Yay or Nay for Oral Skin Supplements?
By Lynn Yang; Photo: Shutterstock
In this series of Beauty Misconceptions, we speak to the experts for their take on trending beauty topics and issues. For our debut column, Dr. Ram Nath, Medical Director at The Wellness Clinic, and Dr. Lum Yang Xi, Medical Doctor of IDS Clinic tells us what they really think about oral skin supplements.
Photo: Dr. Ram Nath/The Wellness Clinic
Yes! They’re good if you want to improve your current skin condition
Dr. Ram Nath, Medical Director at The Wellness Clinic, recommends supplements to patients who are looking to improve their current skin condition. “The supplements should include Biotin and Marine Fatty Acids, as these two ingredients have been proven to be extremely effective in addressing certain skin issues,” he says.
Biotin, or Vitamin B7, is a water-soluble vitamin that’s part of the vitamin B complex — a group of key nutrients needed for the production of protein, and it plays a major part in maintaining the health of our hair, nails and skin.
Marine Fatty Acids such as omega-3 work to defend us against unwanted bacteria. The DHA and EPA found in omega-3 also alleviates symptoms associated with skin sensitivity, helping to protect and repair skin cells, moisturizing skin from inside out.
If you’re looking for an improvement in the general look and feel of your skin, take one to two capsules containing Biotin and Marine Fatty Acids daily.
Photo: Dr. Lum Yang Xi/ IDS Clinic
Maybe? But don’t expect miracles to happen
Dr. Lum Yang Xi, Medical Doctor of IDS Clinic, however, has her reservations with regard to skin supplements. “We all need to be realistic about taking oral supplements. They often contain ingredients that are meant to boost lacking vitamins in our daily diet that are important for our skin.”
However, Dr. Lum reiterated that we should not be expecting miraculous results with a short period of time. Oral supplements that include Biotin, Vitamin B, Vitamin C and Collagen normally requires a period of two to three months before you start seeing results.
Stress, an improper diet and lack of sleep are common factors that result in the deficiency of these vitamins. Also, ingesting a dosage higher than what your body requires may be potentially harmful for you too.
Photo: Shutterstock
No, change your bad habits first
In my attempt to get rid of adult acne, I’ve tried it all. From bottles of highly concentrated collagen to fish oils and encapsulated herbal plant essences, they’ve all managed to backfire on me. In fact, trying out so many new things made my skin even angrier.
Through pure trial and error, I learnt that late nights, insufficient sleep and bad food habits were the reasons why my skin was throwing tantrums.
Besides attempting to change my sleep pattern, I also consulted a dermatologist, had a proper skincare routine and ate the right food to nip the problem in the bud.
Three months from my first doctor’s appointment, my skin looked noticeably clearer and happier.
Conclusion: It helps but it’s not a cure-all
Oral supplements are great and when used correctly, might even improve the overall condition of your skin. But don’t expect it to be a miraculous cure-all. If you’re battling with dull, tired skin or face adult acne, try changing up certain lifestyle factors as well.
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