I’m a dermatologist – here are the five anti-aging supplements I take everyday for smooth, youthful skin
Supplements are no longer reserved for drugstores and hidden corners of supermarkets. Today they line the shelves of department stores and even clothing stores.
But with so many to choose from – the industry is worth around $40 billion – how do you know which one to choose?
Now a leading dermatologist and skin health influencer has revealed the vitamin pills she swears by to keep her skin radiant and as wrinkle-free as possible.
Dr. Azadeh Shirazi, who has nearly 2 million followers on TikTok and trained at Harvard Medical School, says her combination of supplements not only makes her look younger on the outside, but also benefits her internal body.
California-based dermatologist Dr. Shirazi says she takes five daily supplements that keep her young, both inside and out
Here are the five drinks that Dr. Shirazi for ulcers…
SUNSHINE PILL THAT PROTECTS AGAINST SKIN CANCER
As a dermatologist, Dr. Shirazi is more aware of the risks of sun damage than most, so you won’t find her sunbathing.
But she revealed it InsiderHer aversion to the sun has left her deficient in essential vitamin D, as shown by a recent blood test.
The nutrient is synthesized by the skin when it comes into contact with the sun’s UV rays – and is critical for repairing and growing bone tissue, as well as protecting the outer layers of the skin from damage.
Vitamin D can both protect the skin against dangerous melanoma and keep the outer layers supple and healthy. An extra boost is especially important with age, because the body becomes less efficient at making it
Now she takes a daily vitamin D tablet which she says not only keeps her skin healthy but could also reduce the risk of melanoma cancer in vulnerable people, according to a 2011 study.
The benefits of vitamin D supplements increase with age, she added.
‘As we age, our skin becomes less efficient at making vitamin D from the sun and our kidneys’ ability to convert vitamin D to the active form is less effective.’
THE ‘COMPLETELY FORMING’ VITAMIN IN PEANUTS & BROCCOLI
Next on the list is vitamin E, which is found in sunflower seeds, peanuts and almonds, as well as some vegetables such as asparagus and broccoli.
And the nutrient is good for your skin for several reasons.
First, Dr. Shirazi says that, like vitamin D, it helps build bones – which provide an important foundation for the skin on your face.
“Our bones are the skeleton on which our skin rests,” she said, which can crumble after menopause due to declining sex hormones.
Additionally, studies show that vitamin E has anti-inflammatory properties, which protect the skin from UV damage. The vitamin also hydrates because it both retains water in the skin and helps it absorb fluid. A sufficient amount of water in the outer layers of the skin makes it look plumper, smoother and ultimately younger.
Dr. Azadeh Shirazi regularly posts her tips and tricks for healthy, youthful skin, as well as new treatments, on her popular TikTok channel (below)
ANTI-INFLAMMATORY NUTRIENTS FIGHT STAINS
Vitamin B3, also known as nicotinamide, is another must for youthful skin, says Dr. Shirazi.
“It helps improve the skin barrier by increasing ceramides, the glue that holds our skin cells together,” Shirazi said.
This ultimately prevents bacteria and irritants from penetrating the deeper layers of the skin, reducing redness and blemishes.
Shirazi said an added benefit is that nicotinamide can help stimulate enzymes involved in DNA repair, meaning the body can better repair damage.
THE LITTLE KNOWN PLANT SUBSTANCE THAT CAN HELP STOP DEMENTIA
Another supplement she takes is resveratrol, a plant compound that she says occurs naturally in foods like grapes and peanuts.
Like nicotinamide, it has anti-inflammatory properties and helps “brighten skin tone and increase elasticity,” said Dr. Shirazi.
This is thought to happen by triggering the production of collagen – the protein in the skin that makes it plumper and more supple.
Research into whether resveratrol can help with anti-aging has produced mixed results, but it remains popular in the anti-aging field.
David Sinclair, a Harvard biologist and anti-aging researcher, previously said he takes resveratrol supplements every day.
Other research has suggested that resveratrol may even protect against heart disease, cancer and Alzheimer’s disease due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
ALL IN ONE PILL THAT COVERS ALL THE BASES
Dr. Shirazi’s last supplement of the day is a multivitamin specifically for women, which she has been taking for the past twenty years.
The tablet contains zinc, which Dr. Shirazi praises for its “many anti-inflammatory properties, improving many skin conditions such as rosacea, acne and eczema.”
The multivitamin also contains vitamin A to improve skin texture, reduce fine lines and increase levels of hydrating hyaluronic acid.
Vitamin A also helps cell regeneration, reduces collagen breakdown, evens skin tone and balances oil production, which according to Dr. Shirazi is especially beneficial for acne.