Get the glowing complexion of your dreams from within
While the best cleanser and the best moisturiser are no-brainers when it comes to a healthy glow, sometimes the best way to fix your skin is from the inside out by taking skin supplements that actually work.
Alongside your skincare routine and eating well, these give your skin the boost it needs to leave it healthy, soft and radiant, as well as targeting specific skin concerns if necessary.
‘Even the healthiest diet cannot provide the body with everything it needs,’ says world-renowned, board certified dermatologist Dr Howard Murad. ‘Supplements ensure optimal nutrition by topping you up with the essential vitamins and minerals your body needs.’
It’s safe to say that both the skin and hair supplements markets are completely saturated, though, and trying to find the ones that work is akin to looking for a needle in a haystack.
Fortunately we’ve done the hard work for you, sorting the functional from the fruitless to bring you the best skin supplements for any skin type. Your skin just got an upgrade.
Skin supplements for collagen
Advanced Nutrition Programme Skin Complete, £45 for 120 capsules
‘After age 26, the body starts to slow down and doesn’t make collagen and elastin as efficiently as it once did,’ says nutritionist Lorraine Perretta of the International Institute for Anti-Ageing. Fine lines and sagging become more apparent and the damage from free radicals can result in pigmentation and dark marks, giving the skin a more aged appearance. This duo is perfect for someone who wants to promote collagen and elastin plus a skin protector in the form of plant antioxidants, containing two pots: Skin Vit A+ to boost collagen and compact elastin, while Skin Antioxidant contains seven free radical-fighting plant antioxidants.’
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Perricone MD Omega 3 – 90 Day Supply, £75, John Lewis
Fatty acids are important for so many health reasons, but did you know they’re essential to a good complexion, too? As a natural anti-inflammatory, Omega-3 can calm particularly angry skin that’s prone to breakouts as well as being an anti-ageing substance.
It’s also thought that there’s a link between having acne and being zinc deficient, so it’s worth also adding one of these supplements to your routine if you’re an acne sufferer.
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Skin supplements for healthy skin
Murad Hydra Glow Supplements, £50, John Lewis
‘Diet has a huge impact on skin and skin’s health, because topical skincare products address only 20% of your skin on the surface,’ says world-renowned, board certified dermatologist Dr Howard Murad. ‘The other 80% of your skin is affected by what you eat and drink, including dietary skin supplements. A key ingredient to look out for in is Glucosamine, which helps create the ideal environment for skin to be healthy and allows it to effectively build Collagen and elastin.’
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See our edit of more top supplements (and the odd hair supplement too) below and shop your favourites for your best skin yet.
Say hello to a clearer, more radiant complexion…
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The Organic Pharmacy Skin Radiance, £45, Fabled
Promoting tissue repair and supporting the skin's circulation and collagen levels, this supplement is (literally) radiance in a bottle. The high concentration of Vitamin C is key to getting that glow. ‘In order for the skin to look good, it needs an arsenal of nutrients to protect and repair daily damage,' says pharmacist and homeopath Margo Marrone, founder of The Organic Pharmacy. 'One of the most powerful collagen boosters are anthrocyanins and vitamin C which are found in abundance in Acai, Bilberry, Rose Hip and Goji Berries. MSM, Glucosamine and Zinc are also essential for skin repair, giving it that youthful bounce.'
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OSKIA Pure MSM, £29.50, Fabled
MSM, which also goes by the more catchy name methylsulfonylmethane, is often referred to as 'the beauty mineral' because of its ability to feed and treat so many aspects of the skin. 'Incorporating MSM supplements into your routine is one of the best decisions you can take to improve your skin health,' says brand founder Georgie Cleeve. 'MSM is the most bio-available form of sulphur, with bring vital for collagen production. It also acts as a fantastic anti-inflammatory, therefore by including MSM in your routine, it will not only act as a preventative measure against skin ageing but also calms reactive or stressed skin, including acne & eczema. Your nails will also thank you for it I promise!'
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Vitabiotics Perfectil Platinum Collagen for Skin, £39.89, Boots
If you suffer from fine lines and wrinkles, Perfectil Platinum Collagen Skin drink is the liquid beauty supplement for you, ensuring you maintain a radiant skin complexion. It also provides vitamin C to help maintain normal collagen formation for the normal function of skin, so it’s win-win. ‘It contains Omega 6 Fatty Acids, which help support hormonal balance, and help to prevent skin breakouts,' explains Harley Street nutritionist Yvonne Bishop-Weston. 'They also have an anti-inflammatory action.’
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Advanced Nutrition Programme Skin Acumax, £39.95 for 60
These skin-clearing supplements boast incredible results for skin that's prone to bad breakouts. 'Many of the problem skin products on the market can be drying or have side effects,' explains Lorraine Perretta of the IIAA. 'This supplement is made from vitamins A, C, E and a plant nutrient found in broccoli. It balances oil production and supports clearer skin. I recommend starting with four a day and then reduce when you achieve the results you want.'
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Dr Barbara Sturm Skin Food, £85 for 60, Cult Beauty
Dr Barbara Sturm has formulated her curated skincare line with her scientific background and know-how - and her supplement is absolutely no different. Packed full of antioxidants such as kudzu and astragalosides, this vegan supplement is the perfect addition to your skincare routine.
