With all the factors determined to rob our hair, skin and nails of their general glossiness and joie de vivre, you may be finding that your regular beauty and health routine just isn’t cutting it.
But before you go running out to buy all new products, try thinking about small changes you can make to your current beauty routine.
If you’re not currently taking any supplements, perhaps speak to your GP about adding some to your daily regimen. We know supplements may sound scary for some, but rest assured there are plenty of choices out there that are rich in natural, ethically-sourced, good-for-you ingredients and can help boost your health both inside and out.
Here are 15 vitamin, protein and mineral-boosting supplements you may want to try…
Best supplements for Skin, Hair AND Nails
If you need help in a little extra help across the board, there are supplements available that contain ingredients to target the hair, skin and nails all at once. Yep, it’s an option to simply prioritise one tablet/sachet a day to enjoy the benefits of glowing skin, healthy hair and strong, shiny nails. It’s all about selecting an ingestible product that heroes the right ingredient: collagen, for example, is an all-star all three areas.
FYI, an easy way to remember to take them is to keep them next to your toothbrush in the bathroom. And just in case you’re worried about the sensory struggle you’ve found with supplements in the past, we’re just putting it out there that these Vida Glow Natural Marine Collagen Sachets Pineapple ($70 at Vida Glow) do happen to be pineapple-flavoured…
Try: Vida Glow Natural Marine Collagen Sachets Pineapple ($70 at Vida Glow), Blackmores Nails Hair and Skin ($17.99 at Chemist Warehouse) and Swisse Ultiboost Hair Skin Nails+ ($14.83 at Chemist Warehouse)
Best supplements for your Nails
When searching for a vitamin or supplement for stronger nails, biotin is the ingredient to look for on the label. This vitamin helps produce amino acids, which in turn create protein, and protein is essential for the growth of strong nails and will help reduce breakage and increase shine.
Try: Nature’s Way Beauty Collagen Shot ($22.99 at Chemist Warehouse), The Collagen Co Strawberry Watermelon Collagen Powder ($79 at The Collagen.co), Now Foods Biotin ($25.82 at iherb.com)
Best supplements for your Skin
Taking supplements for the skin can help to promote a clear and glowing complexion. Look for ingredients such as vitamin E, which helps to strengthen the capillary walls and promote healing and collagen to reduce wrinkles and improve skin texture and firmness.
Try: Vida Glow Radiance Capsules ($90 at Vida Glow), Nature’s Way Beauty Collagen + Hyaluronic Acid Tablets ($24.99 at Chemist Warehouse), Swisse Collagen Renew Skin + Stress ($24.99 at Chemist Warehouse)
Best supplements for your Hair
As well as biotin (which has similar strengthening effects on hair as well as the nails), other ingredients to keep in mind for stronger, longer, shinier hair are zinc, vitamin B-12 and iron. These ingredients help to strengthen the hair fibre and help repair damage from heat styling and colouring. Taking a supplement for your hair can make it grow faster and thicker, while reducing hair loss.
Try: Viviscal Maximum Hair Growth Supplements for Women ($64 at Chemist Warehouse)
Best beauty supplements for Sleep
Many of us don’t realise how much the weather and a change of season can impact our sleep. If you’re struggling to doze off, try taking a natural sleep powder or supplement one hour before bed. Look for ingredients like melatonin, magnesium, lavender and valerian root when shopping for a natural sleep aid. And unlike medical or chemically-based sleeping aids, a natural one won’t leave you feeling groggy the next morning.
Try: Swisse Ultiboost Sleep ($21.99 at Chemist Warehouse), Nature’s Way Magnesium Sleep Well ($22.99 at Chemist Warehouse) and JS Health PM+ Sleep And Calm Mind ($39.99 at JS Health)
Do you have any go-to supplements?
Image credit: @angelachoe
Supplements are good when incorporated with a balanced diet. I have not tried any of these, I have been using Natures Way Hair Skin and Nails.
As a professional practitioner in natural medicine (nutritional medicine – vitamins and minerals is actually not my primary modality), I just want to say that if you find you are buying a lot of retail brand supplements and not achieving what you hoped for, it’s time to see someone who can help. On one hand, the labels on these products should indicate a “maintenance dose”, not a therapeutic dose. If you are doubling (or tripling up etc) on certain vitamins or minerals, herbs etc, you CAN run into problems with overdosage. Selenium for example. Overdose can lead to loss of hair. All of it. Eyelashes, body hair etc. Look on the labels for the Australian government TGA “L” for listed medicines, for quality assurance and safety.
I try to get most of my nutrients from my food if I can.
I think you have to be careful taking supplements, it is better to eat fresh food, especially fruit and veggies (preferabley raw) then take supplements that my clog up your liver.
Why did you add salt back, salt is actually not needed at all and is harmful to health along with sugar. I have also read that calcium tablets can be harmful in the long run. Have you had check ups to see if the supplements are working?
Good to know if you need supplements
I should give the sleep aid supplements a go!
Lots to be careful about.
I would love to try The Collagen Co Strawberry Watermelon Collagen Powder 1. Because the packaging got my attention and is so pretty and 2. Because strawberry and watermelon are my 2 favourite fruits. I have been eyeing this off all week since I saw it pop up on Bh and Bc. They hit the nail on the head with their packaging in my opinion.
I take zinc for my hair and nails and magnesium to help me relax
Collagen is the bomb! Thank goodness we don’t have to endure cups of ‘bone broth’! I’m looking into supps for hair and nails. Already have take Iron and Vit D as I’m deficient according to blood tests. Best to take scientifically proven supps that your body can absorb as otherwise you are just going to be peeing out some very expensive wee!
Fruits, seaweed high in iodine and nuts/seeds. I’m covered.
These are truly helpful
I’m loving my Urth. Skin Inside Out Collagen Peptides for my skin health.
Haven’t taken tablet supplements in a very long time. My stomach lining is happier for it.
I’m currently taking the Hair Skin Nails and Echinacea Garlic and Vitamin C (for immunity). I swear that they work because the very first sign of a cold I’ll start to take them, and it gets rid of it. I’m taking them at the moment because of all the ‘germs’ around.
I take tablets for my immune system, multi vitamin and once a week an iron tablet
I need supplements for immunity, especially during winter.
I take a high dose vitamin D every day too – try to remember every day but occasionally skip a day by accident like yesterday. I need it medically.
That’s amazing info! I wish there was a supplement that only got rid of specific hair – aka the hair on underarms, lower legs – now that could get really interesting! : )
Oooh I would love to try that one!! I love the serum they make – is the Inside Out vegan?
I have Carla Oates one The Beauty Chef Immune one and it tastes quite nice. I have it every now and again but the one I have every day is her Glow – I’ve been having this for years as it seems to really help and it’s so quick too.
I’m into trying supplements as long as they’re vegan and scientifically based!
My nails have grown incredible since starting on Carla Oates product The Beauty Chef – her Body product. Comes in chocolate, vanilla and berry and tried and like them all! Great for an afternoon snack and my nails woah!
Ive been wondering where I can get some biotin so this article is useful timing.
I’m not a big believer of supplements BUT someone mentioned on one of the threads that they take a supplement for their nails. I must check that out.
Ive been using the Harmony My Beauty Collagen Powder. That works well for me.
Hey CCW 🙂 I wasn’t sure about it being vegan so just looked it up it’s sustainably sourced from bovine (cow) so not vegan. Xo
That’s ok 🙂 anytime x
Awww thanks Saffy! I will have to skip it then but thankyou for your help!
Swiss Sleep tablets work for me. Contains valerian to calm me down and then to sleep.
I’m sometimes iron deficient so I’ll take an iron supplement, otherwise I try not to take anything as I’ve read that supplements can impact liver health.
I’m just not really convinced that “beauty” supplements work but there’s a huge market out there that would totally disagree with me – so each to their own
Every time I take a Hair, Skin & Nails supplement – any brand, my bendy nails get harder. I never notice a change to my skin or hair, though.
I am so with you on this and my concern is how much potential for harm there is with supplements. I recently read that severe liver disease is on the rise in Australia due to supplements – specifically weight loss aids for women and protein supplements for men. Makes me rethink my use of any kind of supplement. Healthy food choices seems to be the only safe option.
I take collagen for many reasons, such an important protein.
I had issues elevated liver enzymes. I don’t know what caused them in my case as I don’t take any drugs/pain killers, drink alcohol but I was taking several supplements including some herbals. I stopped all the supplements. My enzymes stayed up for a long time even after stopping the supplements. Eventually my levels went back in the normal range. I don’t know if it was the supplements but I won’t take the risk. I will continue with my vitamin D and C but will be very cautious about taking anything else.
Where do you buy it from?
I am not so keen on collagen supplements as I have heard a fe w negative reports but do take a magnesium Zinc mix ( Red Seal ) at night
I swear the best immunity vitamin is Arma Force by BioCeuticals. I have them all year round, even when I am not sick. They even have a pregnancy option too!
I take vitamins D and C, calcium, magnesium and evening primrose and also a probiotic, I’m not sure if they actually do anything but I’m too scared to stop taking them just in case !
I really should take a Hair, Skin and Nails supplement, I remember they worked well for my nails
Hi Elly – I often buy it from Nourished Life but also have bought it off TVSN and off The Beauty Chef website directly as well – wherever there is a good deal really!
I don’t take Supplements.
Fresh food , health lifestyle and plenty of water.
I alternate between Swisse Hair Skin and Nails, it does help my hair and skin, not sure about my nails and QSilica tableets.
Thanks for that! I will have a look.
Totally agree with you there, but sometimes if I can’t sleep I might take a herbal supplement to give me a bit of help.
I don’t think I need supplements, so I don’t use them.
I like that one as well Meedee. I’m currently on an eight week trial for another brand so I’ll see how that goes.
Oh lucky you. Ive run out of mine at the moment but cant find anywhere to buy it where I can get some without having to pay a delivery fee on top.