How supplements support natural health

Written by Valeria Felice Science Translation and Research Manager

Skincare supplements are designed to address multiple beauty concerns with a single product. Many contain a blend of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can improve skin hydration. They may also reduce wrinkles and promote a more radiant complexion.

It's important to remember that not all supplements are the same. Different types target different areas. There are some designed for collagen production, which helps keep skin firm, joints healthy, and bones strong¹. Other supplements promote clear skin while others focus on anti-ageing.

Read on to discover what skincare supplements are, how they work, and whether they're the right choice for you.

What are beauty supplements?

Skincare or beauty supplements are oral products designed to support skin health and appearance. They deliver essential nutrients that may enhance the skin's natural functions, and boost natural health.

Typical forms:

Capsules: Encapsulated powders or oils for easy swallowing.
Tablets: Compressed powders, sometimes coated for easier ingestion.
Gummies: Chewable, flavoured supplements.
Powders: Mixable in beverages or food.
Sachets: Single-serving packets of powder or granules.

Key ingredients and their roles

Collagen: A protein that provides structure and elasticity to the skin. Supplementing with collagen may help reduce wrinkles and improve skin hydration.¹
Vitamin C: A potent antioxidant that protects the skin from free radical damage, promotes collagen production, and brightens the complexion.²
Vitamin E: Another antioxidant that helps protect the skin from sun damage and supports skin hydration.³
Hyaluronic Acid: A humectant that attracts and retains moisture in the skin, leading to improved hydration and a plumper appearance.⁴
Biotin: A B-vitamin that supports healthy hair, skin, and nails. It can help strengthen brittle nails and improve skin hydration.⁵
Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Essential fats that help reduce inflammation in the skin, improve skin barrier function, and promote a healthy complexion.⁶
Zinc: A mineral that plays a role in wound healing, collagen synthesis, and immune function. It may help reduce acne and promote healthy skin.⁷
Selenium: An antioxidant that protects the skin from free radical damage and supports healthy skin cell growth.⁸
Astaxanthin: A powerful antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties that can help protect the skin from UV damage and improve skin elasticity.⁹
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10): An antioxidant that helps protect the skin from free radical damage and supports cellular energy production.¹⁰
Probiotics: Beneficial bacteria that can improve gut health, which in turn may positively impact skin health by reducing inflammation and improving nutrient absorption.¹¹

How beauty supplements work for different areas

Are beauty supplements proven to help with skincare, hair and nails? Let’s delve into the science behind them.

The science behind skincare supplements

Skincare supplements work by delivering essential nutrients to the body, which can then be utilised to support skin, hair, and nail health. The effectiveness of these supplements is based on the idea that certain vitamins, minerals, and other compounds can enhance the body's natural processes.

Scientific evidence and limitations

While many ingredients in skincare supplements have shown promise in studies, it's important to acknowledge that research on some ingredients is limited. Additionally, individual results may vary due to factors such as genetics, lifestyle, and overall health.

Specific studies and their effects:

Collagen: Studies have shown that collagen supplementation can improve skin elasticity, reduce wrinkles, and increase skin hydration.¹²
Vitamin C: Research indicates that vitamin C can protect the skin from free radical damage, promote collagen production, and brighten the complexion.¹³
Hyaluronic Acid: Studies suggest that hyaluronic acid can improve skin hydration and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.¹⁴

Benefits for hair, skin, nails

Hair benefits
Increased hair growth: Certain nutrients, such as biotin and collagen, can promote hair follicle health and stimulate hair growth.¹⁵
Reduced hair shedding: By nourishing the hair follicles, supplements may help reduce hair shedding and promote hair retention.¹⁵
Improved hair thickness and volume: Nutrients like biotin and collagen can strengthen hair strands, leading to thicker and fuller hair.¹⁵
Enhanced hair shine and texture: Supplements may improve hair hydration and smoothness, resulting in shinier and more manageable hair.¹⁵
Stronger hair strands: By providing essential nutrients, supplements may strengthen hair strands and reduce breakage.¹⁵
Skin benefits
Improved skin elasticity and firmness: Collagen and other nutrients can help maintain skin structure and elasticity, leading to firmer skin.¹⁶
Reduced appearance of wrinkles and fine lines: Antioxidants and collagen can help protect the skin from damage and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.¹⁶
Increased skin hydration: Hyaluronic acid and other humectants can help retain moisture in the skin, leading to improved hydration.¹⁶
More radiant complexion: Antioxidants and other nutrients can improve skin tone and radiance, resulting in a healthier-looking complexion.¹⁶
Protection against sun damage: Antioxidants like vitamin C and vitamin E can help protect the skin from UV damage.¹⁶
Nail benefits
Increased nail strength and thickness: Nutrients like biotin and collagen can strengthen nails, making them less prone to breakage.¹⁷
Reduced nail brittleness: By providing essential nutrients, supplements may improve nail hydration and reduce brittleness.¹⁷
Faster nail growth: Nutrients like biotin can promote nail growth, leading to longer and stronger nails.¹⁷
Improved nail appearance: Supplements may improve nail smoothness and shine, resulting in healthier-looking nails.¹⁷
Overall health benefits
Improved energy levels: Certain vitamins and minerals can support energy production and reduce fatigue.
Improved digestion: Probiotics and other nutrients can promote gut health, leading to improved digestion and nutrient absorption.¹⁸
Enhanced immune function: Vitamins and minerals like vitamin C and zinc can support immune function and protect against illness.¹⁹

Why do we need skincare supplements?

While not strictly essential, skincare supplements can be a fantastic way to incorporate key ingredients and nutrients into your daily routine. Good skincare is essential to reducing dull skin and blemishes. A balanced diet is crucial for a healthy life, but sometimes, our bodies may need extra support to get all the necessary vitamins and minerals.

There are some nutrients and vitamins that we can't always get from food alone, such as:

Collagen: As we age, our bodies produce less collagen, which can lead to wrinkles and decreased skin elasticity.
Hyaluronic Acid: Maintaining optimal skin hydration may be challenging through diet alone.
Certain Antioxidants: Protecting the skin from environmental damage may require higher levels of antioxidants than diet can provide.

Aurelia's ETERNACELL™ Blend

Aurelia offers a unique solution with its ETERNACELL™ blend, found in all six of its products. This blend combines four clinically proven ingredients: resveratrol, ergothioneine, niacinamide, and zinc to deliver comprehensive skincare benefits. ETERNACELL™ is designed to: