Dr. Laura
Supplements and your Skin
Are you looking after your skin from the inside aswell as the outside?
Let's look at what you do and don't need!
Skincare supplements are more popular now than they've ever been. We're seeing celebrities and influencers create supplement brands and there's more information than any of us can even try to consume online and on social media.
As a GP, Dr. Laura has expert insight into the supplements that matter when it comes to the skin, and how to assess if you actually need them or not!
What are the most popular Skin Supplements?
- Collagen
- Vitamin C
- Omegas
- Zinc
- Probiotics
- Vitamin A
1. Collagen
Collagen is a bit of a buzzword at the moment, but in case you need a refresher, collagen is the protein that provides structural support to the skin. Our body naturally produces collagen, but that production starts to slow down from the age of 25.
When it comes to supplementation, collagen is not always straightforward. Studies have shown that users who consume collagen supplements do see an improvement in firmness, suppleness, and moisture content of the skin, with wrinkles appearing less noticeable. However, most of these collagen supplements contain other ingredients such as Vitamin C and Hyaluronic acid which would also contribute to these results.
“We've recently added far greater choice to our supplement range here in clinic, and one of the first brands I wanted to stock was Dr. Doireann's Supplements made Simple. Dr. Doireann has 2 collagen supplements that I love and happily recommend to my patients!”
- Dr. Laura
2. Vitamin C
Vitamin C is known for it's powerful antioxidant properties - meaning it can help to prevent and improve the appearance of UV-induced photodamage, reduce the look of skin discoloration and wrinkles and protect against environmental aggressors.
Taking vs. Applying Vitamin C
Vitamin C is often found in collagen supplements, because it is vital to collagen synthesis! When it comes to deciding whether you should be taking it, or applying it, it's not a clear cut answer!
Generally, consuming Vitamin C is less likely to irritate the skin which is great. However, the absorption of vitamin c from our gut is limited and therefore only a small amount is absorbed orally.
If you're looking to take Vitamin C as a supplement for your skin, I recommend taking it in a supplement paired with collagen, like the supplements listed above! If you're looking for a great topical Vitamin C, we've got you covered here.
3. Omega-3 (Fish Oils)
When it comes to health and wellness, omega-3s can benefit a range of things including heart health and joint pain. When it comes to your skin, it's just as beneficial!
If you suffer from skin conditions like atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, acne or skin ulcers, Omega-3 supplements might be worthwhile investing in.
If you're using retinol or tretinoin, which can be very drying on the skin, an omega-3 supplement will help maintain your skin barrier and protect it from that dryness.
4. Zinc
Zinc is often overlooked when it comes to skincare supplements but it's actually a bit of a powerhouse! It's antibacterial, anti-ageing, healing and anti-inflammatory in nature making it a GREAT skincare supplement for most of us.
Zinc also aids in collagen formation and DNA repair, making it a great anti-ageing supplement. There's some evidence that even suggests that zinc prevents premature wrinkles and line formation on the face.
When it comes to skin healing, zinc can be used to treat various skin conditions like acne and psoriasis. Similar to Vitamin C, Zinc is also fantastic when aplied topically for wounds such as burns and scars.
Most acne is caused by overproduction of sebum. Zinc reduces the production of sebum while also fighting the bacteria that causes acne. This means it can help with both inflammatory and non-inflammatory acne.
The Skin GLOW supplement from Fabulous Pharmacist contains a great dose of Zinc - one of our favourites here in clinic!
5. Probiotics
Not everyone knows this, but gut health and skin health are strongly linked. Probiotics are one of the most commonly used supplements to support gut health!
Have you ever heard of Dysbiosis? It's an imbalance in your gut mirobiome which can actually lead to skin issues such as acne and rosacea.
So, taking a probiotic supplement can restore healthy gut bactiera balance and in turn, support the skin through acne and dermatitis.
I do want to note here that a probiotic is not a miracle cure for gut health - your lifestyle, diet, sleep and arguably most important, stress levels all play a key role your gut health.
6. Vitamin A
Arguably, we may have left the best until last here -Vitamin A.
Vitamin A is often referred to as the Skin Vitmain - and I love it for both topical use, and in supplement form.
Most of us know Vitamin A in topical for as retinoids - retinol, retinal, tretinoin are all forms of topical Vitamin A.
When it comes to Vitamin A supplementation - it's great for both boosting skin cell reproduction, and providing us with anti-oxidant protection.
Just as I mentioned with Vitamin C - I believe you'll see the best results from Vitamin A when you combine topical and supplements in your routine.
Word of warning - it's not recommended to take Vitamin A supplements while pregnant and breastfeeding! It's also best to discuss Vitamin A supplements with your medical practictioner before starting!
Not everyone needs all of these supplements, and I always advise speaking with your own GP before starting any new supplements. It's also unlikely that any of these supplements will solve your skin concerns on their own. I truly believe the best way to ensure healthy skin is to use quality skincare - consistently.