We can’t help it, we’re all a little obsessed with skincare. Constantly seeking out the best in beauty—including the cleanest, most effective solutions to aging—has become a hobby for many. Although it’s incredibly satisfying to give your face a daily massage with your arsenal of potions, topical treatments only garner so much success. It’s what you do for your body as a whole that brings noticeable results, and that can vary based on your needs.What does this mean? Diet comprises a major portion of it, and these days, incorporating herbs and nutrients into your daily routine has never been easier. Pills and powder mixes make it incredibly easy to consume high quantities of powerful compounds that address skin, stress, sleep, digestion, aging, and hair health needs so that you can glow from the inside out. While science hasn’t figured out a way to Benjamin Button us just yet, a few of our favorite beauty herbs and supplements do the best they can.
Alpha-Lipoic Acid
PRICE: $60
LIVON LABS
Not to say these are in any particular order, but if they were, ALA would be high on the list—especially this extremely absorbable liposomal formula by LivOn Labs. It helps to boost glutathione levels, which naturally decrease as you age. Glutathione is incredibly important for breaking down the end result of glycation, (glycation is the process of sugar binding to protein to make energy we can use). The end products of this process are actually harmful, and cause sagging, loss of elasticity, and wrinkled, dull skin. ALA is a substance our body makes naturally, but due to diet, age, and stress (mainly stress), many of us aren’t making enough. ALA works as a powerful antioxidant and actually recycles other vital antioxidants like vitamins C and E by reducing their oxidized content. It’s also water and fat soluble, so it fights free radicals everywhere in the body. It’s the antioxidant that keeps on giving.
Amla
PRICE: $12
TERRASOUL SUPERFOODS
Sometimes called Indian gooseberry, the Ayurvedic amla plant produces medicinal leaves and fruit. It’s crazy rich in vitamin C; some believe it’s one of the biggest sources of vitamin C on Earth. This is due to the high level of tannins that preserve it, even during processing Vitamin C helps boost the body’s natural supply of collagen, keeping skin elastic. Amla also helps maintain blood sugar levels, smooth digestion, and tone the entire system, cleansing all of our tissues, including skin and hair.
Collagen
PRICE: $38
MCT OIL POWDER + COLLAGEN
By now, we all understand how important collagen is as the plushy structure that holds our skin up and keeps us looking youthful and vibrant. But it’s also an incredibly important form of protein, building up the gut and digestive system so it can function properly while improving skin health. Don’t sleep on this one, there’s no downside to adding extra collagen to your diet.
Matcha/Green Tea
PRICE: $34
CAP BEAUTY MATCHA STICKS
Green tea has long been touted for its polyphenols and catechins, but what are they? According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, they “are effective scavengers of reactive oxygen species.” This means they’re antioxidants that protect against free radicals and cardiovascular damage, and they’ve even shown properties that fight certain cancers and infections. Regular consumption of green tea has also shown a reduction in wrinkles and can protect skin from sun damage. So keep drinking your favorite matcha latte, it’s basically internal SPF.
Black Currant Oil
PRICE: $19
NOW FOODS
Antimicrobial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory, black currant oil addresses many issues in the body and gut that can show up on the skin. It’s also incredibly high in vitamins C and E and contains other tannic antioxidants that help regulate blood flow and immunity to keep all your systems in check, so your skin can remain cool, calm, and collected.
Schisandra
PRICE: $42
MOON JUICE
This powerful little berry isn’t very tasty, but it’s delicious to our skin and overall health. You can mix a powder into your smoothies, giving them a sour kick, or you can easily swallow some capsules with food. This study shows that regular use can inhibit acne, curb the growth of malignant tumors, suppress photo-aging, induce collagen production, activate the antioxidant defense system, help skin retain moisture, and increase glutathione production, which evens the skin tone and lightens age or sunspots. If you’re not taking any other beauty herbs or supplements besides this one, you’re doing alright for yourself.
Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NAD)
PRICE: $17
LIFE EXTENSION CELL REGENERATOR
NAD is a form of vitamin B3 associated with—and we mean this in layman’s terms but also literally—aging backward. Or at least, way slower. According to this study, “NAD levels steadily decline with age, resulting in altered metabolism and increased disease susceptibility.” It also states that NAD “is one of the most important and interesting molecules in the body. It is required for over 500 enzymatic reactions and plays key roles in the regulation of almost all major biological processes.” While this is most commonly found on the shelves of women 40 and older, it’s never too early to start stocking up your body’s reserves the best you can.
He Shou Wu
PRICE: $59
SUN POTION
Originally known as Fo-Ti, this Chinese herb translates to “the black-haired Mr. He.” The herb’s nickname comes from the folktale of an old man named Mr. He who, after taking the herb, saw his grey hair turn black again and appeared more youthful and vital. While we don’t claim this herb is a time machine, it’s fantastic for combating fatigue, boosting immune support, and regulating sleep patterns, which are all important factors in fighting premature aging.
Bone Strength + Joint Health Super Boosters
PRICE: $55
WELLECO
Help support calcium intake with WelleCo’s plant-based Bone Strength + Joint Health Super Booster. Learn more about the Poosh team’s WelleCo picks for 2020 here.