As a society we are a wee bit obsessed with beauty and we just love our beauty products… Always eager to try out the latest natural face mask, cleanser, moisturiser or oil and see if it stands true to the wondrous benefits it claims. There are so many beauty products out there laden with not-so-natural ingredients that may actually be detrimental to your natural beauty regime. Luckily there are some key vitamins and minerals commonly used in natural skincare that have proven beauty-enhancing benefits and are great to incorporate into your current beauty routine.
Collagen is one of the most abundant proteins in the body that makes up a large part of your hair, skin and nails. It is responsible for keeping your skin elastic, your hair strong and all your connective tissues healthy (it is found in all connective tissue throughout the body, including in all the vital organs!).
Overall, collagen makes up 70% of all protein in the skin and 30% of total protein in the body. Your body’s natural collagen production declines with age and poor lifestyle factors, i.e. diet, gut health, stress etc., therefore it is important to keep up your dietary intake of collagen.
No doubt you have seen the benefits of collagen plastered all over skin- and hair-care products, however the best benefits of collagen shine through internally. Whether you load your diet with collagen-rich foods, include a collagen powder in your morning routine or find a high-quality dietary supplement that is rich in natural collagen, upping your collagen intake is a great step towards optimal health, particularly as part of your beauty routine.
Silica is one of the most abundant elements on our planet that is essential for bone growth and overall development of the body. When you are young your body has high levels of silica which is why children normally have beautiful silky hair, the softest of skin and perfect nails. Silica is one of the biggest components of collagen and this is where most of its natural beauty benefits come into play. Since collagen is the connective tissue that makes up most of our skin, adequate silica levels are super important for maintaining well-toned collagen, making your skin look and feel soft, young, supple and moisturised. Whenever collagen is damaged, which inevitably occurs regularly due to the constant activity of free radicals, silica is required to help rebuild and regenerate this connective tissue.
Biotin is one of the B-complex vitamins that helps convert food into energy in your body. It has been shown to increase the thickness of fingernails and toenails, particularly useful for those with brittle nails. While most balanced diets would contain sufficient biotin for great health, a little booster every now and then may be necessary. Biotin’s benefits are not just limited to your nails as it has also been associated with increased hair growth and overall healthier, stronger hair. A deficiency in biotin may lead to hair loss.All of these vitamins and minerals can be consumed in plentiful amounts with a healthy, balanced diet and by focusing on the food groups listed above on a regular basis. What a wonderful way to give your beauty routine a little booster and help gain that glow all the way from your insides out!
