Supplements & Nutraceuticals

Nutraceutical is an umbrella term used to describe any product containing bioactive compounds derived from a food source with extra health benefits in addition to the basic nutritional value found in foods. The term is a portmanteau of ‘nutrient’ and ‘pharmaceuticals’ and first coined by Stephen DeFelice in 1989, who was the founder and chairman of the Foundation of Innovation for Medicine. Supplements and nutraceuticals come in various forms, such as tablets, capsules, drinks, which harness the bioactive compounds from foods as their active ingredients and are concerned with the prevention of health concerns.

In cosmetic skin health, these supplements are used to fortify the skin, hair and nails and promote wellbeing and are sometimes referred to as nutricosmetics.

Top Tips

Never take more than the recommended daily dose set by the manufacturer.
Generally taking more than one type of supplement will be fine, however certain combinations may interact with one-another negatively. There is competition in the gut for the absorption of vitamins and minerals and sometimes a high dose of one will decrease the absorption of another and in some cases, there may be negative side effects. You should consult a healthcare professional or the manufacturer before combining supplements.

Supplements and nutraceuticals are not a substitute for a balanced diet.

Charlotte Loveland

Advanced Therapist

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 cannot be synthesised inside of your body therefore it is an essential component of your diet. Supplements may be used to boost the benefits gained from ingesting omega-3 fatty acids:

Subdues skin breakouts by easing inflammation and so it is known to be effective against acne and reduce the severity of blemishes.
Shown to alleviate symptoms of dermatitis (itchy skin, erythema) using the same anti-inflammatory properties.

Vitamin A Derivatives

Vitamin A is found naturally in many foods such as liver, fish, eggs and dairy products but for pharmaceuticals, it is typically extracted from fish liver oil or can be synthesised from acetone. It is listed as an ingredient on a wide variety of cosmetics for its many positive effects on the skin.

Helps to improve problematic skin conditions (e.g. acne) by regulating sebum secretion hence normalising oil production. This results in less oily and more balanced skin.
Normalises pigmentation by regulating tyrosinase activity, the enzyme that plays a vital role in melanin production.
Promotes healthy formation of collagen and elastin by stimulating fibroblasts, making the skin appear firmer and youthfully radiant.
Supports the skin’s immune system which works to speed up healing and prevent breakouts.
Promotes natural moisturising to effectively hydrate your skin giving resulting in a radiant glow.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin found in the sebum below the pores of your skin. The body gets most of its vitamin E from seeds, nuts, plant-based oils and various fruits and vegetables. It acts as an antioxidant and an anti-inflammatory which means it serves many important roles in your skin:

Stops skin from losing moisture therefore making the skin softer overall.
Prevents inflammatory damage after UV exposure and reduces UV-induced swelling (oedema), skin thickness and erythema.
Effectively neutralises cell-damaging free radicals from UV radiation which helps to prevent photoageing.

Beta-Carotene

This is a pigment that gives some plants their colouration. It is named after the Latin name for carrot since it gives yellow and orange fruits and vegetables their rich hues. When supplemented it offers these advantages for the skin: