Beauty
7 Ingredients To Look For In Beauty & Wellness Supplements, Plus Their Benefits
Beauty
7 Ingredients To Look For In Beauty & Wellness Supplements, Plus Their Benefits
Here are some of the most common vitamins, minerals and other nutrients you'll find in nutricosmetics, as well as their benefits. You'll often find combination of these ingredients in a single product.
Collagen
Currently one of the most popular ingredients in the world of nutricosmetics, hydrolyzed collagen, an animal protein (which can come from chicken cartilage or from bovine, porcine or marine origin), helps to improve skin hydration and elasticity. It’s a good source of amino acid lysine, essential for collagen formation. “We’re also starting to hear about vegan collagen, a combination of synthetic amino acids and vitamin C, but there’s still little on the market because more research is needed to demonstrate the effectiveness,” says Nathalie Pelletier, director of research and development at Functionalab.
Zinc
This mineral can help fight acne and inflammation while supporting the production of keratin, which works to support healthy hair, nails and skin.
Omega-3
Omega-3 fatty acids seem to have anti-inflammatory properties, with some studies showing improvement in conditions like acne and psoriasis. Omega-3s can also help soften skin and decrease dryness, regulating sebum production from the inside out.
Vitamin C
With its antioxidant and brighten- ing power, vitamin C has long been popular in topical skin care. From the inside, it also helps fight the effects of free radicals while boosting the skin’s collagen production, which is why this vitamin is often found in collagen powders and capsules.
Vitamin E
In addition to its antioxidant properties, this fat-soluble vitamin can reduce damage caused by sun exposure and improve skin’s texture and moisture levels. Vitamin E is also known to strengthen hair and nails.
Biotin
Often found in formulas marketed to strengthen hair and nails, biotin, also known as vitamin B7 or vitamin H, helps with the production of keratin. Research suggests those with a deficiency may benefit from a supplement, but as biotin deficiency is rare, most of the benefits, including the thickening of nails and decreased hair loss, are anecdotal.
Coenzyme Q10
By defending against free radicals in the body, this antioxidant helps reduce collagen and elastin damage from sources like the sun and pollution. It may also slow visible signs of aging by replenish- ing our levels of Coenzyme Q10, which decrease in our bodies as we age.
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