Did you know that shiny hair, clear skin, and long straight nails are an indicator of good health? While there is no standard formula that will give you all three, studies have found that a combination of certain vitamins, minerals, and herbs can have a significant impact.
Below are 8 nutrients for strong and healthy hair, skin & nails.
- Silica:Silica plays a major role in the formation of collagen. Collagen refers to the fibrous protein that provides structure and support to almost every tissue in our bodies, including our skin. Silica also helps promote strong healthy nail growth and deliver nutrients to the nail beds. Long term supplementation of silica has been associated with thicker and shinier hair.
- Zinc:Zinc is concentrated six times more in the surface layer of the skin than in the layers below, thus, it plays a crucial role in how the skin protects itself against damage, such as trauma, acne, dermatitis, and psoriasis. Moreover, a deficiency in zinc can also cause whiting spotting in the nails and breakage.
- Vitamin C:Vitamin C can help rejuvenate aged and photodamaged skin, primarily due to its strong antioxidant effects. Antioxidants are compounds that help prevent cell damage caused by free radicals (unstable atoms that can damage cells). They do this by neutralizing the free radicals by sacrificing some of their own electrons (a negatively charged subatomic particle). This process naturally switches off a free radical, breaking a chain reaction that can affect other molecules in the cell as well as other cells within the body. An excess of free radicals within the body can lead to premature aging, and wrinkles.
- Vitamin E:Like vitamin C, vitamin E is a potent antioxidant, meaning that it can help protect the skin against free radicals. Vitamin E has also been found to improve bodily circulation, particularly in smaller blood vessels such as those feeding the scalp, ultimately helping to improve the health of hair, leading to thicker, shinier, and stronger strands. Moreover, vitamin E’s ability to improve bodily circulation has also shown to decrease acne flare ups.
- Grape seed extract:Grape seeds contain powerful antioxidants called proanthocyanidins. Research has shown that proanthocyanidins help protect the body from UV triggered sun damage, and environmental stress while encouraging tissue healing and the regeneration of cells.
- Pink bark extract:Like grape seed extract, pink bark extract is also a great source of proanthocyanidins.
- Magnesium: Magnesium can raise levels of fatty acids on the skin, and help support collagen production. Magnesium can also help reduce feelings of stress, which can be beneficial for those who suffer from hormonal or stress related acne.
- Biotin: Biotin is a type of B vitamin (vitamin B7). Biotin helps stimulate keratin (a fibrous protein forming the main structural constituent of hair) production in the hair, and can also increase the rate of follicle growth. Biotin also plays a key role in skin and nail health. Bodily enzymes rely of biotin to function, thereby the nutrient is essential for the proper formation of fatty acids, which help nourish the skin and nail bed.
Sona BeautéActive Skin Hair Nails Complex is formulated to maintain the radiance and overall well-being of the skin, hair, and nails. Each tablet contains a unique combination of nutrients including marine collagen, which is effective in maintaining the elasticity, tone and texture of the skin. Other nutrients included include biotin, which helps maintain healthy, voluminous hair, vitamins A, C, B2 and niacin, all of which work to ensure a glowing skin tone, as well as iodine, zinc, copper and selenium which are essential for the maintenance of strong, healthy, nails and hair. Pine bark extract and grape seed extract are also included for a healthy complexion and overall radiance of healthy skin.
References
- Araújo, L., Addor, F., & Campos, P. (2016). Use of silicon for skin and hair care: an approach of chemical forms available and efficacy. Anais Brasileiros De Dermatologia, 91(3), 331-335. doi: 10.1590/abd1806-4841.20163986.
- Bolke, L., Schlippe, G., Gerß, J., & Voss, W. (2019). A Collagen Supplement Improves Skin Hydration, Elasticity, Roughness, and Density: Results of a Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Blind Study. Nutrients, 11(10), 2494. doi: 10.3390/nu11102494.
- Cao, C., Xiao, Z., Wu, Y., & Ge, C. (2020). Diet and Skin Aging—From the Perspective of Food Nutrition. Nutrients, 12(3), 870. doi: 10.3390/nu12030870.
- Thompson, K. G., & Kim, N. (2021). Dietary supplements in dermatology: A review of the evidence for zinc, biotin, vitamin D, nicotinamide, and Polypodium. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 84(4), 1042–1050.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaad.2020.04.123.
- Wilson, D., Nash, P., Buttar, H., Griffiths, K., Singh, R., & De Meester, F. et al. (2017). The Role of Food Antioxidants, Benefits of Functional Foods, and Influence of Feeding Habits on the Health of the Older Person: An Overview. Antioxidants, 6(4), 81. doi: 10.3390/antiox6040081.