ceramosides™ phytoceramides restore essential lipids that maintain hydration, smoothness, and barrier integrity.
5. Energize: Niacinamide and MCTs support NAD⁺ pathways and metabolic balance to maintain healthy cellular function.

Together, these components create a microenvironment in which the skin can more effectively build, stabilize, and protect its structural proteins and lipids — the foundation of long-term resilience and visible radiance.

5. Ingredient-by-Ingredient Evidence Summary

This section summarizes the human clinical data behind the key ingredients used in ATIKA Advanced Skin Nutrition. All evidence comes from published studies or manufacturer-provided clinical dossiers referenced in ATIKA’s internal substantiation file. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

5.1 VERISOL® Collagen Peptides (2.5 g)

Reduced eye-wrinkle volume by ~20% at 8 weeks in a double-blind, placebo-controlled study.
Increased procollagen I by 65% and elastin by 18%.
Improved skin elasticity in women aged 35–55, sustained even after stopping supplementation.
Supported smoother skin surface and reduced waviness in cellulite-related trials.

5.2 Ceramosides™ Phytoceramides (30 mg)

Improved hydration by 16–21% in 15–60 days.
Reduced TEWL by 13–14% versus placebo.
Increased elasticity by 18–26%.
Reduced roughness by up to 51% and improved smoothness by 34–35%.

5.3 AstaReal® Natural Astaxanthin (4 mg)

Improved elasticity and viscoelasticity in 6–8 weeks.
Reduced wrinkle appearance and improved overall texture.
Decreased signs of oxidative stress and preserved barrier water-retention capacity.

5.4 Sicilian Red Orange Complex™ (100 mg)

Reduced UV-induced redness and melanin intensity in age spots.
Improved moisturization, elasticity, radiance, and antioxidant capacity.
Decreased TEWL and UVA-induced lipid peroxidation.

5.5 Lutein (10 mg), Zeaxanthin (2 mg), and Lycopene (6 mg)

Filtered high-energy blue light, supporting tone and luminosity.
Improved skin brightness and elasticity in randomized trials.
Increased minimal erythema dose (MED) after supplementation.
Reduced oxidative stress and improved antioxidant status in skin and blood.

5.6 Green Tea (EGCG) (150 mg), Grape-Seed Extract (100 mg), Maqui Berry (100 mg)

Supported antioxidant defense and reduced markers of UV-induced oxidative stress.
Grape-seed extract promoted microvascular function and collagen preservation.
Maqui berry’s delphinidins demonstrated strong quenching of damaging oxygen species.

5.7 Polypodium Leucotomos (480 mg)

Increased UV tolerance (higher MED).
Reduced UV-induced DNA and extracellular-matrix damage markers.
Helped modulate inflammatory responses to visible light exposures.

5.8 Vitamins, Minerals & Cofactors

Vitamin C (500 mg): essential cofactor for collagen synthesis; antioxidant that regenerates vitamin E.
Niacinamide (500 mg): precursor for NAD⁺, supporting energy, repair, and barrier lipid synthesis.
Vitamin D (25 μg): supports keratinocyte differentiation and immune balance.
Vitamin A (as beta-carotene): foundational for epithelial integrity and antioxidative balance.
Zinc (5 mg): supports collagen enzymes and antioxidant enzymes (SOD family).
Selenium (75 μg): essential for glutathione peroxidase and keratinocyte longevity.
Silica (100 mg): supports connective tissue structure and collagen cross-linking.

5.9 MCTs (2 g)

Improve absorption of fat-soluble antioxidants.
Support mitochondrial energy pathways and anti-inflammatory phenotypes.

6. Safety, Quality & Manufacturing

Produced in a cGMP-certified U.S. facility.
Full transparent label; no proprietary blends.
Gluten-free: contains wheat-derived ceramides with no gluten proteins.
No added sugar; sweetened with monk fruit + OnoSweet™ (Reb-M).
Formulated for daily, long-term use with evidence-based restraint.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

7. Summary for Clinicians & Aesthetic Providers

Internal skin nutrition complements topical routines and aesthetic treatments by improving the biological environment in which repair occurs. Ingredients in ATIKA support collagen formation, barrier lipids, antioxidant status, and cellular energy — pathways also influenced by retinoids, lasers, microneedling, and chemical peels.

Hydration and softness may improve within 2–4 weeks; elasticity, tone, and fine-line appearance typically evolve over 8–12 weeks, consistent with study timelines for included actives. ATIKA can be integrated into pre- and post-treatment protocols to support outcomes and long-term maintenance.