These Health Supplements Can Actually Help You Get Better Skin

Vitamins for beauty? Yes, please.

Aug 7, 2020

The global health crisis may still be looming over our heads right now, but here’s an upside: It’s reminded us that health is truly wealth, and is pushing people to take more proactive steps in achieving wellness.

If you’re already getting your regular dose of vitamins and immune boosters, then good for you! If not, better late than never. Even better: We’re here to help you maximize your benefits by clueing you in on the health supplements that also aid in skin care—so you get a glow-up from the inside and on the outside.

But first, a quick primer: Health supplements, also called nutritional or dietary supplements, are products manufactured to supplement the diet by providing specific nutrients, minerals, or vitamins. They are usually taken by mouth as a pill, capsule, tablet or liquid.

Though they can deliver a myriad of benefits, Dr. Maximin Navarro, Fellow of the Philippine Dermatological Society (PDS) and co-founder of Bella Pelle Philippines, explains that supplements are primarily made to “fill in the gaps in your diet, and that a balanced nutrition from natural sources, like your meat, seafood, fruits and vegetables, are still best.” It’s also ideal that you discuss what supplements you’re taking with your doctor for better integration and management.

Here, he shares his top picks—all of which can do wonders for your skin:

If you’re struggling with: Acne

For those prone to breakouts, zinc is a very helpful nutrient as it speeds up the skin’s healing process especially after an injury. Dr. Navarro also recommends looking for these ingredients: copper a.k.a. zinc’s twin mineral; fish oil, which is rich in Omega-3 and 6 fatty acids that soothe inflammation; Vitamin D, which has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties; and Vitamin B Complex, which help in cell renewal.

Also advantageous in your quest for clear skin: Probiotics, thanks to their antibacterial action; magnesium, which inhibits the production of stress hormone cortisol (a known acne trigger); and selenium, an anti-infection and anti-inflammatory agent.

Biretix Oral, P1,300	Metagenics PhytoMulti, P2,200
Metagenics OmegaGenics EPA-DHA 720, P1,600	Metagenics D3 2000 Complex, P1,500

If you’re struggling with: Dull or dry skin

As we age, our body produces less collagen, a major protein that’s responsible for keeping skin plump, supple, and youthful. This is why collagen treatments and supplements are popular in skin care, as they help ward off dullness and sagging. Hyaluronic acid, meanwhile, is crucial in keeping skin moisturized and in reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. For best results, you can combine your collagen supplements with hyaluronic acid, as they boost each other’s effects.

Of course, you can’t go wrong with Vitamin C, which delivers potent antioxidant powers to protect and repair skin while also stimulating collagen production. Carotenoids, a.k.a. pigments that produce the bright yellow, red, and orange color in fruits and vegetables—and which can now be ingested as oral carotenoids—are also antioxidant powerhouses that help improve skin tone and firmness. Lastly, don’t forget about probiotics, which promote healthy skin by balancing your body’s microflora and improving hydration.

Mesoestetic Collagen 360 Elixir, P6,500	Yllume White Caps, P3,000
Metagenics Ultra Potent-C 500, P1,300	Metagenics Ultra Flora Balance, P2,600

If you’re struggling with: Signs of aging

Aside from being effective in lightening the skin, glutathione is a known anti-ager, too, thanks to its potent antioxidant powers that protect the skin from free radical damage. Plus, it helps the body regenerate Vitamins C and E—just two of the major vitamins, alongside Vitamins A and D, that are crucial in helping skin stay young-looking (You can get all these in your multivitamins, like the Metagenics PhytoMulti.)

Other powerful antioxidants include resveratrol, which is also found in red wine and is been known to help reduce fine lines and wrinkles, and fernblock (a.k.a. the extract of the fern Polypodium leucotomos), which defends skin against UV damage.

Pure Encapsulations Reduced Glutathione	Pure Encapsulations Resveratrol Extra
Heliocare 360 Ultra Capsules, P2,100	Heliocare Pure White MAX 240, P4,500

If you’re struggling with: Skin sensitivity

Probiotics, whether applied topically or taken orally, are especially beneficial for those with chronic inflammation or skin conditions like rosacea and eczema, as they help calm the skin down and ward off infection. Antioxidants like Vitamins C, D, E, are also ideal for sensitive types since they offer added protection from external aggressors.

You may also want to check out zinc, copper, collagen, and Omega-3 and 6 supplements to help strengthen delicate skin.

Metagenics UltraFlora Spectrum, P3,000

Metagenics PhytoMulti, P2,200

Bonus: If you want to boost your immune system

Of course, beauty goals aside, let it be clear that health supplements are primarily designed to improve one’s overall health by supplying the vitamins and nutrients that our bodies need and augment any deficiencies we might have. They’re also extremely beneficial in helping improve the immune system, which is crucial in this day and age of COVID-19.

That said, don’t forget to dose up on your most basic vitamins like Vitamins C, D, and E (which are all present in this multivitamin) as well important minerals, such as zinc and copper, to keep the immune system strong.

And remember: For specific health and skin conditions, it’s always best to consult with your physician or dermatologist. You can book your online derma consult here.

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SHOP OTHER PRODUCTS:

Metagenics Bone Builder with Magnesium (+Calcium+MCHC+Vit D+Phosphorous), P1,700	Metagenics Zinc A.G., P1,200
Pure Encapsulations Zinc 15	Biretix Oral, P1,300