What you put in your body is just as important as what you put on it in terms of skin health. There are many products out there that claim to be “youth in a bottle” and that they are going to dramatically change your skin, which can often make shopping for your health and skin support confusing. We took the guesswork out of it, here are our top six skin-boosting supplements.
1. Collagen
Collagen has long been a prized natural health supplement for supporting skin, hair and nail health. In supplement form, collagen acts as a source of amino acids which are used to repair the skin and connective tissues. We naturally produce collagen on our own, but that production decreases as we get older, with the depletion starting as early as 25. Collagen helps the skin stay and look healthy by drawing water into the skin’s tissues, leaving it firm, plump and glowing.
2. Biotin
Biotin is a member of b vitamins, also known as vitamin B7. It’s important for skin health because enzymes in the body rely on this vitamin to properly function. Biotin helps form fatty acids which nourish the skin, maintain the mucous membranes of the skin and help in the fat metabolization process which is important for achieving that glowing skin we’re all after.
3. Silica
Not to be confused with silicone, silicon is an inorganic mineral found in the soil also known as silica. Silica forms the structural parts of bone and connective tissues, such as collagen. When taken internally, silica can boost your body’s natural collagen production or when taking collagen as a supplement, enhance its bioavailability. Silica supports the skin by binding to glycosaminoglycans, water-binding molecules, which can hold nearly 1,000 times their weight in water; leaving your skin feeling hydrated, plump and lit from within.
4. Omega-3
Most of us know the benefits omega’s have on cognitive health, but did you know omega 3’s offer amazing benefits for skin health too? Indeed, omega 3’s can regulate the skin’s oil production, diminishing breakouts and supporting hydration. When taken internally or applied topically, Omega 3’s also work to protect the skin because they help build our lipidic skin barrier, which is why omega 3’s can be found in some intense moisturizing face creams and support dermatitis.
5. Hyaluronic Acid (HA)
Our body can naturally produce hyaluronic acid, but like collagen, as we age, this production greatly diminishes. HA is a glycosaminoglycan (silica’s BFF), which we now know is a molecule that draws water into tissues and the skin. HA helps maintain the skin’s resilience and optimal hydration. But unfortunately, as we age, the skin’s connective tissues separate and as mentioned, our natural HA production depletes, causing sagging in the skin and wrinkles. Therefore, it’s important to take certain supplements like silica, collagen and HA together, to support your skin’s connective tissues, and keep it hydrated by drinking enough water for these HA molecules to absorb, this will leave your skin hydrated, glowing, plump and healthy.
6. Antioxidants
Antioxidants neutralize free radicals (unstable molecules that cause damage to our health, which are encountered in poor environments, toxins, stress, pollution, processed foods, etc.) Antioxidants are found in abundance in fruits and vegetables, as well as supplements like CoQ10, Glutathione, Green Tea, Superfruits, and the list could go on. They’re important for skin’s health and keeping the integrity of the skin because they are often found in conjunction with a myriad of other vitamins and they ward off those unstable free radical molecules, which if left to run rampant will have degenerative effects on the skin. When antioxidants are present in your diet, your skin will often be left looking clear, healthy and radiant.
By creating healthy habits internally as well as externally with topical products, you can provide your skin with a full-circle approach to health and well-being.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is intended for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered as a substitute for medical advice. Please consult your practitioner prior to taking herbs or nutritional supplements.
Author Bio
Roos Jonsin is a Canadian naturopath and researcher dedicated to helping people live healthier lives through education about vitamins, herbs, and nutritional supplements. Roos also consults with suppliers and manufacturers with product development and marketing. National Nutrition is Canada’s leading health & nutritional supplements store, also voted as the Best Health Food Store in Canada by the experts at Canadian Health Food Association.
Email: roos.jonsin.nd@nationalnutrition.ca
Website: https://www.nationalnutrition.ca/
