A wellness expert explains in detail
The beauty industry has expanded in a whole new direction in the last couple of years with the birth of a new category that marries perfectly with your daily water intake (and we all know how vital drinking water is for the health of your skin). Beauty supplements - specifically those that promise to encourage naturally-glowing skin, shiny hair and strong nails - are some of the most talked-about products on our site. If you want to catch up on the trend, read our recent stories on Bioglan’s Inner Glow Beauty Water, our supplements guide for anyone over 40 and how to improve your skin with edible beauty.
Given this is such a fast-growing beauty category and there are already so many brands and forms of ingestible beauty supplements on the market, it can be difficult to find the right ones for your lifestyle. “Beauty supplements will normally take the form of a tablet, capsule, powder or liquid,” says João Paulino de Carvalho, Swisse Wellness Expert. “These different formats are all effectively absorbed by the body at the gut level, with some being absorbed more readily than others. These supplements are typically a source of proteins, amino acids, minerals and various antioxidants, which are metabolised and delivered via our bloodstream to various tissues and organs, including our skin.”
So, how do we differentiate the efficacy of each of these forms?
“Most tablets need to be broken down into smaller bits to then be properly absorbed by the body,” continues Paulino de Carvalho. “This process is known as disintegration. By mixing a powder with a liquid, we’re skipping the disintegration step and so absorption will occur more readily.”
Interestingly, this doesn’t seem to affect how our bodies absorb these minerals. “The time difference doesn’t necessarily amount to a noticeable improvement in efficacy, as far as beauty supplements are concerned. So, pick whichever form (tablet, powder, liquid) is more convenient for you.”
Looking to reach your beauty goals by incorporating ingestibles into your daily routine? Here are some suggestions that can boost the appearance of your hair, skin and eyes.
1
If you want brighter eyes
Ingredient to try: “Lutein has been highlighted for its role in eye health. This nutrient can accumulate in the eyes, where it exerts a protective effect against free radical damage,” says Paulino de Carvalho. “Bilberry extract is also a powerful antioxidant with a long history of use for eye health.”
Find it in: Swisse Women's Ultivite Tablets, which contain 50 vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and herbs, including lutein, to address energy production and brighter-looking eyes.
2
If you want to improve your skin
Ingredients to try: “Potent antioxidants, which have been investigated for their beneficial effects on skin health, include coenzyme Q10, green tea, resveratrol and carotenoids (such as beta-carotene and lycopene), as well as vitamin C, which plays a key role in the synthesis of new collagen in our skin.”
Find it in: Vida Glow Beauty Skin, which features a powerhouse blend of fermented foods including sweet potato, which is a great source of beta-carotene and vitamin C to nurture the largest organ on your body - your skin.
3
If you want stronger hair and nails
Ingredients to try: There are a few ingredients you can reach for to promote healthy hair and nails. “Research has shown that biotin, also known as vitamin B7, is deeply involved in the formation of keratin - the most abundant protein in hair and nails. Vitamin B5, silica and amino acids such as L-cysteine have also been investigated for their positive effects on hair strength and shine.”
Find it in: Swisse Ultiboost Hair Skin Nails Liquid, which brings together silica, blood orange and vitamin C to strengthen the skin’s barrier and increase collagen production.
Get the lowdown on how healthy your hair is with this easy at-home strand test.
Do you take any beauty supplements? If you do, which ones are you taking at the moment? Let us know in the comments below.
Main image credit: @reesewitherspoon
Iantha is BEAUTYcrew's Beauty Editor, and has been part of the team since the site launched in 2016. Besides pinky-nude nail polish and wispy false lashes, she has a healthy obsession with face masks and skin care ingredients. Her previous work can be found in Virgin Australia Voyeur, Women's Health, and SHOP Til You Drop.
