In our never-ending quest for healthy, glowy skin, and among all the skincare trends that come and go, I’m asking myself, can beauty supplements really improve my skin? Like magic pills, oral supplements containing vitamins, biotin, hyaluronic acid and collagen, unite the beauty and wellness worlds and promise to turn back the clock and promote anti-ageing effects from the inside out.
We’ve tried some and researched the effectiveness of beauty supplements in several publications, including an interesting article published by Health.com, backed up by science. So, here is what dermatologists and doctors have to say about dietary supplements.
The beauty supplement trend
As we’ve all heard before, we are what we eat. And, since the body produces new skin cells from the inside out, adding oral supplements to our diet seems to be the easiest and fastest way to improve skin from within. Consequently, beauty supplements have become more and more popular in recent years, and we see influencers like Gwyneth Paltrow and Kylie Jenner swearing by them on social media. As a result, beauty powders and capsules are today a major trend in the skincare industry. By the way, besides supplements, Instagram and TikTok are responsible for several other beauty trends, for example, facial yoga, high-tech tools, and vampire facials.
Our editors select independently all products featured on Notorious-mag. However, when you buy through our links, we may get a commission.
Which beauty supplements are the most effective?
Because of poor diet, stress, exposure to chemicals and pollution, we may have nutritional deficiencies at different points in our lives. Consequently, oral supplements can give us a boost of extra nutrients, when needed.
- As we grow older, collagen loss causes wrinkles and your skin becomes less firm. Beauty supplements containing collagen, especially those that dissolve in liquid, are a good option as they are easily absorbed. The American dermatologist, Dr Whitney Bowe, recommends a formula derived from the skin, bones or scales of fish. Containing smaller molecules, they get easier into the bloodstream.
- Additionally, beauty supplements with hyaluronic acid help keep your skin hydrated and plump.
- The German skincare expert and anti-ageing doctor, Dr Barbara Sturm, recommends adding beauty supplements to your diet especially during menopause. These products will boost your body’s abilities to deal with hormonal changes. Choose an oral supplement packed with Vitamin C and Omega-3 fatty Acids to promote hydration and skin renewal. Dr Sturm’s Skin Food and Repair Food not only give your skin a boost from inside-out. They also help relieve menopausal symptoms like hot flushes.
Do we really need beauty supplements?
As you can imagine, there is no magic potion that will make your skin look as glossy, firm and poreless as when you were a teen. And we need a holistic approach to beauty. Although beauty supplements can help nourish the skin from within, you shouldn’t expect miracles; the improvement in its appearance will be very subtle. On the other hand, a balanced, nutrient-rich diet, drinking plenty of water, getting enough sleep, and exercising will have much more impact on the appearance of your skin than any beauty supplement.
Remember that, again and again, doctors and dermatologists always come back to the same point; hydration is the key to healthy skin. Use the best moisturiser and follow the right order to layer your skincare products. But of course, if you want to add oral supplements to a healthy lifestyle, they will surely be a bonus. Just make sure to talk to your doctor or dermatologist before taking an over-the-counter supplement. It is important to check the right ingredients and dosages as taking high doses of any one nutrient can have a negative impact on your health.
Additionally, add coconut oil to your beauty regimen to keep your skin and hair hydrated.
Collage: @Notorious Image, photo by Myriam Zilles on Unsplash.