Topical or Oral Supplements for Skincare, Which is best?
My Top Seven Dietary supplements also great for topical skincare.
Here’s an interesting question: Can certain dietary supplements also be used for skincare? The answer is Yes! There are many natural compounds that are GREAT for both dietary and topical skincare. I call them “Natural Compounds that Go Both Ways.” 🔁 So, the answer is BOTH.
Of course, everyone is familiar with dietary supplements and they do just that. They supplement the diet by consuming a pill, powder, or liquid form that supplies nutrients to the body to target different objectives. Everything from sleep quality, weight loss (or gain), skin health, sexual performance, vision health, and many other goals.
The skincare industry and the available ingredients to cosmetics companies (like Noble Body) has advanced dramatically with the availability of MANY high quality, natural topical ingredients that are also consumed in supplement form.
There are others, but here are SEVEN of my favorite and most effective dietary supplements that are also great for topical skincare. It makes perfect sense too. As I’ve said many times on my Twitter/"X" feed (@JohnnyNoblebody) Overall health and skincare are holistic and closely related. The better your overall health, the more likely it is that you’ll have great skin health. So here we go!
1. Coenzyme Q10 aka "CoQ10 or UBIQUINONE"
CoQ10 is a naturally-occurring enzyme that's found in every cell in the body.
It's vital in cell mitochondria energy production and that's why it's key for proper functioning of high energy demand organs such as heart, kidneys, and liver.
CoQ10 is also a powerful antioxidant that protects cells (& skin) from free-radical oxidative damage which contribute to aging and diseases.
CoQ10 production in the body declines with age (like most things) but it's in many dietary sources: (Oily fish, organ meats, whole grains etc.) & also common in SUPPLEMENT FORM.
According to PubMed, it's "the third most consumed dietary supplement" and for good reason.
Research is showing that CoQ10 may have benefits for: heart disease, Parkinson's, migraines, & certain forms of cancer:
"Coenzyme Q10 deficiency may be associated with a multitude of diseases, including heart failure. The severity of heart failure correlates with the severity of coenzyme Q10 deficiency."
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35608922/
In SKINCARE, CoQ10 is a popular ingredient because it:
Stimulates collagen/elastin production; Reduces oxidative damage; Reduces wrinkles; Reduces sun damage; Evens skin tone. It is now quite common in skincare formulas.
2. TURMERIC: The human health monster (Curcuma Longa)
Turmeric is related to ginger and native to India & SE Asia. Turmeric is famous for its use as a spice in cooking & its brilliant orange color. It's been used in ancient medicine for many thousands of years. (4K ++) It’s popular as a supplement as is its major active component, curcumin.
So what are Turmeric’s benefits? Turmeric is a powerful antioxidant & anti-inflammatory & has been used for:
~Fighting inflammation
~Boosts levels of the brain hormone/protein called Brain-derived neurotropic factor “BDNF”
~May lower the risk of heart disease
~A potent arthritis treatment
~May even be a cancer treatment/preventive
Turmeric is becoming more popular in cosmetic formulas for its:
Wrinkle reducing, skin rejuvenation, Skin lightening, antioxidant, and other skin friendly properties. It can be used in essential oil, powder, or extract form.
Here's an example from a cosmetic supplier:
https://bulknaturaloils.com/turmeric-oil-e1173.html
One newer Turmeric extract is called:
Tetrahydro diferuloylmethane.
(Yes. That’s a real mouthful and is proof that some great cosmetic ingredients can have long and scary sounding chemical names.)
It’s a VERY beneficial compound used in anti-aging, skin tone evening, and skin whitening formulas.
3. ASTAXANTHIN: “King of the Antioxidants" (as-tuh-zan-thin)
Astaxanthin is a naturally-occurring carotenoid that causes the pink/red color of lobsters, salmon, trout, etc...
Also derived from microscopic sea algae Haematococcus, which produces it as protection from UV light.
Studies indicate it can help slow/prevent brain aging, reduce oxidative damage to DNA, lipids, proteins & also boost BDNF levels.
"...astaxanthin's several health benefits, including neuroprotective, cardioprotective, and antitumoral properties, its therapeutic potential for the prevention or co-treatment of dementia, Alzheimer, Parkinson, cardiovascular diseases and cancer..."
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33549728/
"Due to its collective diverse functions in skin biology, There is mounting evidence that astaxanthin possesses various health benefits and important nutraceutical applications in the field of dermatology."
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29690549/
And since summer is almost here, Astaxanthin can also naturally prevent sunburn. It’s a powerful antioxidant that protects against UV skin damage & also helps maintain healthy skin.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6073124/
4. RESVERATROL
Resveratrol, a polyphenol is a naturally-occurring and powerful antioxidant. It’s found in blueberries, cranberries, grape skins, and of course, Red Wine. It has gained much attention for its many health benefits.
RESVERATROL uses/benefits as a Supplement:
~Powerful antioxidant-protects cells from free radical damage
~Reduces oxidative stress & inflammation in the body
~Cardiovascular benefits
~Potential Anti-aging effects
~Possible Cancer prevention
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30741437/
As a topical ingredient in Cosmetics, RESVERATROL’s benefits include:
~Protects against free oxidative stress & free radical damage
~Promotes collagen production/improves skin elasticity
~Skin brightening properties
~Anti-inflammatory properties
~Possible UV protectant
“…proven ability to penetrate the skin barrier and anti-aging activity. It has been shown that formulations with resveratrol can stimulate the proliferation of fibroblasts and contributing to the increase in the concentration of collagen III. Resveratrol has an affinity for the estrogen protein receptors (both ERα and ERβ), thereby contributing to the stimulation of collagen types I and II production.”
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29737899/
5. N-Acetyl Cysteine. (NAC), the Monster Antioxidant of the Supplement World
NAC is the supplement form of a "semi-essential" amino acid L-cysteine. (Semi-essential because the human body can create NAC from other amino acids).
NAC is needed to produce what is arguably the most critical antioxidant in the body-- glutathione. NAC is used to treat respiratory issues & gained notoriety (and controversy) as an effective treatment for Covid-19.
NAC Also found to be effective as a treatment for bronchitis-
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10968500/
NAC also protects the liver and kidneys and may halt development of certain cancers.
Topically, NAC has been studied as a treatment for many disorders including Acne & Dermatitis.
https://jcadonline.com/n-acetylcysteine-may-2019/
NAC has been found to prevent photo aging in human skin. In other words, it can help prevent and repair sun damaged skin.
6. LICORICE ROOT, aka "Sweet Root" (Glycyrrhiza glabra)
Licorice Root is Native to Europe & Asia. Known as a candy flavoring & sweetener, but It's one of the world's oldest & potent herbal remedies. It was given to ancient warriors to chew for appetite suppression & stamina.
So what are some uses for licorice root, and what does it do? LR performs a wide range of corticosteroid-like activities including:
anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, anti-allergenic, and antimicrobial.
Licorice root has been used to treat liver disease, gastrointestinal disorders, oral disease, cough/sore throat, and various skin disorders and has been used in gum, candy, herbs, alcoholic beverages, food supplements & most recently cosmetics.
In cosmetics, it's used to fade dark spots, reduce inflammation, control sebum production, & as an overall skin brightener.
Interesting and detailed study on Licorice Root properties, testing, and usage:
"A Review of the Pharmacological Efficacy and Safety of Licorice Root from Corroborative Clinical Trial Findings..."
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31874059/
7. ELDERBERRY (Sambucus Nigra) The "medicine chest" of medicinal herbs
And last but certainly not least, one of my most favorites: ELDERBERRY has been used for thousands of years, with evidence of cultivation by prehistoric humans. The Ancient Greek Hippocrates (the "father of medicine") described Elderberry as his "medicine chest." It is one of the most POTENT Anti-viral/bacterial/microbial/fungal plants on Earth.
Elderberry is native to Europe, Africa, & Asia, but is now common in the US and it grows wild in woodland regions. It is renowned for its uses in Wine, Jams, & syrups. There are several species of this amazing plant, but Sambucus Nigra is the most common for medicinal & commercial uses.
Other species include: Black Lace, Red, Blue, York, Black Beauty, Adams, & Lemon Lace.
So what are some of ELDERBERRY's many benefits?
~ Cold & Flu Relief: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15080016/
~ Cancer fighter
~ Improves heart health
~ Fights sinus infections
~ Laxative & diuretic
~ Great for skin health
Elderberry extracts are now popular in cosmetics:
~It's high in bioflavonoids, antioxidants, Vita A, C, E, & other anti-inflammatory compounds.
~Improves microcirculation, so fights the effects of aging: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12044949/
ALSO, it's used as a natural/powerful antibacterial in many formulas.
(It's so amazing that it is used in ALL Noble Body formulas in this manner. Check it out. noble-body.com)
Most of the above amazing natural compounds are used in the Noble Body Formulas. We use all of the good stuff and none of the bad stuff.
First, check out the premier Noble Body® face oil formulas (with full ingredient lists of course) for Men and Women HERE:
https://noble-body.com/products/face-oil-for-men
https://noble-body.com/products/face-oil-for-women
And the perfectly-balanced Fit Body Oil too, because your skin doesn't stop at your face!
https://noble-body.com/products/noble-body-fit-body-oil
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Regards and many thanks for reading.
Peace, good health, and Love to everyone.
Johnny Noble, June 2023
support@noble-body.com
