Anti-Aging Supplements: Do They Actually Work?
Fine lines and wrinkles aren’t ideal, but they’re a normal byproduct of aging. But just because you’re getting a bit older doesn’t mean you need to look like it.
You’ve probably seen commercials or billboard advertisements for anti-aging serums, creams, lotions, and capsules in order to combat this common example of skin aging. However, do they actually rejuvenate skin just like they say?
Do anti-aging supplements really help to rejuvenate skin back to its former glory?
What Causes Signs of Aging?
Aging is the deterioration of physiological functions necessary for survival. It’s a process that most of us would like to slow down if we can. This is what anti-aging supplements aim to do. And while an anti-aging supplement can’t actually keep someone from ever growing older, they can help to eliminate the signs of older age.
There are many theories as to why physical signs of aging might appear on our skin. One is that general wear and tear on the body builds up over time, causing point mutations on the body’s surface that continue to result in wrinkles, bruises, and bumps.
Some theories suggest that certain DNA sequences, known as telomeres, shorten over time and can no longer divide. Cell division is a necessary function for a healthy body, so when this slows down, the physical signs of aging might occur.
Another theory posits that aging is a normal byproduct of metabolism, as certain nucleic acids and proteins are broken down by certain ions inside the body over time. These ions are called reactive oxygen species (ROS).
Among the proteins that can be broken down by ROS is collagen. Collagen is a protein naturally produced in the body, giving the skin its natural strength and elasticity. Adequate collagen production correlates with healthy bones and stronger hair and nails.
What Are Anti-Aging Supplements Made of?
There is a wide variety of anti-aging supplements on the market that don’t require a prescription. Many of them can even be found naturally in certain foods or beverages.
One example is curcumin, which is a main active compound in turmeric. It’s believed that curcumin can activate certain proteins to delay cellular senescence, or cellular decomposition. It’s also been shown to combat cellular damage and has supported a healthy lifespan in small mammals, meaning it might be beneficial to humans in the same way. However, curcumin may not reduce wrinkles and fine lines.
There is also EGCG, or epigallocatechin gallate. It’s a compound found in green tea that not only promotes longevity and protects against aging, but also can reduce the risk of certain cancers.
While these supplements have proven successful for some, these substances do not naturally occur within the body themselves. Taking a compound that is innately produced under the skin is typically the most effective way to reduce signs of aging.
Collagen
As aforementioned, collagen is a protein in the body that promotes youthful, healthy skin. Over time, collagen production decelerates, which can lead to wrinkles, achy joints, and weaker bones. By the age of 40, about 1% of the body’s collagen is decreased per year.
Because it naturally occurs in the body, collagen is one of the most effective and safe supplements to combat the physical signs of aging.
Including more collagen in your diet can help to:
- Reduce fine lines and wrinkles
- Strengthen nails
- Thicken hair
- Support bone flexibility and bone mineral density
- Promote connective tissue formation for healthy joints
Taking collagen supplements is extremely effective in reducing the signs of getting older without experiencing any unwanted side effects. And the best part is that you can increase your collagen levels by just eating the right types of food.
What Can Anti-Aging Supplements Do?
Anti-aging supplements work to support a number of internal processes that occur naturally due to age. But what exactly can anti-aging supplements be used for?
The most common usage of these types of products is to reduce the visibility of wrinkles on the face. Anti-aging topicals can effectively lessen the appearance of fine lines and roughness, helping to protect and revitalize the skin. However, similar supplements can be used to reduce the appearance of puffy eyebags and dark circles.
Supplements can even work at a biological level to protect against things like collagen loss and oxidative stress, which can both lead to skin aging. This helps decelerate the appearance of premature aging.
How To Take Anti-Aging Supplements
Anti-aging supplements can be utilized in a number of different ways, and certain ones may be more effective for specific situations. Regardless, they can help to make your skin look younger and healthier after just a few applications.
Topicals
If wrinkles and fine lines are affecting you more than sore joints, topical creams and serums might be the most effective choice for you. These can be applied directly to the skin for relief in specifically affected areas.
Look for moisturizers or serums that utilize peptide compounds, as these will stimulate the production of collagen to improve firmness, elasticity, and rejuvenation. Not to mention, they can brighten complexion and reduce the appearance of dark spots.
Capsules
For a quick and easy way to combat skin aging from the inside out, you can take dietary collagen supplements to feel the benefits without needing to switch up your daily routine. These are suitable for all skin types and only need to be taken once daily.
Consider a marine collagen supplement that uses collagen sourced from deepwater fish, meaning that the absorption rate is superior. This combined with vitamins, nutrients, and essential fatty acids help to combat irritation, inflammation, and oxidative stress. It’s proven to protect collagen and accelerate skin rejuvenation.
This is one of the most sustainable ways to keep looking your best, so you can feel just as good as you’ll look after taking a few capsules.
Diet
You can increase collagen production and combat signs of aging by just incorporating certain foods into your diet. A high collagen diet in conjunction with topical or capsular supplements is one of the best ways to keep your skin youthful and moisturized.
To make collagen, your body needs amino acids. These can be found in protein-rich foods. Beef, chicken, beans, and other dairy products are high in protein, so these can quickly help improve collagen production within the body.
Another major antioxidant that is necessary for collagen production is vitamin C. Citrus fruits such as oranges, lemons, and limes are high in vitamin C. However, fresh berries contain phytonutrients that can be equally effective.
Not to mention, foods rich in vitamin A are effective in restoring and producing collagen. Try to add more orange vegetables like carrots and sweet potatoes into your diet, as well as dark green veggies such as kale and broccoli.
Other Ways To Fight Aging
While anti-aging supplements do work to help fight the appearance of aging, it’s important to continually engage in healthy practices regardless to support your holistic wellness.
Regular exercise can be extremely beneficial for keeping skin healthy and improving the mobility of joints. Not to mention, regular exercise has one of the most positive impacts on your health as a whole from appearance to mood to everyday movement.
On top of that, reducing stress is just as important as diet and exercise in preventing the appearance of wrinkles and dark circles. Excessive stress can directly lead to weakened cell growth and result in older-looking skin. Stress can also have an effect on your sleep schedule, which can lead to dark circles and a less healthy appearance.
In Conclusion
Anti-aging supplements aren’t a fad like many people think. When taken properly, these can have direct benefits in reducing the biological effects and the appearance of aging.
There are a number of different anti-aging supplements like curcumin or EGCG, but one of the most effective is collagen, as this is a protein that naturally occurs in the body. Using collagen serums, taking collagen dietary supplements, or eating protein rich foods can have a tremendously positive effect on your skin’s appearance.
While it’s still important to continue to engage in healthy habits like stress reduction and regular exercise in order to feel great inside and out, anti-aging supplements are effective and can be incorporated safely into your daily routine when used properly.
Sources:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK10041/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28682291/
https://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/basics/pa-health/index.htm