For the most part, we can get all our nutrients from our diets – and we should aim for that – but sometimes, achieving optimal levels of vitamins, minerals and probiotics through diet alone can be hard to achieve. I know when I get busy I can fall short on eating nourishing meals. That’s why I added supplements to my daily beauty routine. This way, not only am I making sure I get all of my essential vitamins but I’m also giving my body what it needs to maintain healthy skin (and healthy hair and nails!) year-round. Here are 7 supplements you should take for healthy skin.
Vitamin C
We all know vitamin C is an essential immune booster, but it’s also one of my skincare must-haves. It’s a cancer-fighting antioxidant, a key anti-aging ingredient and can offer extra sun protection by decreasing cell damage and aiding the body’s healing process.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is made when sunlight is absorbed into your skin. With less sun, colder temperatures and more time spent indoors, it’s important that you achieve your daily dose of vitamin D. Its main functions include strengthening bones and muscles, regulating calcium levels, supporting the immune system and fighting inflammation – but studies have found that vitamin D can also help treat skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is an antioxidant that helps the body fight free radical damage produced by the metabolism of food and toxins in the environment. It can also be effective at reducing UV damage to the skin and boosts immune function and overall cell function.
Collagen
Collagen is the body’s most abundant protein. It helps skin cells renew and repair themselves and it’s what gives your skin that plump, youthful look. As we age, our bodies produce less and less collagen, so adding a collagen supplement to your daily routine can help with your body’s natural production and cell renewal process.
Fatty acids
Fatty acids include omega-3, 6 and 9. They’re the building blocks of healthy cell membranes that produce the skin’s natural oil barrier. This is super important in keeping the skin hydrated, plump and youthful!
Trace minerals
The trace minerals most essential to skin health are copper, selenium and zinc. Copper can promote the production of collagen and elastin and act as an anti-inflammatory. Its antioxidant properties may also help prevent aging!
Selenium is an antioxidant that protects other antioxidants like vitamin E. Studies have shown that a selenium deficiency may cause inflammatory skin conditions such as acne, eczema and psoriasis. It also neutralizes free radicals and other skin-damaging compounds before they can lead to wrinkles and soothe redness and sensitivity.
Zinc works as an antioxidant, decreasing the formation of damaging free radicals and protecting skin fats. Since zinc is involved with cellular turnover and immune function, it’s also thought to help reduce acne flare-ups.
Probiotics
Probiotics control the development of the immune system, which can shift the immune response toward regulatory and anti-inflammatory conditions. This means that probiotics have the potential to treat chronic inflammatory skin conditions such as acne, rosacea, eczema and premature aging from UV damage.
Are supplements included in your beauty routine? I’d love to know which ones!
