Supplements are just that – supplementary to regular healthy and nutritious eating. While it’s important to note supplements are not a magic health potion to ‘fix’ poor eating and lifestyle habits, the good news is that they can be used in treating skin conditions, like acne and actinic keratosis , to improve the appearance of the skin from the inside out.
“It can be tempting to simply trust what’s on the bottle when it comes to supplements, but I would urge consumers to take more initiative and have a look at what’s inside each capsule, and to research whether it offers the benefits you are after. And you don’t need to have a PhD in medical science to do this either,” he says.From sun and environmental damage to ageing, genetic conditions, illness and disease, certain supplements can help to alleviate and even improve the impact on the skin.
“Nicotinamide, which is also known as niacinamide or nicotinic acid amide, is the water-soluble and active form of vitamin B3. While its effects are still being studied, we have seen evidence to support that its anti-inflammatory properties can help to effectively treat acne by reducing sebum. Importantly, it also help to boost the skin’s level of hydration by strengthening the outermost layer of the skin to keep moisture locked in,” says Wagemaker.
With South Africans spending less time outdoors due to the chilly weather, vitamin D is also in short supply, not only impacting our mood and general wellness, but also our skin’s ability to fend off diseases. Vitamin D is also known to help prevent premature ageing by regulating the body’s cellular renewal cycles, fight off harmful free radicals, and promote collagen production for improved skin elasticity.