Good Skin From Within

No matter what lotions or creams you use, truly beautiful skin is an inside job. Adequate sleep, hydration, exercise, and nutrition are essential-but sometimes you also need a little boost. If that’s the case, try these five supplements with proven effects, for smooth, glowing skin:

1 Polypodium leucotomos Beauty-boosting benefit: protects against sun-related aging and skin cancer. This extract from the common fern plant has powerful effects on skin health, especially in protecting skin from the sun. Excessive sun exposure causes wrinkling and damages cellular DNA, which produces mutations that can lead to skin cancer. Several studies have found that Polypodium leucotomos extract can reduce UVA-related skin damage and protect against wrinkling, brown spots, sunburn, and skin cancer. It can also be used topically for an added layer of protection.

2EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) Beauty-boosting benefit: wards off wrinkles, prevents thinning of skin, diminishes UV damage. In addition to its protective effects on heart and brain health, EPA-an omega-3 fatty acid found in fish oil-protects against UV damage to skin to reduce signs of aging, wrinkle formation, and thinning of skin. As a powerful antioxidant, it also fights free radicals that damage the health and appearance of skin. Other studies show EPA may also protect against DNA damage that can lead to skin cancer.

3Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) Beauty-boosting benefit: calms inflammation, softens skin, relieves itching and irritation. GLA, found in borage oil, evening primrose oil, and black currant oil, is an essential fatty acid with powerful anti-inflammatory effects. Studies show that it’s an effective treatment for dry, itchy skin and mild dermatitis. It also boosts skin hydration and prevents water loss, to improve softness and reduce fine lines.

4Astaxanthin Beauty-boosting benefit: reduces age spots and freckles, combats crow’s feet, softens and smooths skin. A red pigment found in algae, salmon, krill oil, lobsters, and crawfish, astaxanthin is a carotenoid antioxidant that’s said to be 10 times stronger than beta carotene and 100 times stronger than vitamin E. In addition to fighting free radical damage in the skin’s cells, studies show it can combat wrinkles, especially around the eye area, and improve skin softness, smoothness, and elasticity. Other studies have found that astaxanthin is effective at reducing age spots, freckles, and other forms of hyperpigmentation of the skin.

5Pycnogenol Beauty-boosting benefits: improves skin elasticity, softens and smooths, combats signs of aging. Made from the bark of the European coastal pine, Pycnogenol is an antioxidant that’s said to be 50 times more powerful than vitamin E. Studies have shown that Pycnogenol supplementation significantly improves skin hydration and elasticity, especially in women with dry skin. It can also combat signs of aging, and it’s effective in treating hyperpigmentation from excessive sun exposure.

Jarrow Formulas
Borage GLA-240
is cold-pressed to ensure the highest potency of gamma linoleic acid from natural borage oil.

Life Extension
Enhanced Fernblock with Sendara
works from the inside out to guard skin against sun damage by inhibiting absorption of UV rays and protecting skin cells.

Twinlab
Mega Twin EPA Fish Oil
features a concentrated blend of DHA and EPA omega-3 fatty acids along with vitamin E.