While it sounds cliché, beauty really does come from within, and no, we’re not just referring to how you treat thy neighbour (although that’s a priority). With an increasing range of vitamins, minerals and supplements (VMS) being added to pharmacy shelves, probably due largely to social media influence, it’s difficult to determine what, from the abundance of VMS products, genuinely enhances one’s beauty and what doesn’t. This month, Retail Pharmacy Assistants looks at which VMS items to pull off the shelf when customers are looking for an extra something to add to their beauty routine.
When looking at supplements that refine beauty, we’re generally referring to products that can help strengthen the skin, hair and nails. It’s good to preface that there’s no magic pill to give someone a whole cup of beauty, but today there are plenty of supplements that can be used to provide a boost.
Collagen
Collagen has been a buzzword for the past few years, with brands capitalising on its power to strengthen the skin and hair.
Our bodies already produce collagen, a protein that can be found in the bones, skin, muscles and other areas. It plays an essential role in skin health, and consuming collagen supplements has been shown to strengthen the skin’s elasticity and hydration.1<superscript>
Several studies have also demonstrated that collagen can reduce wrinkles and signs of ageing, with other research pointing to its help with brittle nails and weak hair.1
Collagen as a supplement mostly comes in powder form but is also available as capsules, while it can be ingested through bone broth and pork skin.1
Greens powder
Greens powder has increased in popularity over recent years. Ingredient levels differ depending on the specific product, but greens powder generally contains the following:2
- Leafy greens such as spinach, kale, collards and parsley.
- Seaweed such as spirulina, chlorella, dulse and kelp.
- Other vegetables such as broccoli, beets, carrots, tomatoes and green cabbage.
- Grasses such as barley grass, wheat, oat and alfalfa grass.
- High-antioxidant fruits such as blueberries, raspberries, goji and acai berries.
- Nutritional extracts such as green tea and grape seed.
- Probiotics.
- Plant-based digestive enzymes.
- Herbs.
- Mushrooms.
- Natural sugar substitutes such as stevia.
- Extra fibre such as rice bran, inulin and apple fibre.
Greens powder is generally low in calories and includes vitamins A, C and K as well as plant compounds. Its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory functions help rid the body of toxins, prevent bloating and add a pep to your step.2
Omega-3
Omega-3 is a fatty acid essential for helping maintain thick, supple and moisturised skin. If someone is presenting symptoms of dry and flaky skin, it could be due to a deficiency in omega-3, in which case it will be important for them to see their GP.3
Fish oil contains two omega-3s: docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). Dietary sources of DHA and EPA are fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel and trout, and shellfish such as mussels, oysters and crabs.
Those who perhaps can’t stand the smell of fish or hate seafood altogether can augment their omega-3 levels through supplements.
Some studies show that fish oil supplements can help fight inflammatory concerns that affect the skin, such as psoriasis and lupus. Vitamin E, which is added to many commercial fish oil products, acts as an important antioxidant for the skin.3
Keratin
Keratin is a protein that helps form hair, nails and the skin’s outer layer (epidermis). It helps to support the skin, heal wounds and keep nails and hair healthy. It’s often used in hair products to create a shiny, strong and slick feel and look.
Adding protein to the body, keratin supplements are readily available at pharmacies and health food stores in powder or capsule form.4
References:
- Healthline, 2022. ‘Top 6 benefits of taking collagen supplements’. healthline.com/nutrition/collagen-benefits
- Healthline, 2018. ‘Super greens: Are greens powders healthy?’ healthline.com/nutrition/super-greens
- Healthline, 2023. ‘The 12 best foods for healthy skin’. healthline.com/nutrition/12-foods-for-healthy-skin
- Healthline, 2018. ‘What is keratin?’ healthline.com/health/keratin
This feature was originally published in the April issue of Retail Pharmacy Assistants e-magazine.
