The Best Beauty Supplements for Skin, Hair and Nails
To help you feel and look your best, your body needs a well balanced and healthy diet with plenty of vitamins and minerals. Some of these vitamins are essential for keeping skin, hair and nails healthy and in good condition. With a balanced diet, you should be able to get these vitamins and minerals from your food, but if you're on a restricted diet, or lacking in a particular nutrient, it can be a good idea to take a supplement to fill in any dietary 'gaps'. If you think you have a vitamin or mineral deficiency, you should also consult with your GP before trying any supplements, as your deficiency may be as a result of an underlying health condition. Here's our guide to some of the vitamins your body needs for glowing skin, healthy hair and strong nails.
Important vitamins for healthy skin, hair and nails
Shopping for the right beauty supplements and vitamins for skin, hair and nails can be confusing, as there are so many options on the market promising all kinds of results. Here are the most important vitamins for healthy skin, hair and nails that your body needs.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A (also known as retinol), is vital for healthy skin as it promotes regeneration and skin health. It can help prevent breakouts and conditions such as acne, speed up the skin's healing process, and support its natural moisture barrier. It can also maintain the health of the skin's two outermost layers, called the dermis and epidermis. You can find Vitamin A in oily fish, eggs, cheese, dairy products and low-fat spreads.
Riboflavin (Vitamin B2)
Riboflavin is found in dairy products like milk, as well as eggs and rice. It helps the body retain collagen, which is important to prevent ageing and inflammation of the skin. Riboflavin can also speed up wound healing.
Vitamin B7 (Biotin)
Biotin is made naturally in the gut, and is important for maintaining healthy skin and hair. If your diet is varied and mineral-rich, your gut will produce enough biotin itself. Some people however may need a supplement. Biotin is important for maintaining skin's appearance, including how smooth and hydrated it looks. Biotin also helps the body maintain strong and healthy nails, making them grow more quickly.
Vitamin B3 (Niacin)
Niacin helps to reduce enlarged pores, preventing blackheads and other dirt from entering the skin. It can also brighten the complexion, strengthen the skin's natural barrier, and tackle fine lines and wrinkles. You can find niacin in dairy products like cheese and milk, as well as meat, fish and wheat.
Vitamin C
Although it's regularly taken for colds, Vitamin C is actually a wonder-vitamin for the skin. It improves discolouration, tackles fine lines, eases dark under-eye bags and circles, brightens the skin, and prevents sagging. This is because Vitamin C helps the body to produce collagen, which is vital to keep skin staying plump, wrinkle-free and revitalised. Vitamin C is found in citrus fruits, berries, tomatoes, potatoes and cauliflower.
Zinc
Zinc is a metal that's important for healthy skin, hair and nails. It has antioxidant properties, and is great for easing inflammation and redness. It can also soothe dry and rough patches on the skin's surface when applied topically. You'll find it in many foods including dairy products, nuts, seeds, shellfish, lentils and meat.
Other things you can do to help your skin, hair and nails
Sun damage is one of the main reasons behind ageing, dull and dehydrated skin. Always apply a sunscreen when going outside. Avoiding alcohol and smoking is another way to ensure healthy skin and nails. You can maintain healthier hair by avoiding excess heat damage, by applying conditioning hair masks and by protecting your hair from the sun.
Choosing the right beauty supplements for skin, hair and nails
With so many manufacturers and products to choose from, it can be confusing to choose the right hair, nail and skin supplements for you. Here are a few things to consider:
Check for quality ingredients
Look for products that contain good quality ingredients. Research what's in the bottle or pack carefully, and make sure that any products are made without artificial additives. Some blended formulations will not have ingredient lists from the manufacturers, so use caution and be mindful of any ingredients that you may have allergies or reactions to.
Check for brand reputation
Always buy vitamins and supplements from a trusted retailer and brand. Look out for ingredients and formulations that are tested by a third-party where possible, and read user reviews.
Check for safety
You should always check with your GP before taking any supplements to ensure that they are right for you to take. This is especially if you're pregnant or breastfeeding, as some vitamins and minerals can interact with and/or cancel out effects of certain medications.
Our favourite beauty supplements for skin, hair and nails
HealthAid SkinVit Tablets 60
If your skin is looking dull and tired for multiple reasons, you may need a supplement that tackles all of the causes. Your skin, hair and nails are a reflection of your overall health, and if you're feeling fatigued, stressed or lacking in certain vitamins and minerals in your diet, HealthAid SkinVit is an all-in one solution. When taken with food, it offers a blend of minerals, trace elements, vitamins, antioxidants, amino acids and digestive enzymes to support your body and promote the natural production of vitamins such as biotin, which aids skin, hair and nail health.
HealthAid HyaluroVit Tablets 30
Hyaluronic acid is naturally found in the skin, and is important for retaining its delicate structure, moisture levels, elasticity and repair process. Hyaluronic acid helps the body to attract and hold water, helping your skin to look more plumped, with fewer wrinkles. Hyaluronic acid can also aid the healing process. Hyalurovit tablets can be taken to boost hyaluronic acid levels, preventing ageing, boosting hydration, promoting healthy skin cell growth and improving skin's elasticity. They can also be used to treat skin conditions such as acne and pimples, and dry skin conditions.
HealthAid Radiance Tablets 60
If your skin and nails are looking dull and unhealthy, it may be because you're lacking in collagen production. Our skin naturally loses collagen as we age. Collagen is important for making up connective tissue, and for ensuring skin's hydration levels. HealthAid Radiance Tablets contain Vitamin C, collagen and amino acids to boost skin's plumpness, improve hair strength and maintain healthy nails. They're suitable for treating weak or brittle hair, skin conditions like acne, or split and damaged nails.
HealthAid Hair-Vit Capsules 90
The condition of our hair is a good indication of our overall health. Stress, life changes such as the menopause, dietary changes, illness and the ageing process can all take its toll on our hair. Hair-Vit capsules are designed to give your locks the essential amino acids and vitamins they need to grow long and strong. Suitable for both men and women, the formula can help reduce hair loss, while nourishing and thickening hair that is currently growing.
HealthAid HairSkinNail Formula Tablets 30
HairSkiNail Tablets are an ideal supplement for hair, skin and nail problems. They're also rich in B vitamins, which help to improve digestion and metabolism. Vitamin E helps with hormonal imbalances, and amino acids help to protect against free radical damage, which can impact the skin. Use for healthy, strong nails and smooth skin with an improved complexion. They can be used to treat split, broken and brittle nails, split ends and hair prone to breakage, and skin conditions like acne and eczema.
By Rhysa Phommachanh, BA (Hons) Specialist Skincare and Media Make-Up
