Beauty and The Best Supplements and Tips
February 18, 2021
What is Beauty?
While today’s definition of beauty includes inner qualities like confidence, compassion and openness, we all want to look good physically too with attractive hair, skin and nails. The foundation for this starts with good personal hygiene, a healthy weight, and proper nutrition.
Habits That Detract from Physical Beauty
- Sleep deprivation
- Stress
- Poor hygiene
- Smoking
- Poor diet
- Lack of motivation
Herbs for Beauty
Chamomile
It’s not just a tea! This classic beauty ingredient is popular for its ability to calm skin, ease redness and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Chamomile supplies components called polyphenols, phytochemicals and apigenin that not only work to decrease the signs of aging, but also act as a skin barrier to keep environmental irritants out. Chamomile is often used in combination with other ingredients to increase their penetration and effectiveness. For a healthy glow and maintaining natural moisture, it’s hard to beat chamomile.
Coconut Oil
Made from raw coconuts or dried coconut kernels, Coconut Oil is one of the hottest beauty products for skin and hair. It’s also one of the most affordable, multi-purpose products on the market. The rich oil, which contains Vitamin E, essential amino acids, linoleic and lauric acid,makes your skin oh-so-soft and radiant. While it does make your skin feel comfortable, it’s important to note that it doesn’t hydrate, but rather it sits on top your skin and traps moisture in. Because of this, acne-prone individuals should probably avoid its use. Others, however, can use it in a variety of ways: to remove make up, to lock in moisture after bathing, to manage frizzy hair, or to condition hair overnight.
Aloe Vera
If you’ve ever used aloe vera directly on a sunburn or scrape you’ve experienced its cooling, soothing effects first-hand. Over the years it’s been used as a beauty treatment, wound healer and even as an incense for the dead, but aloe continues to be extremely popular for skin care due to its numerous naturally occurring nutrients. In fact, scientists have discovered over 150 nutritional constituents! While there’s no single “hero” ingredient, it appears the power of aloe vera lies in its unique combination of nutrients that work in harmony and complement one another.
Here’s a breakdown of the nutrients found in aloe vera:
- Vitamins. Aloe vera supplies naturally occurring amounts of Vitamin A, B, C, D, and E.
- Minerals. Minerals and trace elements are needed only in small quantities, but yet they are essential for proper functioning of various metabolic processes. Aloe vera offers numerous minerals including among others: calcium, copper, magnesium, potassium and zinc to provide healing potential.
- Sugars. Not all sugar is bad for you. The skin of the aloe vera plant contains mono and polysaccharides, long chain sugars that can provide a protective barrier and hydrate skin.
- Saponins. Saponins are the filmy, soapy substance found in the gel. It is the saponin content that ancients treasured for cleansing.
Honorable mentions: It’s also worth mentioning three other herbs often found in skincare products. Lavender, turmeric and cinnamon can also help keep your skin smooth and glowing.
Vitamins for Beauty
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin E
- Vitamin B7 (Biotin)
- Vitamin K
Vitamin A
When you think of Vitamin A, you probably think of vision and you’d be right. But that’s only part of what this nifty little vitamin can do. It plays a vital role in reproduction, immune system, bones and skin. Vitamin A contains retinoids responsible for softening the appearance of wrinkles, evening out skin tone, keeping skin clear, encouraging healthy skin cell production, and fighting dark pigmentation (sunspots). It’s the one that does it all, leading to its popularity in beauty creams and treatments.
Vitamin C
Found in high levels in the outer and inner layers of the skin, Vitamin C benefits the skin because it’s vital for the production of collagen for a firm, brighter-looking skin. This is why it’s often present in anti-aging skin creams. When ingested, it offers protection from the sun, can help heal damaged skin and prevent dry skin. It’s also a well-known antioxidant that fights free radicals. Sources include citrus foods, strawberries, bell peppers, broccoli and many other greens. Vitamin C is a remarkable antioxidant to protect skin from free radicals. Low levels can slow down the healing process.
Vitamin E
You may be familiar with Vitamin E oil for skin. When applied topically, antioxidant Vitamin E absorbs energy from UV light that damages skin. This helps prevent dark “age” spots and wrinkles. It works well with Vitamin C to strengthen skin at a cellular level. Vitamin E can be found in nuts, seeds, fruits and vegetables. Vitamin E works to fight aging and wrinkles and complements Vitamin C in strengthening skin at the cellular level.
Vitamin B7 (Biotin)
It’s a smart move to reach for biotin for hair or hair growth. Along with weak nails and dry skin, you might think thinning, brittle hair is related to your thyroid, but all of these issues can also be related to insufficient amounts of biotin. While research and studies are limited, it appears biotin is involved in the production of keratin, a basic protein in hair, skin and nails. This is why you’ll see biotin added to many skin and hair care products. It is most effective, however, when ingested as opposed to applied topically.
Vitamin K
Found in many topical creams, Vitamin K combats skin discoloration due to circulatory problems like dark circles under the eye or spider veins. Since it is essential for wound healing, it also helps with scars and bruising. Boost your Vitamin K by eating kale, lettuce, cabbage and green beans. Vitamin K combats bruising and circulatory issues causing dark circles and spider veins. It’s also beneficial for stretch marks and scars.
Minerals for Beauty
- Zinc
- Selenium
Zinc
When you think about healthy skin, zinc probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. But the outer layer of your skin has about six times more zinc than any other layer and zinc is found in every cell in your body. A trace mineral, zinc helps heal and rejuvenate skin and protects against UV light.
Selenium
Selenium helps neutralize free radical and UV damage and slows the signs of aging including fine lines and wrinkles. Similar to some vitamins, Selenium also eases redness and calms irritated skin. It’s also involved in thyroid function which plays a role in hair growth.
Beauty Tips
Although the herbs, vitamins and minerals mentioned above can help you maintain your beauty, nothing can beat a healthy lifestyle that includes these simple beauty tips:
- Use sunscreen
- Get your rest
- Remove makeup before bed
- Stay hydrated
- Reduce sugar consumption
- Eat a healthy diet
- Get regular exercise
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Individual results may vary.