For the Melan woman, the days of giving our skin the bare minimum attention are long gone. We all want skin that glows all year round, but let’s face it, our busy lifestyles mean we could always use a little help. Thank goodness for beauty supplements, right? But hold on a minute! How many of us really know what that impressive list of ingredients on the packaging is all about, and which ones we really should look out for?
Aside from the beauty aficionados among us, who really knows what we should be looking out for in our beauty supplements? Which ones should we choose? And, what is a realistic expectation from a supplement? We asked a real-life scientist, Pharmacologist Dr Omar Milhem to advise us on what to look for on the label and the active ingredients that will deliver tangible results.
“A beauty supplement isn’t a quick fix for younger looking skin. However, used in combination with a healthy diet and a good skin care regime, there are some that will make a marked improvement to your skin’s appearance. When choosing a supplement its key that you look for one that is proven to deliver results.”
So, what active ingredients should you look out for on the label? Dr Milhem provides his comments on the most common:
Collagen
Collagen is the main structural protein that forms your connective tissues and skin. Since your body’s collagen production declines when you reach your thirties, taking a good quality supplement that contains collagen is a good idea. Studies show that people report plumper looking skin after a few months of using a supplement with added Collagen.
Vercilex®
Vercilex® is a marine extract which essentially provides the building blocks for the skin to produce more of its own collagen. Vercilex® contains proteoglycans which are essential in preventing accelerated skin ageing, they help keep the skin supple, soft and hydrated. Vercilex® is probably one of the most well-researched of the active ingredients with 79% of people noticing an improvement in the overall quality of their skin.
L-ascorbic acid
L-ascorbic acid is most commonly known as vitamin C. Although many people know that this vitamin is vital for a healthy immune system, few realize what an important ingredient it is for healthy skin. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant, which can help reverse skin damage from over exposure to the sun, can also stimulate collagen production for plumper, firmer skin. Read our feature on Four Vitamin C Serums.
Hyaluronic Acid
Like Collagen, Hyaluronic acid is a substance that is naturally present in the human body, but you produce less as you age. Hyaluronic Acid has amazing moisturizing properties and high water retention capacity which is why it’s so helpful in obtaining a youthful glow. Studies have shown that people who took a Hyaluronic Acid supplement, noticed an improvement in the appearance of their skin by actually softening wrinkles and increasing lustre.
Tackle dull skin from the inside and out
Whilst we know certain supplements can help tackle dull skin from the inside, there are also topical active ingredients that can work in synergy with a supplement for maximum results. Nourella® Active Skin Rejuvenation cream contains an ingredient called RetileX-A® which is one of the few topical creams that manages to penetrate the epidermis and enters the dermis layer of the skin. Studies show that it improved the skins thickness and elasticity by 35%. Research also shows that when used in conjunction with Nourella Active Skin Support Supplements (containing Vercilex® and Vitamin C) 79% of people noticed a general improvement in the appearance of their skin.
Seek the science
Beauty supplements can be costly, so my advice would be to choose carefully before investing. Ensure you pick a credible brand and look for ones that are backed by science. Most credible brands will have a summary of their scientific evidence on their website so read through and ensure the products efficacy has been proven.
Manage your expectations
Whilst we know some supplements will help boost your skins’ health, they’re not magic pills! Don’t expect them to transform your skin overnight – particularly if you have a poor diet and a flawed skin care regime. Once you’ve selected the right supplement – be patient. Don’t give up after month one because you haven’t seen any noticeable results. I would recommend taking a supplement for at least three months before you should expect to see an improvement.
Let us know in the comments any great beauty supplements that have worked for you. Sharing is caring!
