SKIN HEALTH: THE ROLE OF SUPPLEMENTS
Contents7 min read
WHEN SUPPLEMENTS CAN BE USEFUL
Whilst acknowledging the importance of a healthy diet, dietary supplements can support the skin – as it ages and in situations of particular oxidative stress such as exposure to the sun – and the hair, by supporting its natural growth and the body’s balance, helping to improve the appearance of cellulite or microcirculatory disorders, such as heavy legs.
According to recent scientific evidence, probiotic-based dietary supplements may also play a supportive role in dermatological conditions where the health of the skin is particularly closely linked to the health of the gut microbiota.
According to recent scientific evidence, probiotic-based dietary supplements may also play a supportive role in dermatological conditions where the health of the skin is particularly closely linked to the health of the gut microbiota.
MICRONUTRIENTS FOR HEALTHY SKIN AND HAIR
The skin is an organ and, as such, requires an adequate supply of nutrients to maintain its physiological functions even in the face of natural ageing processes and to defend itself against numerous factors such as sunlight – UV radiation, visible light and infrared radiation – pollution, tobacco smoke, stress and lack of sleep.
The most common micronutrients are vitamins and trace elements. Vitamin C, for example, contributes to the normal formation of collagen, which is essential for normal skin function, and plays an important role as an antioxidant. Supplementing the diet with ingredients that form part of the skin’s structure – such as collagen, hyaluronic acid and ceramides – can support the skin as it ages.
For hair, sulphur-containing amino acids – the building blocks of keratin – and antioxidant minerals such as zinc and selenium are particularly important, particularly when combined with copper, which also helps maintain normal hair pigmentation. Botanical derivatives with antioxidant properties are also significant in supplements: these ingredients, by reducing oxidative stress – that is, an excess of free radicals – help to counteract skin ageing and any imbalances in the hair growth cycle.
The most common micronutrients are vitamins and trace elements. Vitamin C, for example, contributes to the normal formation of collagen, which is essential for normal skin function, and plays an important role as an antioxidant. Supplementing the diet with ingredients that form part of the skin’s structure – such as collagen, hyaluronic acid and ceramides – can support the skin as it ages.
For hair, sulphur-containing amino acids – the building blocks of keratin – and antioxidant minerals such as zinc and selenium are particularly important, particularly when combined with copper, which also helps maintain normal hair pigmentation. Botanical derivatives with antioxidant properties are also significant in supplements: these ingredients, by reducing oxidative stress – that is, an excess of free radicals – help to counteract skin ageing and any imbalances in the hair growth cycle.
HOW TO CHOOSE SUPPLEMENTS
The choice of a supplement should be based first and foremost on the specific need you wish to address. There is, in fact, no single supplement suitable for everyone: the formulation, the combination of ingredients, the method of intake and the duration of use may vary depending on the objective.
Hydrolysed collagen – that is, peptides generally derived from animal or fish sources – is bioavailable thanks to its low molecular weight and is useful for supporting skin health and helping to reduce the signs of ageing, provided it is taken for sufficiently long periods and, ideally, formulated with other micronutrients such as vitamin C and zinc.
For the body – and therefore in dietary supplements designed for detoxification and to address cellulite – the properties of numerous botanical extracts are utilised, such as Centella, Sweet Clover, Birch, Dandelion, Butcher’s Broom, Blueberry and many others. Supplementation should, however, be regarded as part of a ‘wellbeing programme’ that includes a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.
Hydrolysed collagen – that is, peptides generally derived from animal or fish sources – is bioavailable thanks to its low molecular weight and is useful for supporting skin health and helping to reduce the signs of ageing, provided it is taken for sufficiently long periods and, ideally, formulated with other micronutrients such as vitamin C and zinc.
For the body – and therefore in dietary supplements designed for detoxification and to address cellulite – the properties of numerous botanical extracts are utilised, such as Centella, Sweet Clover, Birch, Dandelion, Butcher’s Broom, Blueberry and many others. Supplementation should, however, be regarded as part of a ‘wellbeing programme’ that includes a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.
DEFENCE MY AGE: SUPPORTING HEALTHY AGEING
The term ‘well ageing’ refers to a positive and proactive approach to the passage of time, through a combination of internal and external strategies designed to support the skin as it ages.
Collagen Drink is a liquid dietary supplement formulated with a high concentration of hydrolysed marine collagen types I and III, combined with phytoceramides, vitamin C, zinc and copper.
Hyaluronic Caps comes in vegetable capsules and is based on hyaluronic acid with a full range of molecular weights, green tea extract standardised for catechins and EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate), and vitamins C and E.
BUY NOWCollagen Drink is a liquid dietary supplement formulated with a high concentration of hydrolysed marine collagen types I and III, combined with phytoceramides, vitamin C, zinc and copper.
Hyaluronic Caps comes in vegetable capsules and is based on hyaluronic acid with a full range of molecular weights, green tea extract standardised for catechins and EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate), and vitamins C and E.
DEFENCE SUN PRE SUN: PREPARING YOUR SKIN FOR SUN EXPOSURE
Sun protection is a key factor in maintaining healthy skin. Alongside topical photoprotection – which involves the use of sun protection products – the role of dietary supplements can be considered in supporting the body’s natural defences against the oxidative stress associated with exposure to UV rays.
DEFENCE SUN Pre Sun is a dietary supplement in tablet form containing beta-carotene, vitamin E, vitamin C, copper and zinc, with lycopene and L-carnosine. Its formulation is designed to support the skin in preparation for sun exposure and, for this very reason, it is recommended to start taking it preferably 20–30 days before sun exposure. It is essential to emphasise that systemic photoprotection is never a substitute for topical photoprotection: the use of suitable sun protection products remains essential.
BUY NOWDEFENCE SUN Pre Sun is a dietary supplement in tablet form containing beta-carotene, vitamin E, vitamin C, copper and zinc, with lycopene and L-carnosine. Its formulation is designed to support the skin in preparation for sun exposure and, for this very reason, it is recommended to start taking it preferably 20–30 days before sun exposure. It is essential to emphasise that systemic photoprotection is never a substitute for topical photoprotection: the use of suitable sun protection products remains essential.
DEFENCE ANAGENIX-K: HAIR WELLBEING
Hair health can also be supported through an approach that combines topical treatment with appropriate nutritional support.
DEFENCE ANAGENIX-K is the BioNike dietary supplement developed to complement topical lotion treatment, to combat excessive hair loss and promote natural hair growth. The formula combines amino acids that are precursors to glutathione, vitamins and minerals with a nutraceutical ingredient derived from Pisum sativum sprouts.
BUY NOW
DEFENCE ANAGENIX-K is the BioNike dietary supplement developed to complement topical lotion treatment, to combat excessive hair loss and promote natural hair growth. The formula combines amino acids that are precursors to glutathione, vitamins and minerals with a nutraceutical ingredient derived from Pisum sativum sprouts.
DEFENCE MY BODY: PHYSICAL WELL-BEING
The DEFENCE MY BODY range comprises food supplements based primarily on plant extracts with a long history of use in food. Depending on the formulation, the ingredients include:
BUY NOW- Centella and Pineapple, to combat the unsightly appearance of cellulite;
- Sweet clover, hawkweed and fennel, to promote fluid drainage;
- Birch and dandelion, to support the body’s detoxifying functions;
- Red vine and blueberry, to support microcirculation;
- Guarana, to stimulate the metabolism;
- Moringa, for maintaining a healthy body weight.
Two targeted supplements for detoxifying and draining effects and for the wellbeing of your legs.
DepurDrain in soluble granules with a peach-flavoured tea aroma, contains birch and dandelion for their purifying properties, fennel, maize and hawkweed to aid fluid drainage, and hibiscus and phyllanthus to support urinary tract function.
DrenaLEG+ is a tablet-based supplement formulated to support microcirculation, relieve the sensation of heavy legs and improve venous circulation. The formula combines diosmin, hesperidin and rutin – vasotonic flavonoids – with standardised extracts of red vine, butcher’s broom and bilberry. The inclusion of witch hazel completes the formulation to support venous circulation.
BUY NOWDepurDrain in soluble granules with a peach-flavoured tea aroma, contains birch and dandelion for their purifying properties, fennel, maize and hawkweed to aid fluid drainage, and hibiscus and phyllanthus to support urinary tract function.
DrenaLEG+ is a tablet-based supplement formulated to support microcirculation, relieve the sensation of heavy legs and improve venous circulation. The formula combines diosmin, hesperidin and rutin – vasotonic flavonoids – with standardised extracts of red vine, butcher’s broom and bilberry. The inclusion of witch hazel completes the formulation to support venous circulation.
AN IN&OUT APPROACH TO WELLBEING
The skin is a complex organ, constantly influenced by the environment, lifestyle and diet. For this reason, looking after it means adopting an increasingly holistic approach, in which skincare, diet and supplementation all have their place.
The concept of In&Out stems precisely from this approach: caring for the skin from the outside through cosmetics and supporting its physiological wellbeing from the inside through a healthy diet and, where necessary, targeted supplementation.
Dietary supplements, in fact, do not replace a varied and balanced diet or a healthy lifestyle: they can provide complementary support, to be chosen according to one’s needs and using products formulated with suitable ingredients and in accordance with the instructions for use.
Ultimately, the wellbeing of the skin can be seen as the result of many small daily actions: protecting it, nourishing it, listening to it and caring for it over time. A mindful and comprehensive approach, inside and out.
The concept of In&Out stems precisely from this approach: caring for the skin from the outside through cosmetics and supporting its physiological wellbeing from the inside through a healthy diet and, where necessary, targeted supplementation.
Dietary supplements, in fact, do not replace a varied and balanced diet or a healthy lifestyle: they can provide complementary support, to be chosen according to one’s needs and using products formulated with suitable ingredients and in accordance with the instructions for use.
Ultimately, the wellbeing of the skin can be seen as the result of many small daily actions: protecting it, nourishing it, listening to it and caring for it over time. A mindful and comprehensive approach, inside and out.
