Ever wonder if nutritional supplements marketed for beauty or aging skin actually work? 

Many of these products highlight ingredients thought to hydrate and moisturize the skin—because dry skin highlights fine lines and wrinkles. 

But are they backed by science?

Here’s a research review that answers that question. It’s a meta-analysis, meaning that researchers took multiple studies and then calculated the average results. This is considered to be one of the most reliable ways to analyze scientific evidence. 

After reviewing 66 studies looking at supplements for skin health, 4 were found to boost the skin’s moisture content when taken orally:

💊 Collagen

Collagen is a protein that builds connective tissues and supports skin elasticity. Collagen production declines with age, and collagen is broken down by exposure to sunlight. Collagen peptides or collagen hydrolysates were most used in studies. 

💊 Ceramides

Ceramides are fatty acids that are produced in the sebaceous glands and help to strengthen the protective skin barrier.  

💊 Hyaluronin

Hyaluronin is more commonly called hyaluronic acid. It’s a glycosaminoglycan (a long chain of sugars with amino groups) that is a building block for connective tissue and is well known for holding moisture in the skin. 

💊 Procyanidin

Procyanidins are a category of flavonoids found in many fruits and vegetables—especially apples, grape skins, berries, and tea. They have antioxidant properties to fight free radicals that contribute to the signs of aging.  

Other supplements did not have enough evidence to show efficacy—including Lactobacillus fermented food, astaxanthin, and turmeric. 

Aging is inevitable, but the health and beauty of our skin truly respond to the nutrients we put into our bodies. 

We work with our patients to optimize their health from the inside out, which inherently leads to more graceful aging. 

#nutritionresearch #skinhealth #healthyaging #beautycomesfromwithin