By: Eva J. Clark
When many of us think of skin supplements we immediately jump to the two most common: Biotin and Vitamin E.
And while those are highly valuable, there are some lesser known supplements which, once added to your beauty regimen, can make a HUGE difference in what you see in the mirror.
I don’t like getting old.
Well fine, let me rephrase that, “I don’t like certain things about aging”.
Yes, I’m wiser, nicer, and have infinitely more patience than I did in my younger years. I dress better, I certainly have more confidence, and honestly just feel more free.
But, I don’t like my skin getting old.
It needs to stop doing that. It’s very rude of it.
I’ve never asked it to wrinkle or spot and I take offense to it’s deciding to do so.
I have spent a ridiculous amount of time, money, and the better part of my Masters degree in Biology attempting to correct this error in my skin’s judgement. And now, thanks to diligent research, mixed with a dash of trial and error. I think I have finally found the magic batch of vitamins.
So, I bequeath to you the knowledge I have gained:
5 Supplements for Beautiful Skin You MAY Have Never Heard Of
What is vitamin D3 and why do you need it? Well D3 actually isn’t a vitamin, it’s what you would call a prohormone (your body converts it into a hormone).
Your body creates D3 when sunlight hits your skin. You need D3 to regulate and convert calcium from your belly to your bloodstream. Also, D3 helps your mood! It makes you happy. Studies link increased D3 to improved mood, so that’s nice. Makes sense why a sunny day can cheer you up.
Healthy levels of Vitamin D3 have been demonstrated to prevent aging, help in skin cell growth and skin cell repair. In a 2016 study men and women with acne experienced a significant skin improvement after taking oral vitamin D supplements. Extra hint: Take this at the same time as Vitamin K for best absorption.
I take this one: Pure Foods
Co Q10 is a “coenzyme” (a biological molecule, that speeds up the chemical reaction taking place in a cell, helping things like digestion and metabolism).
Co Q10 acts as an antioxidant (a substance that protects your body from free radicals) that your body naturally produces.
What that means is Co Q10 is this substance that your body naturally makes to help protect your skin cells. Levels of Co Q10 in your body decrease as you get older. Your levels peak around age 21, and then decline by as much as 60% by the time you are 80 years old.
Co Q10 supports the bodies’ ability to produce collagen and elastin. So it stimulates collagen and elastin production, replenishes skin cells and prevents aging. It can also help fade and prevent dark spots.
I like Doctors Best
Interesting story with this one. Vitamin K2 is an essential nutrient for blood clotting.
It activates proteins that deliver calcium in the body, and works alongside vitamins A and D.
Beyond the other benefits of Vitamin K2 (healthy bones and teeth), it can also help stop excess calcium buildup in the elastin in the skin. So it helps skin keep its elasticity, prevents wrinkles, reduces inflammation and aids in your skin’s natural healing process.
Try this one from Now Foods
This oil is made from a lovely little yellow flower called the Common Evening Primrose, which grows in North America. It’s thought to help get rid of acne by relieving inflammation and skin lesions. A study done in 2005 determined that taking this oil orally helps with skin elasticity, smoothness, moisture and firmness. BONUS - another study in 2010 shows that it helps with PMS symptoms (specifically depression, irritability and bloating).
Try this one, Evening Primrose Oil
Collagen is the most abundant protein in your body and is the main component of your tendons, ligaments and muscles. It gives your skin structure and strengthens your bones. Hydrolyzed collagen is collagen that has already been broken down (so your body can absorb it better).
Collagen can help slow the aging process by strengthening your skin (reducing wrinkles, and improving elasticity) and increasing hydration. In one study, women who took 2.5-5 grams of collagen for 8 weeks saw an increase in skin hydration and a decrease in wrinkles in comparison to a control group (women who took a placebo). Interestingly, taking collagen can actually stimulate your own body into producing more collagen on its own. BONUS.
Try this one from Vital Proteins
GOOD OLD FASHIONED H20
And last but not least, all of these things combined will not be nearly as advantageous if you’re not drinking water.
Being hydrated is the number one thing you can do for your skin.
DRINK WATER. LOTS OF IT. ALL day, Every Day.
Your skin is a beautiful flower, nourish it.
Comments