Our skin is one of our most treasured organs on our body. As we constantly aspire to maintain a youthful and healthy appearance for as long as possible, we look for products associated with terms like “flexible,” “soft,” “smooth” and “wrinkle-free.” Before assuming that vitamins and supplements alone will magically do exactly what we want them to do to our skin, it is important to understand the proper way to nourish our bodies from the inside out, focusing on the most biologically foundational level.
Get hydrated. Water is first and foremost the most vital element you can consume in order to facilitate proper functioning of the skin and the cells. According to Nutraceuticals World, “An absence or shortage of water leads to a dry, flaky and scaly appearance, or even xerosis.”
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The regulation of water is mainly dependent on the nature of the skin’s most external layer, known as the stratum corneum. This selectively permeable, heterogeneous, composite epidermal stratum is the primary barrier, meaning that it is constantly exposed to major desiccation, stress and damaging agents like wind and heat.
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In addition to proper hydration, there is a wide variety of topical treatments and ingestible supplements that can help enhance the natural powers of water’s function beneath the skin.
Nutrilux Glow Vitamin Bubbles. These blue bubbles deliver an advanced nutrient formula that renews your hair, skin and nails from the inside out. As stated on their website, “Glow contains a revitalizing combination of Vitamin C, biotin and type I collagen to build stronger and healthier hair, skin and nails.” It also contains a blend of vitamins, plant extracts, essential oils and antioxidants that help build tighter brighter skin and protect against free radical damage to your cells for youthful radiance. Check ’em out here.
Beauty Nectar by Asheida. Asheida’s clinical research studies helped them support the validity of their product’s intention. Specifically, they claim, “skin becomes firmer with better suppleness, hydration, resilience and strength when supplementing your diet with a drink containing hydrologized collagen.” Some might think that drinking collagen is a bizarre method in order to revitalize their skin, but the findings from their research encourages consumers to give it a try. Click here to learn more.
Jane Iredale’s Skin Accumax. Although this product contains similar hydrating properties to other treatments, it is aimed more towards reducing acne. According to their website, “Skin Accumax contains a synergistic combination of vitamins and plant nutrients which address the underlying factors of non-cystic acne.” It also contains skin-loving nutrients such as Vitamin A, E, C plus a plant nutrient called diindolymethane which is found in broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage and kale. Learn more about them by clicking here.
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HUM Here Comes the Sun. An estimated 1 billion people people worldwide are Vitamin D deficient, according to Harvard’s School of Public Health. Research has shown that “Vitamin D can boost elasticity and collagen production in the skin while also reducing the appearance of lines, dark spots and acne”. Basically, Vitamin D supplements allow you to enjoy all of the beauty benefits of the sun without having to worry about its damaging rays! Get yours here.
Simple Being Beauty Beans. These beans include ingredients like Biotin, Silica and a long list of vitamins that help promote healthy nails and radiant hair. According to their website, “Biotin, or Vitamin H, plays an important role in promoting healthy nerves and digestive tracts, but also supports healthy and strong hair, skin and nails… Silica helps the body better absorb calcium and bring out the natural beauty of hair, skin and nails”. Check it out!
NeoCell Beauty Bursts. These beauty bursts are perfect for those with a sweet tooth! This product delivers high absorption beauty nutrients in gourmet soft chews. Collagen type I and III are the body’s beauty proteins which strengthen skin, hair and nails. Here’s the description: “Hyaluronic Acid is known as ‘Nature’s Moisturizer’ and hydrates the skin. Vitamin C is essential to boosting collagen in the skin. Together, these three beauty nutrients work together to build beautiful skin from the inside out.” (Fun fact: In 2013, this was chosen as “Best of Natural Beauty” in Better Nutrition Magazine, and “Best Beauty Supplement” in Delicious Living Magazine) Click here to learn more.
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Other ingredients to look for:
Primrose seed oil—which, according to Nutraceuticals World, has “substantial levels of linoleic acid, gamma-linoleic acid, alpha-linolenic acid and ceramides, which improve essential fatty acids levels and skin barrier functions, normalize excessive transepidermal water loss, smooth the skin and modulate inflammatory reactions.”
Diffuporine—this topical hydrating agent “protects against dehydration by activating the human AQP3 promoter and inducing its protein transcription… Induced type I collagen synthesis and keratinocytes proliferation, which provide skin resiliency, strength, compactness and firmness”.
Omega-3, 6, 9— help the oil glands work better and also support the fatty membranes that surround each skin cell.
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