What beauty nutrients exist to help maintain healthy skin, hair and nails?
The latest in trendy beauty nutrients combines the best of nature and science for noticeable results. Collagen, keratin, and ceramides—either in the form of youth-enhancing supplements or as key ingredients in topical serums, lotions, and creams—deliver smoother healthy skin, thicker hair, and stronger nails. And they really work. Here’s what you need to know:
Collagen—You Start Losing It After 30
Collagen, the face-plumping protein, makes up about 80 percent of your skin, and its fibers give your skin firmness and strength; that healthy skin glow. Collagen naturally starts to diminish after age 30, which causes skin to decrease in thickness by about seven percent every 10 years.
Many dermatologists question the effectiveness of collagen applied topically in cosmetics because skin cannot easily absorb its large molecules. However, the cumulative effect of topical collagen, when combined with collagen boosters such as vitamin C, peptides, and stem cells, shows positive results.
Fortunately, supplements of type 1, 2, and 3 collagen can help prevent the signs of aging. Since collagen also strengthens hair and nails, and is essential for healthy bones and joints, supplementation is vital, especially if you don’t eat a diet rich in animal protein.
Keratin Grows Thicker & Longer Hair
Keratin is the protein that makes up 97 percent of your hair. It helps hair grow healthier, thicker, and longer. It also fortifies brittle nails, preventing them from splitting and breaking. Keratin has been an ingredient in topical hair products for years, and has recently become available in supplements as Cynatine HNS, which can help improve the health and appearance of skin, as well as hair and nails.
Ceramides—a Must for Winter
Ceramides occur naturally in the skin’s own oil and reinforce its protective barrier. They represent some 40 percent of the intercellular “cement” that binds cells together. Levels of ceramides in your skin decline with age, and are lower during the winter months, contributing to dry and inflamed skin. This is a good time to consider adding beauty nutrients to your skin care routine.
Studies show that supplemental ceramides can lower inflammation and protect against moisture loss. While ceramides are traditionally derived from animal sources, “phytoceramides” from plants such as wheat grain or rice bran are one of the most effective recent advances in the maintenance of youthful skin. You can find them in both dietary supplements and hair care products.
3 African Tree Oils for Healthy Skin
Africa is rich in a variety of trees that yield healing, soothing oils for parched winter skin. Three to try:
1 – Moringa oil
From the Moringa oleifera tree—also called the “miracle tree” because of its many health benefits. The seeds yield a light yellow oil that’s high in fatty acids and healing compounds.Used topically, moringa oil has antibacterial and antifungal properties, and contains compounds that ease pain and inflammation, and repair sun damage to the skin.Best for: dry skin, fungal infections, sore joints.
2 – Baobab
Comes from the baobab tree, Adansonia digitata. The fruit, leaves, bark, roots, seeds, and oil are traditionally used internally and topically, and studies show baobab may be effective in treating eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis, and other skin conditions.
It’s also a potent anti-inflammatory and can treat most skin conditions associated with inflammation, itching, and redness. Best for: dermatitis, eczema, and psoriasis. To anyone suffering with these conditions healthy skin is more important than most of us understand.
3 – Marula oil
From the Sclerocarya birrea tree indigenous to Southern Africa, has been used for hundreds of years for soft skin. It’s high in flavonoids, and vitamins C and E, and has antibacterial properties that may help fight acne. Best for: dry skin, acne, redness, and itching. —Lisa Turner
There are many beauty nutrients out there to help you maintain healthy skin, hair and nails. Don’t forget to look past those options as well. Researchers have long known that a good night’s sleep, drinking water and limiting stress all contribute your aging process as well. Stay Happy and Healthy with These Supplements provides you with more valuable tips.
Written by sherrie-strausfogel for Better Nutrition and legally licensed through the Matcha publisher network. Please direct all licensing questions to legal@getmatcha.com. Featured image provided by Better Nutrition