Skincare 103: Supplements and your skin
This is the third in an ongoing series on caring for your skin.
From collagen creamers to personalized vitamin packs, it seems like there is a quick supplement fix to help with wrinkles, acne and every other skincare issue in between. We asked Dr. Luis Rustveld, registered and licensed dietitian with Baylor College of Medicine, about skincare supplements and if they’re worth the hype.
Q: Is there any science behind taking beauty supplements to improve skin health?
A: These supplements are very popular, but the thing of it is there isn’t a lot of evidence to support these claims when it comes to skin health. With oral supplements, there have been preliminary studies, but there isn’t a lot of evidence from non-industry studies. Use the money you would spend on these things at the grocery store to buy healthy foods instead of looking for a “quick fix.”
Q: What about products like bone broth? Or drinking a certain amount of water for clear, radiant skin?
A: Bone broth doesn’t have as much mineral , protein or collagen content that exists in bone itself. It would be better to eat the meat of the animal. There is no science out there that shows if you drink a certain amount of water, it’s going to clear your skin. Water is essential for hydration, but unfortunately, there is no magic amount of water you should drink that can make your skin glow.
Q: What about removing sugar or greasy foods from your diet to help with acne?
A: There isn’t any scientific evidence with rigorous data collection that has demonstrated that it can play a role in your skin. It’s never a good idea to eat a ton of sugar as it can lead to increased blood sugar, fatty liver disease and other conditions, but there is no direct relationship between sugar and the integrity of the skin.
Q: Do you really need to add these supplements if you’re eating a healthy diet?
A: Your best source of health would be to consume the foods that can help with these concerns rather than taking a supplement. There are foods that can help promote collagen production like fish, poultry, dairy, eggs, nuts, legumes, and soy. To increase the amount of vitamin C, vitamin E and antioxidants, make sure to include whole grains and brightly colored foods like carrots, bell peppers, and berries.
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By Anna Kiappes
