For every skin concern exists a thousand products to target it. No matter how much money you spend, these products might not do much if you aren’t also taking care of your body. After all, good skin comes from within (good genetics also help).
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To achieve a glow from the inside out, minimising stress, regular exercise, healthy diets, and uninterrupted sleep are all great places to start. But, just as protein helps muscle development, vitamin supplements can help boost your skin function. Supplements can even help skin concerns ranging from elasticity and acne all the way to dryness.
Many oral supplements exist packed with a vitamin concoction ready to restore your skin’s natural balance, but these are the six vitamins you should really look out for:
1. Zinc
Zinc is excellent for the skin and has some amazing anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting powers that help reduce acne and prevent pigmentation. However, this vitamin is best processed by the body when taken orally.
2. Collagen
Collagen is an essential protein for healthy skin, muscles, hair, and connective tissue, but our collagen levels slowly fall as we age. Taking collagen as a supplement can help our body maintain its youthful health and can promote skin elasticity and plumpness. Collagen supplements can be either plant, marine or mammal based, but some studies have shown that Hydrolyzed collagen (commonly derived from bovine) is the one best broken down by our bodies.
3. Probiotics
The health of your stomach is intricately connected to your body, and any inflammation in your gut can lead to problems on your skin. That’s why an unhappy stomach can leave some people with flare-ups of acne, eczema and even rosacea. If you suffer from any inflammatory skin conditions, probiotic supplements may help you out by restoring your stomach’s good bacteria.
4. Vitamin D
Vitamin D is essential for maintaining a calcium balance in our bodies, but this sunshine vitamin also has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and skin-protecting properties. Vitamin D also helps to regulate cell turnover for fresh, radiant skin.
5. Vitamin C
Topical vitamin C works to brighten the skin and reduce pigmentation, but when taken orally, this powerhouse vitamin boosts both your immune system and collagen production. Because of vitamin C’s antioxidant properties, it can also help fight free radicals and improve the effectiveness of your SPF.
6. Omega 3s
Omega 3 is yet another anti-inflammatory vitamin, but these fatty acids also work to regulate sebum. Sebum plays a vital role in skin barrier function, so by taking either vegan or fish-based omega 3 into your diet, your skin has a higher likelihood of retaining moisture and hydration.
Adding some supplements into your daily routine will help push your skincare just that bit further. However, when adding supplements to your diet, it’s always best to first check with a health professional.
