As we age, many of us turn to supplements in hopes of preserving our youth—from boosting skin elasticity to supporting hair and joint health. But not all supplements deliver the fountain-of-youth effect they promise. In fact, some can backfire, accelerating signs of aging like dull skin, bloating, or even inflammation. Experts warn that certain ingredients may disrupt hormone balance or dehydrate the skin, ultimately making you look older, not younger.
Robert Love, a health expert with over 2 million TikTok followers, recently shared a warning about two supplements that, in his words, could actually make you “look older.”
@robertwblove AVOID These Two Supplements…because they can make your skin look older. #antiaging #longevity #supplements #skin #skinhealth #aging #iron #b12 #robertwblove original sound – Robert Love
1. Vitamin B12
High doses of B12 (especially in injections or supplements) can trigger acne or rosacea-like breakouts in some people. This is due to the way B12 interacts with skin bacteria like Propionibacterium acnes, increasing inflammation. Chronic breakouts can lead to scarring and uneven texture—hallmarks of prematurely aging skin.
“Research out of UCLA finds that those who take a vitamin B12 supplement can have acne. I don’t recommend a B12 vitamin supplement; instead, take a whole B complex. That’s going to be much healthier for your brain, body, and I believe for your skin,” he says.
2. Iron
Too much iron in the body (a condition called iron overload or hemochromatosis) creates free radicals—unstable molecules that damage your cells, including skin cells.
“Most people in the United States do not need an iron supplement. About 2% of men and 20% of women are deficient in iron. If you’re eating eggs or meat, you’re likely not deficient in iron,” he says, adding, “Too much iron can create excess free radicals, and that can damage organs in your body like your skin (which is the biggest organ in your body).”
