For centuries, human beings have been applying lotions and potions, creams and salves to their skin to help nourish it and look its best.
More recently, there has been a lot of development in what you can put inside your body to help you look your best on the outside. From Collagen to Co Q10, Biotin to Beauty Complex, it can feel like a bit of a minefield to navigate to know what's right for you.
We're making it simple by taking a look at our favourite beauty boosting supplements to help you feel confident in your choices
Collagen
Collagen is a protein found in the body that, as well as making up connective tissue and ligaments, is also a component of your skin. Collagen production in the body unfortunately starts to decline after the age of 25, and more rapidly after 40, and in women as they approach menopause. This can result in sagging skin, brittle hair and nails and an overarching feeling of not looking your best.
Supplementing can help increase levels of collagen in the body and improve the appearance of hair, skin and nails. There are two types - bovine (derived from cows) and marine (derived from fish), and can be taken as either a capsule, or mixing powdered collagen into drinks such as smoothies or coffee. There are also other benefits of taking collagen, including supporting joint health, so taking a collagen supplement is well worth considering.
We love Nature's Plus Collagen Peptides, or if you're looking for an Irish brand, try Healthreach Collagen Pure
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Biotin
Biotin - also known as Vitamin B7 - is one of the many B-vitamins which help the body produce energy and keep your nervous system healthy. Biotin also can improve hair health and reduce brittle nails, and is therefore often a key ingredient in hair, skin and nails supplements. You'll also see Biotin used as a key ingredient in hair products.
You can up your Biotin levels by taking a capsule, or as a B-Complex, where you will also benefit from the the rest of the B-vitamins.
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Hyaluronic Acid
A definite buzz word in skincare for the last few years, hyaluronic acid is a clear substance naturally found in the body to help keep tissues moist. About half of the hyaluronic acid in your body is found in your skin, where it binds with water, helping to keep your skin soft and supple. However, as with collagen, the body produces less of it as you age, so it can help to supplement, as well as using beauty products that contain it. Well hydrated skin can better ward off wrinkles and sagginess - no wonder so many people consider this a wonder-ingredient!
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Vitamin E
Vitamin E is an essential antioxidant, effective at combatting the effects of free radicals on the body. It can also provide nutritional support for the skin when taken as a supplement, plus many skincare products have vitamin E has a key ingredient, particularly useful on very dry skin
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Co Q10
Co-enzyme Q10 or ubiquinol as it is also known, is another key antioxidant produced by the body that can counteract free radicals, but whose production also diminishes with age. Many beauty products contain CoQ10 to be applied topically, but it is also useful taken as a supplement. Often also used to support energy, CoQ10 supplements can help energise the skin as it prevents it from environmental stresses
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Beauty Complex
One sure-fire way to ensure you're getting the right mix of beauty-boosting nutrients in your routine is to opt for a beauty complex which contains a blend of each of the above active ingredients to help achieve what you're looking for. We have a selection of complexes especially formulated for hair, skin and nails. One of our faves is the Revive Active Beauty Complex with marine collagen, hyaluronic acid, phytoceramides and biotin!
