Healthy, radiant skin is a coveted asset, and taking good care of your skin isn’t just about what you apply externally with skincare treatments—it’s also about how you nourish it from within. As such, supplements like collagen, probiotics, and vitamins have become increasingly popular for those seeking to increase their skin’s glow. Below, we explain when they may be helpful, and other key ways to care for your skin.
Supplements for skin health
You’ve likely come across the aisles of skin-enhancing supplements touting benefits ranging from boosting hydration to reducing wrinkles. Common choices include omega fatty acids, vitamin C, biotin, and collagen, with new ingredients frequently trending.
While some studies suggest that certain supplements can have a positive effect on skin’s appearance and health, supplements are not FDA-regulated. Neither their effectiveness nor their safety are guaranteed, with the manufacturers of these supplements holding the responsibility for making sure they are accurately labeled in terms of ingredients, concentrations, and results.
Even with a trusted manufacturer of a healthy supplement, it is best to get your doctor’s input before deep-diving into supplementation; for example, even an important nutrient like Vitamin A can have negative effects if you consume too much of it, just as if you consume too little.
When to consider supplements
A balanced diet generally provides the essential nutrients our skin needs, but factors like aging, dietary restrictions, and environmental stressors might create specific deficiencies that can affect your skin’s health and appearance. Talk with your primary care doctor, dermatologist, or nutritionist about your diet and skin health needs to determine the best course of action.
While supplements might offer some benefits, it’s essential to approach them as a complement, not a replacement, to a healthy lifestyle, as your skin’s health often mirrors your overall wellbeing.
While supplements might offer some benefits, it’s essential to approach them as a complement, not a replacement, to a healthy lifestyle.
How to create a “holistic” skincare routine
The skin requires a spectrum of vitamins, minerals, and protein to maintain its glow, elasticity, and resilience. It also requires protection and hydration. So before buying into the hype around the new, trendy skincare supplement, make sure you are utilizing these natural, yet highly effective, ways to boost your skin health:
Balanced diet
Your diet should be rich in colorful fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. The same nutrients that support the health of your whole body also contribute to skin health.
Hydration
Water plays a crucial role in keeping skin hydrated and supple, among other functions, so ensure you are drinking as much water as your body needs every day.
Sun protection
Protecting your skin from harmful UV rays is essential to maintaining a healthy skin barrier and staving off signs of aging. Regularly apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 30, even on cloudy days or indoors. Wear hats and sunglasses when outdoors, and try to get shade whenever possible, as any amount of UV exposure is known to contribute to the development of skin cancer.
Professional skin treatments
If you would like to see more dramatic results, prepare your skin for a special occasion, or treat a specific concern like acne or wrinkles, consider professional skincare services offered under the direction of a board-certified cosmetic surgeon. At our St. Clair Shores plastic surgery practice, we offer medical treatments to effectively and directly enhance skin quality and boost collagen production:
Depending on your goals for your skin, our team can customize your skin treatment to help support a radiant complexion with little-to-no downtime.
About Dr. George Goffas at Cosmetic Surgeons of Michigan
With over fifteen years of experience in cosmetic surgery, Dr. George Goffas offers a full range of procedures, surgical and non-surgical, to help you reach your goals safely. Schedule a consultation by calling 586-773-6900 or contacting us online today.
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