Finding supplements in a supplements-obsessed world is the easy part — figuring out which supplements you should take is a huge challenge. Everywhere you look, a different supplement brand is making a huge claim about what it can do. If you’re interested in taking supplements for better skin outcomes, this is especially true. From gummies to powders, shelves are stocked with supplements that promise to turn back the years on your skin. But can they truly deliver? Should you be spending a huge chunk of your budget on supplements?
The answer (to both questions) is probably not.
Keeping things simple is the best way to go when it comes to supplements. These three supplements are among the best for your skin, according to Holistic Plastic Surgeon Dr. Anthony Youn. And the best part is you can purchase them at an affordable price.
1. Antioxidants
Antioxidants are supplements like resveratrol and curcumin that fight free radicals and can help you live a longer, healthier life. Even though antioxidants can’t replace sunscreen, they can boost your skin’s ability to fight UV damage and will help reduce inflammation that leads to skin conditions like acne, psoriasis, and eczema. You can buy antioxidants individually or as a supplement that contains a few of them together for added benefits.
2. Omega-3 Fatty Acid
Fish oil and vegan-based omega fatty acids have been shown to be anti-inflammatory in studies, which means they can help reduce common skin conditions association with inflammation. Omega-3 can also hydrate your skin from the inside out by maintaining the skin’s lipid barrier, protect the skin from UV damage (like antioxidants, it won’t replace sunscreen though), and improve your skin’s elasticity and firmness for more youthful-looking skin.
3. Vitamin C
The best way to obtain vitamin C (and any other nutrient) is by eating foods that are rich in that nutrient. If you feel like you may not be getting enough vitamin C from food sources like citrus fruits and leafy greens, consider taking a supplement. Vitamin C is crucial to help collagen synthesis, and your skin relies on healthy collagen to look and feel supple and smooth. Vitamin C is also an antioxidant that fights free radicals and can aid in faster skin cell turnover.
