We are always on a mission for clearer, younger looking skin. While topical treatments and regular facials can work WONDERS for an age-defying glow, true skin health starts on the inside. Here are 9 supplements that help promote healthier, younger, and clearer skin.
**As always, please discuss any change in medication or supplement use with your doctor before beginning a new regimen. Full disclaimer can be found at the bottom of this page.
Evening Primrose Oil. This beauty supplement is extracted from the seeds of the Evening Primrose flower and boasts a host of health benefits. Its high levels of the essential fatty acid GLA (gamma-linolenic acid) make it a wonder-supplement that is used to treat a variety of ailments from respiratory health to PMS. Studies have indicated that evening primrose oil can ease skin flare-ups caused by eczema and psoriasis, neutralize free-radicals in the body that cause skin oxidation and wrinkles, and help balance out-of-whack hormones that cause acne.
Ashwagandha. If you haven’t heard of this miracle herb, we are happy to be the ones to introduce you. Ashwaganda has become hugely popular amongst the alternative-medicine crowd, and for good reason. It’s derived from the root of the ashwagandha shrub and has incredible antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, the kind of thing you need if you’re experiencing skin woes. It’s also been shown to reduce stress and anxiety and normalize blood sugar with virtually no known negative side effects. We’re in.
Maca Root – Maca root powder is native to the Andes Mountains in Peru and has been shown to help balance hormones and keep your thyroid in check. It’s rich in iron, iodine, vitamin C, and protein – all essential skin-enhancing nutrients. One study also suggests that maca may even help protect skin from sun damage when applied topically. Aside from it’s amazing skin-enhancing properties, maca has been shown to help reduce stress, enhance energy, and improve your libido. Could we ask for more?
Zinc – An alarming number of women in the US are deficient in Zinc, an essential mineral for a healthy body and healthy skin. According to Corina Crysler, clinical nutritionist and co-founder of Glisodin Skin Nutrients, Zinc helps reduce your body’s production of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a male hormone that can increase your chances of having clogged pores and experiencing acne-causing inflammation. One study goes so far as to suggest that supplementing zinc for acne flare ups is comparable to that of prescribed antibiotics!
Pycnogenol- Pycnogenol is a branded pine bark extract and acts as an antioxidant and helps protect the skin from free radicals, lower blood sugar, reduce skin wound healing time (goodbye annoying pimple scab!), and improve skin elasticity. Need to hear more? Several studies have also claimed that Pycnogenol can help fight cancer.
Omega 3 Fish Oil- The fatty acids in omega 3 fish oil are antioxidant rich and help protect the skin against sun damage, prevent wrinkles, and reduce acne flare ups. Need less vain reasons to swallow something called fish oil? Omega 3s have also been linked to improvements in cardiovascular health as well as better memory and cognition.
Milk thistle – Milk thistle is derived from an annual plant that is commonly found in Germany. It’s famous for its detoxifying and anti-inflammatory abilities. It contains silymarin, which works to cleanse the liver and help your liver process fat more efficiently. What does this have to do with clear, healthy skin you ask? Everything! When you support your liver and its elimination functions, you support the healthy removal of excess hormones and free radicals in your body, both major causes of breakouts, wrinkles, and dull skin.
DIM - DIM is short for for diinodolymlethane. It's a natural, food-based compound found in cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, and brussel sprouts. If you suffer from hormonal acne, DIM may be a game changer. It’s been shown to be a powerful anti-androgen (androgens are male hormones and androgen excess can cause severe hormonal acne, weight gain, and male-pattern hair growth) and it helps your body metabolize excess estrogen, which can also cause weight gain and hormonal acne.
Magnesium. Anywhere from 50% - 80% of Americans are magnesium deficient. And our bodies NEED magnesium! We can’t synthesize proteins, have a functional nervous system, regulate our blood sugar, or produce energy without it. We also need it to de-stress and regenerate skin cells. You KNOW what stress does to your skin, so get on that magnesium train and glow, baby, glow.
If you have any questions on how to start an amazing skincare regimen, please contact us today!
Glow on gorgeous!
XOXO
The Simply Crystal Team
Disclaimer:
**As always, please discuss any change in medication or supplement use with your doctor before beginning a new regimen. All information and resources found on simplycrystalskincare.com are based on the opinions of the author unless otherwise noted. All information is intended to motivate readers to make their own health decisions after consulting with their health care provider. No information on this site should be relied upon to determine diet, make a medical diagnosis, or determine treatment for a medical condition. The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. NO information on this site should be used to diagnose, treat, prevent or cure any disease or condition.By reading this website, you acknowledge that you are responsible for your own health decisions. Do not take anything from any website, including this one, and try it without proper research and medical supervision. Any statements or claims about the possible health benefits conferred by any foods or supplements have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) and are not intended to diagnose, treat, prevent or cure any disease.