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It has been well documented that the health of your body directly impacts the appearance of your skin, and both the diet plan you follow and supplements you take can make a profound difference on your complexion from dry skin, to acne, and even dark spots. While healthy eating habits should always come before adding supplements into your routine, sometimes there arises natural gaps in your diet where an additional vitamin or supplement could provide great benefit.
If you already have an ironclad skincare regimen but want to optimize your supplements for clearer, healthier looking skin while fading the appearance of dark spots, there are four particular ingredients which doctors agree can be most useful in your daily routine for a more even complexion.
Polypodium Leucotomos
According to NYC dermatologist Dr. Hadley King, polypodium leucotomos is one of the most beneficial supplements you could take to improve the appearance of your skin while protecting from sun damage. “Polypodium leucotomos can be used as an adjunct photoprotective agent in melasma. Polypodium is a fern of the Polypodiaceae family that is unique to Central and South America,” she explains. Not only can this supplement help to fight off inflammation and prevent the development of sun damage, but studies have also shown that it can have a positive effect on those suffering from eczema and skin discoloration as well.
Tranexamic Acid
For fading discoloration and dark spots, tranexamic acid is another effective supplement you could try, according to King. “Studies have shown that tranexamic acid slows melanin synthesis by inhibiting the plasminogen/plasmin pathway. Doing so blocks interactions between melanocytes and keratinocytes. Consequently, using either oral or topical tranexamic acid can decrease melasma-associated skin pigmentation.” If you struggle with dark spots or sun damage on the surface of the skin, taking this supplement orally or even finding topical products which include tranexamic acid can be incredibly useful in fading their appearance on the skin’s surface.
Melatonin
A supplement which is often only used for sleep, melatonin can also have some skin clearing benefits, according to King. “The hormone melatonin, which is secreted by the pineal gland, is a potent antioxidant and free-radical scavenger that stimulates several antioxidant enzymes, including superoxide dismutase, glutathione reductase, and glutathione peroxidase,” she says. In layman's terms, melatonin also has an antioxidant effect which can help to reverse the effects of sun damage and fade dark spots on the surface of the skin for a more even, brighter complexion. It can even protect collagen production to invoke anti-aging benefits as well.
Glutathione
Another antioxidant supplement, glutathione can be used topically as a brightening cream to fade dark spots, or taken orally for a similar effect. “Glutathione is one of the most powerful endogenous antioxidants produced by cells in the human body,” says King. “Several studies have evaluated oral and topical GSH for general skin lightening and have shown positive results.” Useful for lightening the appearance of dark spots, melasma, and even scarring, glutathione is a valuable supplement for improving the surface of your skin for a smoother and more even complexion.
