My Top 5 Supplements For Healthy Skin

I get asked alot about taking supplements to improve skin conditions. There really is no magic pill. Believe me, if there was I would have found it by now! However, over the years I have seen a few supplements that really do make a difference, both in the improvement of certain conditions like acne and in making the skin appear healthier and younger-looking. Obviously not all supplements are created equal so I’ve included my favorite brands. The good news is also that you can get all of these from delicious food too!

Here are my top 5:

Omega 3s 

Omega 3 fatty acids are not only good for your heart and brain, they can regulate the skin’s oil production, balance hydration, lessen breakouts and minimize signs of aging.

What I take: Nordic Naturals Pro Omega 2000

Food sources: Grass-fed beef, walnuts, flaxseeds, wild-caught salmon and trout, edamame, kidney beans

Probiotics (and Prebiotics)

Probiotics are live organisms that interact with your gut microbiome to inhibit the growth of pathogens while producing beneficial compounds. There are lots of different probiotics so it may be best to consult a Naturopath on which one is right for you. “Prebiotic” is just a fancy term for fiber-rich plant foods. These foods support and improve the activity of probiotics by feeding them! 

What I take: Thorne FloraMend Prime Probiotic

Probiotic foods: Kefir, kombucha, sauerkraut, yogurt and pickles. 

Prebiotic foods: Greens, garlic, onion, leeks, asparagus, bananas, oats, apples, flaxseed

Collagen

Collagen is a major component of your skin. It strengthens it as well as aids in elasticity and hydration. As you age you produce less and less of it. Taking a collagen supplement can help slow down your loss of collagen. I’ve seen it help many people. 

What I take: Vital Proteins Marine Collagen Capsules

Collagen food sources: beef bone broth, skin-on chicken, sardines. Foods that help your body make its own collagen: blueberries, pomegranate, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, aloe vera

Curcumin (Turmeric)

This is actually a spice used throughout the world and its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial properties can help modulate skin health and function. It’s linked to significant improvement in acne, dermatitis, aging, psoriasis and vitiligo. 

What I take: Thorne Curcumin Phytosome

Food Sources: Turmeric, curry powder

Antioxidants

Free radicals are these pesky little things that when left unchecked can cause a lot of damage to the body and speed up the aging process. Free radicals are caused by lots of things including poor diet, smoking, alcohol, chronic stress, exposure to toxins and inflammation. When you have too many free radicals roaming around your system it shows up on the skin as fine lines, wrinkles, dull uneven skin tone, increase in dark spots and sagging skin. Basically they age you!

You can head them off at the pass to some degree with antioxidants. Vitamin C and E supplements are my go-to’s for this. 

What I take:  Sufficient C and Integrative Therapeutics Vitamin E

Antioxidant foods: Berries, dark green leafy vegetables, bell peppers, tomatoes, carrots, quinoa, spices like basil, black pepper and cinnamon. 

This is just a little window into what I take and why. Remember every person is different and these may not all be right for you. Need help figuring it all out and getting started? Schedule a consultation with me today!

Disclaimer: This blog provides general information and discussions about skin health and related subjects. The information and other content provided in this blog, or in any linked materials, are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment.