I remember my pediatrician prescribing me calcium tablets when I was 11. It will be an understatement to say that I loved them. I was obsessed! That 11-year-old child was completely taken by sweet, candy-like calcium chewables, and the doggy-shaped bottle it came in. Maybe it’s the lack of either, but I’m not a fan of supplements anymore. The folic acid prescribed by my dermatologist last month gets forgotten every alternate day. If only it came in a doggy-shaped packaging…
It wasn’t until I got in touch with Dr. Kaustav Guha, the Head of R&D at SkinKraft Laboratories, that I acquired an in-depth knowledge of how these supplements play a huge role in fulfilling my body’s nutritional requirements and thus leading me to healthy skin and hair. Hence, the name – beauty supplements. If you too are questioning the need for beauty supplements, this one-on-one with Dr. Guha will change your mind. I know it changed mine! With the evolved beauty supplement market today, not only are we looking at essential nutritional deficiencies being fulfilled but many fun ways to do so too. Who knew those vitamin gummies actually do some good? For those who are trying to begin their journey with beauty supplements, Dr. Guha has answered the most asked questions you might have about the topic – from basic to burning.
What Are Beauty Supplements?
“Beauty supplements are not just about skin, to begin with. That’s a very common misconception. It is a vast universe. There are different kinds of supplements for healthy hair, flawless skin, strong nails, etc. Over the counter, you will get a variety of hair, skin, and nail supplements. But most of the vitamin and mineral supplements for healthy skin and hair should be prescribed by dermatologists,” Dr Guha explains.
Do Beauty Supplements Really Work?
“Healthy skin starts at the cellular level of your body. Scientific researches have shown that good dietary habits help you achieve healthy and beautiful skin. There is no denying that vitamins, minerals, plants, and micronutrients are beneficial for your health. However, there is no real evidence that shows beauty supplements play a key role in the health of your skin when you’re a healthy person otherwise,” Dr. Guha answers.
“While many people have found beauty supplements to be helpful, a few may have not achieved their desired results. The effectiveness solely depends on individual lifestyle, diet, sleeping pattern, etc. Also, it takes a minimum of 4 to 5 months of regular use before you see any visible results for your skin or hair,” he continues.
What Are The Different Kinds Of Beauty Supplements That Actually Work?
“You can find beauty supplements in multiple forms such as gummies, powder, tablets, capsules, etc. Usually, each form contains divergent amounts of the actual ingredients. Thus, the results also vary depending on the product that you are using,” he says.
“Most people prefer tablets and capsules as supplements as they offer a sufficient quantity of vitamins and minerals. Gummy supplements tend to have lesser vitamins or minerals in them. Also, due to the sweet taste, many people over-consume gummies, resulting in severe side effects,” he adds.
What Are The Top Beauty Supplements Available In The Market?
Dr. Guha tells us that while there are many different types and formulations of beauty supplements available in the market, some names are constantly topping the charts, kike omega oils that help strengthen the moisture barrier of your skin and make it soft. Pre and probiotics keep your gut and skin healthy. Collagen and biotin are the heroes of the beauty supplement industry. While collagen supplement is the ultimate anti-aging solution, biotin is the go-to for healthy hair and nails. Ceramides are comparatively a newer hype in the beauty market but are highly recommended by experts for healthy and strong skin.
What Are The Recommended Ones For Skin And Hair?
Dr. Kaustav Guha recommends vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc, fatty acid, vitamin D, collagen for better skin health, and vitamin D, vitamin E, biotin, and folic acid for better hair health. However, he insists on consulting an expert if you have specific concerns like beauty supplements for glowing skin, or increase hair volume, and many more.
What Are Some Of The Things To Keep In Mind Before Taking Beauty Supplements?
According to Dr. Guha, these are a few things to keep in mind before starting your journey with beauty supplements:
- Clarity is important: Be very clear about why you need that supplement. Make a careful choice that will serve your purpose. One should also research well before giving in to any tablets or pills.
- Safety measures: To be on the safer side, instead of googling what are the beauty supplements used by celebrities, you should get expert advice.
- Real expectations: Do not expect any miracle from the supplements. They are just compensating supplements and cannot replace a healthy diet. So don’t ignore your regular diet just because you are on supplements.
- Cautionary measures: Avoid any unnecessary or overconsumption of your pills. These supplements alone would not change anything. They should be accompanied by a healthy skincare and haircare routine for a holistic effect.
While you have your hands on amazing skincare, maybe it’s high time to dive into the supplement biz for some internal damage care.
Which beauty supplement do you have your eyes set on?
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