The business of better skin starts from within. Here, Emma-Charlotte Bangay looks at Intraceuticals – the skincare you ingest.
So how important are intraceuticals – supplements and nutrients specifically focused on promoting optimal external health and vitality – for skin? “Critical,” notes Naturopath and Herbalist, Amie Skilton.
“Food today is lower in nutrients than it has ever been, and our lifestyles are creating a higher demand for nutrients than ever as well,” she adds. “This combination is deleterious for our general health which, of course, is reflected in the look and feel of our skin.”
When Do You Introduce Intraceuticals?
Like with skincare, a healthy exercise routine and those routine early nights, the sooner you introduce Intraceuticals into your life, the better the external results notes Belinda Reynolds, Nutritionist, Dietician and Educator for BioCeuticals. “Prevention is always better than a cure, and supporting healthy DNA and cell renewal processes throughout the lifespan will go a long way toward preventing premature ageing.”
How Often Should You Take Intraceuticals?
Every day, any way, the experts agree. Whether in vitamin pill form or the shape of a liquid supplement, nutrients are best served daily to counteract what life dishes out. “Every day we are bombarded with harmful toxins, plus, our normal cellular processes produce free radicals that constantly threaten longevity if the right antioxidant nutrients are not available to mop them up,” Belinda explains. “In addition to this, skin cells are constantly requiring renewal, and sufficient nutrient intake will ensure this process occurs efficiently and effectively. Therefore, we must provide the right nutritional protection and support on a daily basis for best results.”
How Long Do You Have To Take Intraceuticals?
“It’s like asking how long one should exercise regularly and eat well for,” Amie muses. “For best results, the answer is the rest of your life.” This is because our skin is constantly repairing and renewing itself – over the course of 4-6 weeks – and during this time the cells that are formed in the basal layer eventually make their way up to the top layer of the skin. Therefore, nourishing those cells at the beginning of their life cycle means that they will look and feel their best when they reach the top.
When Will You See The Results?
How quickly you see results depends on several factors including your age, general health and wellbeing levels, the quality and potency of the supplement you’re using, and what result you are looking for, Amie explains. “For example, carotenoids like beta carotene can visibly improve skin radiance in just a few days whereas, if you have dry skin due to a deficiency in essential fatty acids this could take some months to correct,” she says. “Results are cumulative which means the longer you take your supplements, the more benefits you will see.”
Which Intraceuticals Do You Need?
Vitamin C: is important for healthy collagen structure and to protect cells from oxidative stress. It also helps to regenerate the antioxidant capabilities of vitamin E and is imperative for healthy immune function.
Zinc: is actually a mineral and like vitamin C, it is essential to helping immune function. This makes Zinc a must for those prone to skin infections and reactions.
Silica: a structural mineral that is important for structure and shine in both the skin as well as hair and nails. This can be taken internally in a gel form or capsule form and brands like QSilica have cleverly combined silica with other beauty-boosting supplements to target specific skin concerns like ageing and acne.
Alpha-lipoic acid: an incredibly powerful antioxidant which, in addition to being fat and water soluble, offers broad-spectrum free radical protection and recycles other antioxidants in the body including coenzyme Q10, vitamin C and E, and glutathione.
Resveratrol: this phytonutrient has powerful regenerative, protective and antioxidant properties.
Vitamin K2: important for many functions, including protection against osteoporosis and hardening of the arteries, it is also useful in supporting the elasticity of the skin.
Glutathione: an antioxidant tripeptide – which is essential for the survival of all cells in the body.
What To Be Wary Of With Intraceuticals:
“Firstly, you want to ensure there are no contraindications or interactions with any medication you may be taking and you must be mindful of any additive effects that may occur in conjunction with other supplements you may be on as well,” cautions Amie. “You must also be aware that any pre-existing illness or conditions you may have may affect your metabolism of the supplements.” Lastly, if you are pregnant – or planning it anytime soon – there are some cautionary guidelines with certain supplements and vitamins, so be sure to read every label that little bit closer and ask more questions of your GP.
Click here for more information on Naturpath and Herbalist Amie Skilton