In recent times an increasing number of women have started to adopt beauty supplements into their daily routine.
It’s shouldn’t come as a surprise really; we all want to look our best.
So, as clear skin, beautiful hair and long, robust nails are all linked with good health, it follows that we should all want to give our bodies a helping hand in getting the proper nutrition it needs.
According one study, the global women’s health and beauty supplements market is expected to hit a whopping US $58 billion this year.
That is a lot of extra help being sought!
But what exactly are beauty supplements, and how can they benefit you?
In this article we will highlight what they are, to help you decide if they are right for you.
What Are Beauty Supplements?
As its name alludes, beauty supplements are designed to supplement certain insufficiencies in your diet.
Generally, these supplements include high doses of vitamins A, C and E, as well as minerals like zinc, calcium and magnesium.
Taking them on a regular basis, helps to nourish, enhance and support your immune system, as well as your skin, nails and hair. Essentially filling in the gaps in which you are lacking.
For instance, if your body has low levels of vitamin b, this will soon become evident in the appearance of your hair and nails, along with a range of other symptoms.
Should this be the case, then a supplement rich in biotin, in conjunction with a healthy, well-balanced diet can be very helpful.
Beauty supplements can take various forms, including tablets, powder, liquid, capsules and gummy lollies. The right ones for you to take, will depend on your tolerance and required dosage.
How Effective are Beauty Supplements?
There is no black and white answer when it comes to ascertaining how effective beauty supplements are.
While it is generally acknowledged that your hair, skin, nails and immune system can benefit from taking them, other factors can influence their results too.
Everyone’s body is different and does not process vitamins and minerals at the same rate. Also, the degree to which you are stressed can affect its success too.
So, therefore, just because a beauty supplement is working very well for a friend or relative of yours, it does not necessarily mean it will be as good for you.
For this reason, you would be well advised to learn, both about how your body operates and the science behind how beauty supplements are made.
That way, you will be able to make an informed choice about what is right for you and your body.
Which types of Beauty Supplements can I Take?
As mentioned at the beginning of this article, the global women’s health and beauty supplements market is massive.
There are hundreds of different brands of beauty supplements out there, including those offered by leading companies like Life Botanics.
Through a simple browse of the shelves, or a search online, you will come across many different types like biotin, peptides, probiotics, collagen, antioxidants and resveratrol. Not to mention vitamins that seem to represent every single letter of the alphabet. Some of which might well confuse you.
So, it is a good idea to take some time to understand a bit more about them, to ascertain how they might be able to help you.
Vitamins A, C, and E
Collectively, Vitamins A, C, and E are all renowned for their anti-aging properties.
All of them have been scientifically proven to make skin healthier and lessen the appearance of wrinkles, crow’s feet and fine lines.
Individually, vitamin A boasts fast cell-turnover properties, while vitamin C helps to produce collagen, improve skin tone and brighten dark spots. Vitamin E meanwhile, enables the skin to retain moisture, which in turn ensures it stays youthful looking and plump.
Antioxidants
Within your body, antioxidants help to safeguard our cells from the damage that can be caused by free radicals.
While these happen naturally as a result of normal body processes, they can be expedited by other factors like UV rays from the sun, or smoking.
This can result in the aging process being sped up and can even contribute to the onset of cancer and cardiovascular disease.
For this reason, Vitamin E is a very important antioxidant as it serves to keep cell membranes safe and stops damage from occurring to the enzymes that are linked with them. It also fortifies your body against chronic diseases that are caused by free radicals.
The likes of Vitamin C and D, as well as selenium and zinc, are also present in antioxidant supplements. All of which can boost and strengthen your immune system.
Probiotics
When it comes to your digestive health, probiotics can be a significant help.
Providing you with ‘good’ bacteria and yeasts, they assist your body to balance its gut microorganisms. Some research also suggests it can improve your skin and oral health too.
Probiotics are present in yogurt and fermented foods. Generally probiotic supplements and foods are considered safe for most people to consume.
Though if you have a serious health condition, or a compromised or weak immune system, it is probably a good idea to seek guidance from your doctor prior to taking them.
Collagen and Peptides
Naturally formulated in the body by combining amino acids, collagen and peptides form the protein which maintains the elasticity and strength of our skin.
They are also known to possess physiological and nutritional properties which contribute to healthy joints and bones as well as smooth, silky skin.
The older we get, the less collagen our bodies produce, which leads to a greater propensity for sagging skin and brittle nails and bones.
Several studies have shown that those who ingest collagen on a daily basis, as well as other ingredients like biotin for a period of 12 weeks, displayed much improved skin smoothness, elasticity and hydration than those who didn’t.
Biotin
Deriving from the B vitamin family, Biotin is a water-soluble vitamin that is very important for your body.
Should your body be biotin-deficit, it will display it through signs like brittle nails and hair loss.
One way to counter this is to eat foods that have high sources of biotin. This includes the likes of liver, kidneys, egg yolk, soybeans, legumes, cereals, whole grains and nuts like peanuts, pecans, almonds and walnuts.
If you want to take a biotin supplement, the recommended dose is 30 to 100 mcg per day. Although most people can easily handle it, there are some who might experience side effects like digestive problems and nausea.
Subsequently, if you find yourself losing a lot of hair, or your nails easily start to break off, it is a good idea to consult your doctor to see if this type of supplement is appropriate for you.
Resveratrol
Present in grapes, peanuts, red wine and some berries, resveratrol acts as an antioxidant.
Derived from a plant compound, it can provide you with cardiovascular support, as well as extra vigour and vitality, by enhancing your ability to perform physical functions.
As resveratrol can interact with several different types of medications it is worth seeking clarification from a doctor if you have a medical condition, are pregnant, or on strong medication.
Consult with a Healthcare Professional
While some people are still in two minds about the effectiveness of beauty supplements, others have embraced it wholeheartedly.
There is strong evidence that they can improve your overall health and beauty, not to mention slow down the aging process, as we said previously it might work for everyone.
If you are interested in taking beauty supplements, the best thing you can do is make an appointment with a doctor or other relevant health care professional.
They will be able to analyse and evaluate a wide range of factors in your life, to come up with a proper solution and strategy to combat your beauty concerns.
What You Need To Know About Beauty Supplements is a feature post
