The top 5 supplements for your skin

Hyaluronic acid, an essential plumping-up agent

Present in nerve, connective and epithelial tissue, hyaluronic acid is a major component of the body. Discovered in 1934 in the vitreous humour of bulls’ eyes, it has gradually become established in the field of anti-ageing as a wrinkle-filler and volumiser. Extremely well-tolerated, it is currently the the most widely-used aesthetic medicine for restoring younger-looking skin.

Hyaluronic acid is predominantly situated in the skin’s dermis layer and, to a lesser extent, the epidermis. Filling the intercellular spaces, it has a sponge-like ability to retain water. It thus helps preserve skin tone and maintain a plumped-up appearance (1-2).

If you’re put off by the idea of injections, you can opt for a less invasive approach by supplementing with hyaluronic acid (such as with the product Injuv Hyaluronic Acid, a patented hyaluronic acid supplement, with maximum bioavailability and obtained from 100% natural sources).

Ceramides, key allies for dry skin

If your skin is prone to dryness and cracking, think ceramides! These particular lipids make up over 50% of the epidermis, and act as a kind of mortar to form the hydrolipidic film, an important barrier which protects the skin against external aggressors (such as UV rays and pollution). These molecules therefore have a direct effect on the skin’s texture, giving it a softer, more radiant and fully-hydrated appearance (3).

As levels of these lipids unfortunately decline with age, it makes sense to consider supplementing with ceramides to preserve your beauty assets (the synergistic product Skin Ceramides, supported by 6 clinical studies, combines ceramides with zinc, a trace-element which helps maintain healthy skin) (4).

Biotin, for a clearer complexion

Have you heard of vitamin B7, also known as vitamin H or B8? They are actually all names for the same, often under-estimated, substance called biotin. Helping to maintain normal skin and mucous membranes, it has a special affinity for the sebaceous glands.

In this sense, it is particularly good for dull, lacklustre complexions, and for restoring a uniform appearance to skin that has imperfections or is prone to redness (5-6). In short, it’s essential if your goal is clearer, brighter skin!

Although it can be synthesised by certain gut bacteria, maximising your intake of biotin will help towards achieving a flawless complexion. Besides eating lots of the foods that contain it – such as egg yolk, pulses, offal and soya – you have the option of taking a biotin supplement (such as Biotin, radiant skin’s favourite vitamin B7 supplement).

An aloe vera supplement to counter the ravages of time

Used by many of the world’s civilisations, aloe vera is a succulent plant from the aloe family. The centre of its leaves contains a clear, viscous gel rich in beneficial sterols, phenols and fatty acids. This mucilaginous pulp has hydrating, softening and regenerating properties, and thus supports good skin health (7). Suitable for all skin types, it generally smooths out lines, acting as a natural anti-wrinkle agent (8).

It’s little wonder then that the supplement industry is fighting over its beauty benefits! Take care though: some manufacturers use aloe vera juice (without necessarily specifying this), the aloin content of which is associated with numerous contraindications (9).

If you want to take a supplement, make sure you choose a formulation that contains aloe vera gel only (such as Organic Aloe Vera, guaranteed pure organic aloe vera gel extracted from fresh leaves).

Collagen, your anti-wrinkle partner

You’ll no doubt have heard about it in adverts for anti-ageing creams. Representing 30%-35% of the body’s proteins, collagen, which exists in different forms, is found almost everywhere in the body – from the dermis and cartilage to the tendons and ligaments. It’s type I, the most abundant form in the body, which is of particular interest when it comes to skin.

Produced by fibroblasts, collagen is often likened to a kind of skeleton of the skin, providing structure and support. A must-have substance for youthful skin, it helps to prevent the appearance of wrinkles (10).

Collagen production falls as we get older as an inevitable consequence of ageing, but you can help compensate for this decline by taking a collagen supplement (such as Marine Collagen, containing patented hydrolysed marine collagen, or the drinkable sticks Premium Collagen Shots, also rich in hyaluronic acid and vitamins).

And if you’re constantly on the look-out for the very latest in beauty tips, pamper your skin with a state-of-the-art collagen peptide supplement (such as Daily Beauty, a rejuvenating cocktail enriched with avocado oil, biotin, zinc and vitamin B3) (11-12).

Is there such a thing as an all-in-one supplement for beautiful skin?

When you’re short of time, inclination or organisation, any way of simplifying your beauty routine as much as possible is to be welcomed.

So if you’re worried about getting lost in a sea of different supplements, you can make your life easier by taking an all-in-one product specifically formulated to enhance your appearance.

Combining many of the above-mentioned compounds (hyaluronic acid, collagen, ceramides, biotin …) the supplement Natural Skin Formula ticks all the skin-rejuvenating boxes in a single capsule. Super-convenient!