It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that supplements have completely saved my skin. In SOOO many ways. If you’re frustrated with dry skin, cracked lips, acne, eczema or a dull complexion, this article is for you. A supplement is most likely your answer! Find out which nutrients have the power to give you a younger look, a natural tan, and clear skin.
Fenugreek: Fenugreek has a high concentration of vitamin B1, which is responsible for generating energy from food. With this vitamin you can maintain healthy skin, hair and nails. Fenugreek is rich source of vitamin K, which is why you will inevitably find it various skin care creams. Doctors also use vitamin K as it helps in blood clotting. Assorted properties in vitamin K helps to treat stretch marks, spider veins, fade scars and reduce dark circles and fenugreek is one of the richest sources. Other minerals in Fenugreek like calcium, magnesium, zinc, selenium and iron help to treat minor to moderate skin problems.
Echinacea: This supplement smells like honey and has a myriad of skin benefits, often used in anti-aging serums, moisturizing lotions and skin refreshers. Echinacea extracts works like a magic on your face. It soothes the skin by bringing down the swelling of the skin tissues, including inflammation that can cause acne. It also helps fight the acne-causing bacteria and provides freedom from acne in the long run. Echinacea is rich in tannins, the substance that works like an astringent and has a shrinking effect on the skin cells. When used in time, it helps in reducing the appearance of wrinkles by up to 55%.
Rhodiola is one of my very favorite supplements. I raved about it in my book and I still take it each and every day because it’s a proven anti-aging herb and big cancer fighter! Rhodiola Rosea is probably most well knows for its ability as an adaptogen used for reducing stress and its negative effects. But that’s not all it does. This herb can also be successfully used to restore the skin and bring back its youthful look. Rhodiola contains powerful antioxidants that can remove toxins and free radicals from the body. Toxins and free radicals are not only dangerous to our health, but they can also be very damaging to the skin and make us look old before our time. Studies have shown that Rhodiola is comparable to vitamin C as an antioxidant, and you probably know how effective vitamin C can be for the skin!
I was introduced to Olive Leaf when I asked my family how my Great-Uncle (who is 100% Irish!) had such dark, illuminated, golden skin – year round. There was a story: supposedly he was born pre-maturely and very sick. His 1930’s Doctor wrapped him in olive leaves to starve out the sickness for the first six months of his life. Other than a few brief moments to eat, he was rarely unwrapped in the olive leaves. Over time the olive leaf changed his skin color to a golden tan, which stuck for life.
I know. I’m kinda jealous too.
I was also intrigued, and started my research immediately. It turns out: this story is probably true!! Olive leaves and olive leaf extract—both from the leaves of the olive tree, rather than the fruit—also have many health benefits, including the potential to boost the immune system and to fight off harmful bacteria. Clinical trials have shown olive leaf extract as having potential in the treatment of viral diseases like herpes, pneumonia, & even the flu!! Pop some if you feel ANYTHING coming on!!
Olive Leaf is also known as “liquid gold”. Wounds heal faster with olive leaf extract, according to a study published in a 2011 issue of “Journal of Medicinal Foods”, wounds treated with olive leaf extract showed 87 percent increased closure and 35 percent better strength compared to wounds treated with a commercial ointment!!
How does it work so well?? Secoiridoid Oleuropein, the active ingredient in Olive Leaf, is a powerful anti-oxidant. Many studies have confirmed it as an anti-oxidant, anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory compound. Olive Leaf contains linoleic acid, a fatty acid that helps moisturize and keep moisture from evaporating from skin. Because of its unique ability to mix with water, it helps your skin drink in the moisture without clogging pores. Oleuropein extract of olive leaf reduced reddening of the skin, dehydration and blood flow to the skin better than vitamin E, according to a study published in a 2008 “International Journal of Cosmetic Science.”
This makes it a great hydrator for all types of skin, even sensitive and combination skin that may be prone to acne. Personally, Olive Leaf also helps me to maintain a tan (I fight anemia and this helps soooo much!), and it brings a glow to my skin that I just love! It’s a powerful anti-wrinkle fighter, too!
One of the top questions I receive is what supplement companies you can trust. Nature’s Way makes my some of my favorite supplements! I’m a huge fan and I swear by their DIM Plus! They have soooo many options to choose from, and carry just about every vitamin or supplement you can think of for anything you’re trying to treat!
They’re also a proud partner with the Non-GMO project, and are the first major brand to be certified to be TRU-ID. TRU-ID is an independent testing program that uses cutting-edge DNA biotechnology to ensure the authenticity of herbal products. With TRU-ID validation, you can be sure that the herbs listed on the labels actually match what is in the products.
Nature’s Way also recently donated $100,000 from the sales of their herbal products to the Rainforest Alliance to conserve biodiversity and foster sustainable livelihoods. Neat, huh?
