As a nation, we’ve been taking vitamin supplements for health for many years, but recently you may have noticed a definite trend for ‘beauty vitamins’ to be hitting the shelves. These vitamins are said to target the hair, skin, and nails in particular, helping to keep us looking healthy, fresh and youthful. But just what are ‘beauty vitamins’; can they really give our hair and skin a much needed beauty boost, and - perhaps most importantly - do they really work? Here's the full lowdon on vitamins for beauty.
Vitamins For Thick, Full Hair
The most common form of hair loss is male pattern baldness, according to the NHS, but women can be affected by hair issues as well. Stress, illness, childbirth, and trauma are all risk factors for thinning hair and hair loss, but the good news is that there are many ways we can encourage the formation of strong, healthy follicles. Vitamins can play a huge role in helping to keep our hair looking thick, full, and shiny - particularly B vitamin supplements including B7 (biotin), B12 (cobalamin) B6 (pyridoxine) and B3 (niacin).
B vitamins perform many different roles in the body, including triggering a release of energy to help keep us going, but they’re also important for hair and follicle formation, according to the European Food Safety Authority. Why? Because B vitamins are essential for producing healthy red blood cellsthat transport oxygen to the roots of the hair, giving it a lease of life. B vitamin deficiencies mean red blood cells may not be able to deliver adequate amounts of oxygen, meaning the hair can begin to die off.
Vitamins For Bright, Glowing Skin
‘Collagen’ is from the Greek word for ‘glue’, and it’s a fitting term! Collagen essentially ‘glues’ the face together, giving it strength and structure. Unfortunately, however, the amount of collagen in the skin tends to decrease the older we get. Not only is a collagen decline a natural part of aging, but production can also be halted by sun damage as well. This leaves us with skin that starts looking a bit saggy and wrinkly. Vitamin A (retinol) and vitamin C (ascorbic acid) are both important for collagen production.
Why not just buy these expensive, high end collagen face creams that are on the shelves? Because they don’t work! Scientists have been saying for years that collagen molecules are too large to be absorbed through the skin, and that oral supplements are much more effective than topical applications at helping to keep the skin looking fresh, firm, and healthy. Additionally, vitamin E also plays a significant role in maintaining healthy skin, with the European Food Safety Authority confirming it’s great for dry skin.
Vitamins For Beauty: Natural or Supplement?
A healthy and varied diet is one of the best ways to ensure the body is kept ‘topped up’ with essential vitamins and nutrients, but this is sometimes easier said than done. While vitamins C and E, for example, can be found in many different types of fruits and vegetables, B vitamins are most commonly found in meats and poultry, which means that vegans and vegetarians are at a high risk of deficiencies. Vitamin supplements are a quick, simple way for everyone to give themselves that much needed beauty boost!