The beauty supplement space and wellness market have seen huge growth in recent years as people become more aware of the importance of good nutrition for their skin and hair. The right beauty supplement can supplement an existing skincare routine and diet. It can also deliver anti-aging effects, stronger and shinier hair, and glowing skin.
Beauty supplements can help your skin by protecting against environmental factors such as sun damage, free radicals, and other forms of stress on the skin. They can also promote collagen production and fight the signs of aging.
The trouble is, with so many different supplements on the market, it’s tough to decide which one is right for you. Read on for an introduction to a few of the best beauty supplements available, plus tips on choosing the right one for your individual needs.
What are beauty supplements?
Supplements deliver nutrients you may not be getting from the foods you eat. These include essential vitamins and minerals, plus other compounds your body needs to look and feel its best. Commonly found ingredients in beauty supplements include niacin, vitamins A, C, E, and B complex, zinc, omega fatty acids, collagen peptides, biotin, prebotics, and silica.
Beauty supplements come in many forms, including liquid, powder, tablet, gummies, softgels, and capsule form. The type of supplement you choose will depend on the dosage you need and your tolerance for certain preparations. Be sure to consult with your doctor before taking any supplement or supplement brands.
Remember, too, that some of these hair and skin nutrients can be obtained naturally from diets, including vegan diets. Some vegan or vegetarian ingredients that are packed with nutrients include:
- Pea protein
- Pomegranate fruit peel extract
- Grape seed extract
- Green tea extract
Supplements for healthy skin
When it comes to skin health, there are many supplements available to improve the overall look and feel of your skin. Unfortunately, some of these can trigger or aggravate acne and dermatitis. Knowing that, you should proceed with caution when adding any new supplement to your diet.
Some supplements that can improve skin appearance include:
- Collagen helps keep skin youthful and firm.
- Vitamins C and E protect against cell damage.
- Probiotics help balance the bacteria in your gut, which can positively affect your beauty from the inside out.
- Omega-3s have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce redness, swelling, and itching associated with certain skin conditions.
Anti-aging supplements
Two of the main causes of aging are cellular damage caused by free radical damage and the shortening of telomeres, hence loss of elasticity. While lifestyle habits like eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, having a regular skincare routine, and getting enough sleep can slow the effects of aging, anti-aging supplements can play a supporting role.
Some of the most popular anti-aging supplements include curcumin, collagen, coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), nicotinamide riboside (NR) and nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN).
- Curcumin is a compound found in turmeric that has been shown to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress.
- Collagen is an important structural protein that helps keep skin firm and supple.
- CoQ10 is an antioxidant that helps skin cells generate energy and reduce inflammation.
- NR and NMN are compounds found in foods like milk and broccoli that have been shown to slow aging.
Other anti-aging supplements include:
- Omega-3s, for their anti-inflammatory properties.
- Resveratrol may help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.
- Astaxanthin is a powerful antioxidant found in seafood that may help to reduce wrinkles and age spots.
- Ginseng, taken orally, reduces inflammation and improves energy. It’s also becoming more popular as a topical treatment for aging skin.
Supplements for stronger, shinier hair
Biotin is an essential B vitamin that is considered effective for hair and nail growth. It is thought to support healthy hair growth because it is involved in the production of keratin, the main component of hair.
Amino acids are the building blocks of cell membranes and keratin, which is the material that hair is made of. Taking a grass-fed bovine or marine collagen supplement containing collagen types I and III can help promote hair health.
Other essential supplements for stronger and shiner hair include nutrafol, vitamin C, iron, Omega-3s, vitamin E, and silica. These supplements provide essential nutrients that can help nourish the scalp and strengthen hair follicles.
What to look for in a supplement
There are a few things you should consider when choosing a beauty supplement.
Natural ingredients
First, look for products that contain natural ingredients and are free of fillers, artificial colors, and preservatives.
Safety and efficacy
You should also read the labels carefully and ensure the ingredients are clinically proven effective. It is important to look for products that have been tested for safety and efficacy.
Appropriate ingredients for your needs
Selecting a product designed specifically to meet your individual needs is also important. That means if you need a product to strengthen your hair, for example, seek out ingredients like biotin and zinc. These are known to help promote healthy hair growth.
How long until you see results with a supplement?
The answer to this question depends on the type of supplement you use. Generally, you can expect to start seeing results anywhere from three weeks to three months.
Many supplements contain a mix of ingredients that work together over time to achieve the desired results. Plan on using the supplement regularly and consistently to maximize its effectiveness.
Know that supplements are not intended to be quick-fix solutions. Results will vary depending on several factors, such as age, lifestyle, and diet. Additionally, everyone’s body is unique and may respond differently to different supplements.
It may take some trial and error before you find the one that works best for you. So be patient and willing to experiment with different products until you find the one that gives you the best results.
My experience with beauty supplements
I have experimented with beauty supplements in the past — mostly biotin-heavy hair, skin, and nail formulations. Generally, these products quickly made my nails stronger and shinier. They took longer to have any impact on my skin and hair, though. The usual outcome is I’d get tired of waiting for those improvements, and give up.
The two beauty supplements I’m taking now are HeyHair’s Grey Escape and Tululla collagen.
HeyHair Grey Escape
Grey Escape promotes hair growth, combats hair loss, and reduces gray hair. I’ve been taking it for about a year. While I still have gray hair, it’s less extreme than it used to be. My hair does seem stronger and shinier, too.
Key ingredients in Grey Escape’s cruelty-free formula are:
- Biotin
- Catalase
- Fo-Ti Root
- L-Tyrosine
- Nettle Root
- Saw Palmetto
- PABA
- Zinc
- Vitamin B6
- Folate
- Pantothenic Acid
- Copper
Tululla collagen
I recently started taking Tululla collagen to address the pain point of aging skin. An appealing secondary benefit is that collagen supplements promote a healthy gut.
I haven’t seen any major skin improvements (yet) but I saw a difference in my nails right away.
I also had an unexpected benefit — less pain. I’ve been mildly hampered by some random joint pain that probably comes from being very active at 50. The pain decreased noticeably within a week of starting on Tululla collagen. I initially thought it was coincidental, but then I did more research into the ingredients.
Tululla collagen contains MSM, which is a known anti-inflammatory. MSM also plays a role in producing collagen.
Other ingredients include:
- Hydrolized bovine collagen
- Superfood blend
- Amino acids
- Hyaluronic acid
- Saw Palmetto
- MSM
- Vitamins A, C, and E
- Iron
- Zinc
- Bamboo silica
- Black pepper extract
I mix the powdered formula with water and drink it daily. It has a berry, sweet-tart flavor.
Tululla also has hair and skin formulations, each of which has an impressive ingredient list. I have them — but haven’t started taking them yet. I wanted to start with the collagen alone to test its efficacy. I’ll keep you posted on the other two!
Tululla did send these products to me, free of charge.
Healthy is beautiful
Supplements can be a great way to give your skin, hair, and overall appearance a boost. However, it’s important to research and find the best supplement for you and your specific needs.
Look for a supplement formulated with natural ingredients and backed by science to ensure you get the results you’re looking for. With the right supplement, you can look and feel your best in no time!