As experts like Dermatologist Doctor Anthony Youn, MD, will confirm: the world of supplements can be a confusing place, with one influencer swearing by one supplement for your skin and another promising huge results from a completely different supplement. Your own doctor may advise you that supplements are a waste of money, despite numerous studies that Youn says show that your skin can benefit greatly from the right supplements.
The question then becomes: with so many supplements on pharmacy shelves, Amazon, and being touted by online influencers as the next big thing, which are truly worth the investment you’re about to make in money and time? The answer may surprise you. You don’t have to drop a ton of money on fancy supplements because Youn recommends these top anti-aging vitamins — some of which may already be in your pantry. Here are four supplements that can kick your skincare routine up a notch and help make a difference if you have dry, wrinkled skin.
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1. Multivitamin
Taking supplements that help your skin isn’t always about reinventing the wheel. In fact, the first supplement Youn recommends is a multivitamin that contains vitamins A, C, and D, and zinc. Not only are some of these antioxidants that help fight cell-damaging free radicals in the body, but vitamin C is vital to producing collagen in the body — and collagen is responsible for giving your skin the firmness and smoothness you’re probably craving. If you can find a multivitamin that also contains additional antioxidants such as resveratrol and curcumin, all the better — they fight free radicals, but Youn says they are on the “cutting edge” of anti-aging medicine and can help with a longer, healthier life.
2. Omega-3 Fatty Acid
An omega-3 fatty acid supplement like fish oil or a vegan-based omega-3 is important because studies show they are anti-inflammatory and can help reduce inflammatory skin disorders while hydrating your skin from the inside out. Fatty acids also help heal and repair skin and can even help protect it against UV-induced damage.
3. Probiotics
There’s a big connection between the health of your gut and the health of your skin, Youn says. This is why adding a quality probiotic to your routine can help — these supplements support digestive health and improve nutrient absorption while helping your gut maintain a healthy balance of gut bacteria. They can even aid in managing skin conditions such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis. Youn says he recommends taking a probiotic that contains more than 5 billion CFU for maximal impact.
4. Hydrolyzed Collagen
Finally, Youn recommends that all non-vegans take a hydrolyzed collagen supplement. There is some pushback against collagen that says this supplement can’t be absorbed by the stomach, but some studies suggest it can have positive benefits when it comes to hydration, wrinkles, and elasticity. The study found that when taking collagen daily, the skin can look healthier and more radiant and other health benefits are also noted, including having more energy and healthier joints.
There’s no need to wade through the deep waters of online supplement confusion. Keep things simple and stick to these four supplements that are easy to find, don’t have to cost an arm and a leg, and have studies backing their efficacy.
