When you think of beauty products, you probably think of lotions, oils, and powders that you use on your skin. However, some of the most effective beauty products are the ones you consume, working from the inside-out. The next time you head to the store to pick up new moisturizer or makeup, stop to consider if there’s a way to achieve the same results but in a way that’s internal and long-lasting.
For ideas, check out the following powerful products and ingredients with beauty benefits:
Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is an ancient medicinal herb that’s classified as an adaptogen, meaning it can help your body regulate stress. You can take ashwagandha in pill form or as a tea, and reap the many benefits for your skin.
Ashwagandha stimulates the production of DHEA, which in turn promotes the production of skin oil. Also, ashwagandha has antioxidant properties, which can protect skin from damage caused by free radicals.
Aside from beauty benefits, ashwagandha can be good for your health. It may boost brain function, help improve memory, help regulate blood sugar, and help with depression.
Melatonin for Beauty Rest
Melatonin is a naturally occurring chemical in the body that helps regulate your sleep cycle. Getting adequate amounts of sleep is necessary for all functions in your body like brain function and digestion, but it also helps with the natural processes in your body that keep your skin healthy.
Taking a melatonin supplement may help you to regulate your sleep patterns better so that your body can recover from the day effectively. The best practice is to take it once you are fully ready to sleep and take it at roughly the same time each night.
Biotin and Keratin Supplements
Biotin, sometimes called vitamin H, is a B vitamin complex. Most people get enough biotin from the healthy foods they eat; however, evidence suggests that taking in more biotin can promote healthy skin and nails.
Keratin is the critical structure that makes up nails, hair, and the outer layer of skin. Adding a keratin supplement to your day can help keep nails, hair, and skin strong and healthy. It is naturally occurring in the body but can deplete as you get older.
Collagen Peptides
Hydrolyzed collagen, also known as collagen peptides, helps with the bioavailability of essential amino acids. Collagen is a major component of skin, providing structure and flexibility. While the body does produce collagen naturally, this process slows as you age, causing your skin to wrinkle. By taking collagen supplements, you can keep your skin tight and glowing.
Vitamin E
According to Healthline, vitamin E “helps support the immune system, cell function, and skin health. It’s an antioxidant, making it effective at combating the effects of free radicals produced by the metabolism of food and toxins in the environment.” Furthermore, it can reduce skin damage caused by sun exposure.
While you can easily find creams and other topicals containing vitamin E, many people prefer to take vitamin E as an oral supplement to benefit their whole body rather than just their skin.
Probiotics
Another way to improve the appearance of your skin is to support your gut health. Probiotics, a type of healthy bacteria, help maintain the balance of the gut microbiome, which reduces inflammation and promotes skin health. To naturally consume more probiotics, try adding yogurt, kombucha, kefir, tempeh, or kimchi to your diet.
Detox Nutrients
Detox nutrients help your body to filter out the toxins you deal with on a daily basis. The kidneys and liver are generally really good at filtering toxins from your blood. However, sometimes they need a little help. These supplements have different ingredients depending on what you are looking for, but a lot of them have some form of caffeine, some kind of pomegranate or cranberry extract, and a lot of B vitamins.
What does your liver have to do with your appearance? The liver plays a fundamental role in maintaining a smooth complexion by preventing toxins and regulating the hormones that often cause breakouts.
Healthy Skin Comes from Within
Making sure that your insides are happy will help your skin, hair, and nails look and feel great. Add some supplements that work from the inside out to help look your best rather than treating or covering blemishes.