Supplements are often a controversial subject that no one can seem to entirely agree on. Some believe supplements are useless, others take something for everything.
We all know that beauty isn’t skin deep but as people become increasingly concerned with what they put into their bodies, the idea that a supplement could solve your skincare woes is inviting to say the least. Beauty supplements may still be a niche market with only 1.4% of the UK population buying a beauty supplement in the past year according to Kantar.
However, this space is also beginning to see record breaking sales, with consumers spending much more in this category.
According to Goldstein research; by 2024, the market is set to double globally from its value in 2016 to reach $6.8 billion.
With the demand for beauty supplements increasing by 250% in the past few years, companies are now expanding their cosmetic lines to offer beauty supplements.
With such a variety of products on the market all with desirable claims, are supplements the final step missing from our beauty routines?
The rise of the beauty supplement market
Beauty supplements are fast becoming a convenient addition to our beauty routines and with scientific evidence backing the use of these supplements, more and more of us are investing in beauty from within.
Sales of ingestible beauty are rising year on year and are strongly driven by a consumer market under thirty years old.
Two-thirds of consumers said they consider the concept of taking a beauty supplement for skin care or beauty benefits as normal, with four in 10 millennials saying they had already used a beauty supplement to benefit their skin health at some point.
This growth is driven by growing awareness amongst consumers of the link between wellness and beauty and that taking care of our internal health can have a number of external benefits.
Our desire to delay the ageing process has driven the need for beauty boosting ingredients and supplements that promise to retain skin’s elasticity and glow without expensive or invasive treatments, a holistic natural route is far more desirable.
While women are usually considered to be the main consumers in the skin health supplement category, outreach is widening to males. There is a growing interest among the male consumer category, with most preferring to prevent ageing skin with supplements rather than a topical skin cream or serum.
Compared to topical products, beauty supplements also tend to reach a wider audience. As previously mentioned, collagen has been proven to reduce the appearance of fine lines and ageing but its benefits are not just connected to our skin. It is also linked to joint and bone health, meaning a consumer shopping for a supplement for their bones could also discover the benefits of collagen for their skin.
Widening its reach, the beauty supplement market has continued to grow and as we learn more about a holistic approach to beauty and wellness, it seems its growth will inevitably continue.
Are they necessary?
Despite our best efforts to consume all of the necessary vitamins and minerals that our bodies need through our food and surroundings, it can often be a difficult task when you live in a country that is mostly grey and dreary and when fast food on the go is the most viable dinner option. Although we should continue to strive for a healthy, balanced diet and lifestyle, a supplement can provide a targeted boost.
When we eat something nutritious or take a supplement, the body distributes them to priority organs such as the heart and liver before anywhere else in the body. If you do not already have a well-rounded and nutritious diet, the nutrients you eat will be used up by these essential functions and there will be less to support skin health.
Supplements are a good way to top up what you may be missing from your diet for optimal skin health.
With the risk of sounding too much like a college biology class, the relationship between our gut health and our skin is far more important than we may have once realised.
According to Carla Oates; gut health expert and founder of The Beauty Chef, the gut is where we make nutrients, metabolize hormones and detoxify enzymes. So it’s super important to get your digestive health in check in order to feel well and of course, experience clear, glowing skin.
A number of inflammatory skin issues have been linked to issues occurring within the gut, from acne to eczema. The skin is often the first place we notice problems. However, our initial thought is often to treat topically with a number of moisturizers, serums and other products banished to the back of the bathroom cabinet when results are not visible. It is now clear that many of our beauty concerns start from within, and that focusing on giving our bodies the right vitamins and minerals can often be the first step to solving these issues.
By taking a supplement, we are not only supporting vital processes within our body, we are also ensuring the optimal health of our skin, hair and nails.
Hero ingredients
Step inside a health-food shop, pharmacy or browse the web and you’ll see rows of supplements with every letter from A-Z and a great deal of unfamiliar ingredients. Knowing where to begin can be a challenge.
Multivitamins and probiotics can be a good place to start for anyone new to the world of supplements.
From here, there are a number of more targeted supplements that will help tackle specific issues, whether you’re looking for clearer skin or stronger nails, there are lots of ingredients proven to give an inner beauty boost.
Collagen supplements have dominated the market in recent years. Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body and plays a role in the structure, elasticity and hydration of skin.
The body starts to produce less collagen between the ages of 20 and 30, meaning skin begins to lose elasticity and vibrance. Adding a collagen supplement to your daily routine could help boost skin’s elasticity long term and fight signs of ageing.
Another promising ingredient is vitamin C. We know the importance of vitamin C and its link to our immune system but few of us are aware of its effect on our skin.
It works to maintain collagen, proving vital when taken together. It also works as an antioxidant and brightens skin, much like a topical vitamin C serum.
Zinc is another essential mineral for the production of collagen and elastin. Due to its anti-inflammatory effects, zinc has also proven useful when treating skin issues such as acne. As it assists with healing wounds, it is also beneficial for treatment of acne scarring.
Finally, vitamin E has long been hailed as a vital supplement for healthy skin, hair and nails. Much like vitamin C, it works as an antioxidant helping to fight against free radical damage from sun exposure and pollution. These free radicals can cause hair follicle cells to break down, vitamin E can help to support scalp health by reducing oxidative stress and preserving the protective lipid layer.
Beauty supplements to invest in now
Finding a supplement routine that works specifically for you is important and will depend entirely on your needs. However, here are a few of the bestselling and most sought after supplements to invest in now.
This potent, digestible supplement is designed to refresh dull skin and nourish the gut. This elixir is supercharged with vitamins B6 and B12, bio-fermented papaya and adaptogenic herbs – ashwagandha and holy basil. Infused with The Beauty Chef’s exclusive probiotic strain, it will help to support a healthy gut and in turn, brighter and healthier looking skin.
Supplying all the essential nutrients needed for optimal daily health, these supplements contain a blend of vitamins, minerals and powerful natural ingredients that are specifically designed for women. Covering all bases for great skin and hair, maintaining energy levels and improving hormone balance they are an effective addition to the beauty and health routines of women of all ages.
These clever little supplements work to nourish and regenerate skin encouraging overnight cell renewal to improve skin’s texture and tone whilst promoting a peaceful night’s sleep.
Containing the most absorbable form of CoQ10 to boost skin’s natural repair and defence mechanisms for a smoother complexion. They also contain three sleep-supporting herbs: valerian root, hops and passionflower to help you wake up feeling rested and restored.
Inspired by the vitamins and minerals prescribed on a daily basis at the Philip Kingsley Trichological Clinics, Tricho Complex contains precisely the right level of nutrients required to maintain hair health making it the perfect way to nourish locks from the inside out.
Containing iron, complex B vitamins, vitamins C and D, biotin and selenium, this daily supplement will leave you with the longer, stronger and healthier hair you have been looking for.
At a time like this, boosting the body’s natural immunity is key. These supplements work to balance bacteria in the gut to boost your body’s immunity whilst fighting free radicals and promoting luminous skin. Utilising live cultures and zinc, they will support your gut and ensure a more radiant, youthful complexion. A dual action product if we have ever seen one.
This bestselling supplement is specifically formulated for those with acne prone skin. Clearing blemishes without dryness, relieving redness and supporting healthy skin cells, they contain a cocktail of antioxidants including vitamins A, C and E to promote collagen production, and maintain a healthy complexion. These wonder supplements also contain BioResponse DIM, a patented, active plant compound found in vegetables. The supplement isn’t only great for your skin, it also feeds every cell in the body, in particular supporting your immune system making it a real all-rounder.
These supplements offer a huge range of beauty benefits, from a clearer complexion and longer hair to stronger nails and a better night’s sleep.
With a morning supplement focused on skin-boosting vitamins and minerals including vitamin C and magnesium. While the evening supplements focus on renewal and regeneration with vitamins A to E and zinc.
