Collagen strengthens hair, skin, and nails; reduces fine lines; heals wounds.
Types I and III support healthy hair, skin, and nails by tightening and firming tissue (type II promotes healthy joints, bones, and cartilage). Some products contain multiple forms for more benefits; others combine collagen with vitamin C, lysine, or hyaluronic acid, ingredients that help your body produce more collagen. Most products are derived from chicken, bovines, or fish, but vegetarians and vegans will soon find "vegetable collagen" from tobacco plants.
Oral and topical: Omojo Anti-Age Kit Oral: YouTheory Collagen Advanced Formula
Fatty acids
Fatty acids moisturize; reduce wrinkles; boost hair and scalp health.
Omega-3, -6, -7, and -9 are fatty acids that may replenish moisture to stave off acne and wrinkles. Ceramides, lipids that contain fatty acids, can hydrate skin and reduce inflammation. Sea buckthorn oil is the only beauty-from-within ingredient with omega-3, -6, and the rare omega-7. Omega-7 may improve skin hydration and elasticity and increase skin thickness, improving collagen synthesis to ward off visible aging signs.
Fruit and vegetable concentrates enhance skin elasticity and tone; provide UV protection.
Tomatoes are well-known for their UV-protective lycopene. Plus, recent research shows that taking capsules of fruit and vegetable concentrates, including tomato, cherry, and broccoli, can significantly improve skin hydration and thickness. Another recent study found that carotenoids—antioxidants found in sweet potatoes, carrots, spinach, and kale—lend skin a golden hue, in addition to counteracting skin-damaging free radicals. Because every antioxidant works differently, supplementing with multiple extracts best supports skin structure, says Fields.
Oral: Healthy Origins Lyc-O-Mato
Hyaluronic acid (HA)
Hyaluronic acid hydrates skin; reduces fine lines.
A hydrating, gel-like molecule, HA holds a thousand times its weight in water, drawing moisture from the air to fill wrinkles. For this reason, many experts tout this natural substance—now available in serums, creams, masks, gelcaps, and liquid supplements—as the ultimate ingredient for turning back the hands of time.
Oral: Now Liquid Hyaluronic Acid 100 mg Topical: Derma e Hyaluronic Acid Night Crème; Now Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Resveratrol
Resveratrol offers UV protection.
Resveratrol, found mostly in red-grape skins, combats free radical damage, mainly by fending off harmful UV rays. New research indicates you may get the most protection by pairing a supplement with a lotion; grape flavonoids also help prevent UVA and UVB damage when applied topically. Resveratrol offers secondary actions to repair cells as well, says Fields.
Oral: Reserveage Organics Resveratrol 500 mg Topical: Skin by Ann Webb Resveratrol Unscented Peptide Cream
Chlorella
Detoxifies; clarifies skin.
Rich in chlorophyll, a compound believed to stimulate energizing red blood cells, chlorella also facilitates your body's detoxification process, so fewer toxins end up being eliminated through the skin, leading to acne and other irritation. Topically, chlorella growth factor 9CGF) may promote skin-cell production. Complement chlorella with other detoxifying ingredients such as aloe.
Oral: Sun Chlorella Tablets Topical: Sun Chlorella Cream
Natural ingredients can help fight aging, acne and more from the inside out.
