Everything You Need to Know About Skin Supplements

Walking into your local drugstore or beauty supply can be an overwhelming experience.
Trying to combine your unique needs with the shelves of products, containing ingredients that only a chemist would be able to explain, is trying. After you make a decision, you're basically crossing your fingers that said product will be effective for your skin.

Enter: a seemingly universal approach to skin care, dietary supplements. These celeb-loved products (everyone from Olivia Culpo to Sofia Vergara are fans) aim to change skin from the inside out, adding key nutrients and vitamins to your everyday routine. Although skin is our largest organ and what you put on it matters, swallowing your beauty regimen has its own host of potential complications.
Before you throw your head back in hopes of radiant skin, here are a few things you should consider.

Your Diet
"Supplement" is a general term for vitamins, amino acids, minerals and other nutrients that your body needs for optimal health. Manufacturers use a standard guide for human nutrition, but this doesn't necessarily apply to your personal needs. Your diet (and allergies, if applicable) plays a bigger role in which supplements you truly need. It's best to read through all of the ingredients first, then consult with a doctor before committing to a beauty supplement.
Also, too much of any one vitamin or nutrient can be detrimental to your health. So, if you adding these supplements to an existing vitamin regimen, so you double check that you aren't overloading on any one thing.

The Ingredients
Despite the romanticized packaging, the reality is that the FDA hasn't approved many of these vitamins. They are required to tell the consumer whether they are or aren't, but if it states that it has not been approved, reading through the ingredients is even more important.
Trial Runs
Before you commit to any supplement, you should give it a trial run. This means you should stop taking your other vitamins and simplify your beauty routine. This way you are aware of how the product is affecting you, for better or for worse. If you introduce more than one product at the same time, it will be impossible to know the effectiveness.
OK, now we know how to go about this, take a look at some of the most popular supplements below!

Beauty Beneath

This supplement, used by Sofia Vergara, can be found at your local drugstore and promises to reduce wrinkles and fine lines, using 19 essential skin nutrients. It includes two pills, one large and one small, that you should take every day for a month in order to see real results.
MAIN INGREDIENTS:
Vitamin A, C, D and E
Lutein: This antioxidant is well-known for improving eye health. However, it also helps to protect skin from damaging UV rays (not in leu of sunscreen, of course).
Lycopene: This antioxidant prevents wrinkles by supporting the growth and structure of skin cells.
Fish Oil: The fatty acids and proteins in fish oil provide hydration to skin, while stimulating the growth of new cells.
Multi-Nutrient Supplement, Original Formula, $39.99

Moon Juice

This supplement comes in the form of a powder that you can add to your morning coffee, tea or smoothie. It quickly became popular after wellness guru Gywneth Paltrow supported the brand on her healthy hub, Goop.
MAIN INGREDIENTS: 
Organic Goji: This "superfood" comes from China, and has been used for its anti-aging properties for centuries. The extract also helps to combat discoloration and exposure to pollution.
Rehmannia: This traditional Chinese herb has healing properties to soothe skin and enhance the growth of cell skin cells.
Organic Schisandra: This berry helps to detox the liver and skin, which results in a brighter complexion.

Olly

These gummies are not hard to add to your diet. Just ask Olivia Culpo. The brand suggests taking two per day for 25 days for smooth and plump skin.
MAIN INGREDIENTS:
Hyaluronic Acid: This substance helps to moisturize the skin and keep it moisturized.
Marine Collagen: The protein helps to support skin cells' structure, firming skin and preventing wrinkles.
Sea Buckthorn: These berries are a great source of vitamin C, E and omega-3 oils. It's used on the skin for its immune-boosting properties, healing blemishes and sun-exposed skin.
Vibrant Skin Plump Berry Vitamin Gummies, $13.99

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Zea Skin Solutions

This skin-care package includes two capsules and a serum to address aging. Celebs, such as Jada Pinkett Smith and Lisa Vanderpump, are fans of the brand.
MAIN INGREDIENTS: 
Paprika Peppers: In a powder form, this vegetable prevents age spots, brightens the complexion and includes antibacterial properties that combat acne.
Vitamin D3: This vitamin supplements the immune system and rids the skin of the free radicals that cause wrinkles.
Vitamin E: Serving as a nutrient and an antioxidant, this supplement is anti-inflammatory and fights against bacteria.
Seabuckthorn Fruit Oil: This oil helps to repair and condition the skin. It's commonly used to eczema, sun-damaged skin and overall dryness.
Radiant Skin 30-Day Anti-Aging System, $129 

The Beauty Chef

This bio-fermented probiotic formula is termed a "superactive, bioconcentrated formula." By adding one teaspoon to your water daily, the supplement will help to support your digestive system and skincare.
MAIN INGREDIENTS:
Maqui Berry: This South American fruit has a large number of antioxidants that protect and nourish the skin from environmental damage.
Papaya: This fruit is high in antioxidants, including vitamin C, and fiber, which absorbs toxins and aids digestion.
Acai: This berry is loaded with nutrients and antioxidants to protect, firm and tighten skin.

Murad

Celeb-loved aesthetician Dr. Murad created this dietary supplement specifically for acne-prone skin.
MAIN INGREDIENTS: 
Vitamin A: This vitamin encourages cell regeneration, which keeps pores from being blocked.
Aloe Vera: Stemming from the Aloe Vera plant, this substance has anti-inflammatory properties for soothing the skin.
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10): Your body naturally produces this coenzyme for cell growth and regeneration. It also functions as an antioxidant, fighting pollution and free-radical damage.
Pure Skin Clarifying Dietary Supplement, $50

Which one is for you?