We often invest in skincare, facials and makeup to help us achieve that coveted glowing complexion, but results are usually short-lived because they only address the skin's surface.
Experts will tell you that the foundation of luminous skin starts from within. Our diet, lifestyle and even our emotions play a part.
"Focusing on what's happening inside your body should be your top priority if you want to brighten your skin,” shares GP and medical educator Dr Raj Arora. “A balanced, nutritious diet will ensure you’re getting the vitamins and minerals needed for healthy skin. Drinking plenty of water is vital, as dehydration can lead to dry and dull-looking skin.
Other lifestyle measures like regular exercise can improve circulation, allowing essential nutrients to reach the skin cells,” she adds. “Also, don’t underestimate the power of sleep - you should aim for seven to nine hours per night to allow the cells to repair and rejuvenate.”
While most experts recommend a ‘food first’ approach to support skin health, supplements can play an additional role, by providing essential nutrients that might be missing from your diet.
“Supplements can work well as an adjunct to a well-balanced diet,” says nutritionist Maz Packham, founder of Nourishful Nutrition. “For those who are time-poor or not able to get all their nutrients from their diet, a good quality supplement can be a great option to optimise skin health,” she adds.
What are the key nutrients to look out for to get glowing skin?
The right nutrients can make all the difference in achieving radiant skin “To boost skin radiance, eat more antioxidants,” explains Packham.
“Vitamin C fights oxidative stress triggered by things like a sugary diet, smoking and pollution - all of which can dull the skin and cause pigmentation and premature ageing. Vitamin A is key for skin turnover and can help improve texture, tone and radiance. Niacinamide is also recommended, as it improves the skin barrier and reduces dark spots,” she reveals.
What supplements can help banish early signs of ageing: fine lines, wrinkles and dull skin?
“Go for a hydrolysed collagen powder, which can improve the appearance of wrinkles and skin texture, " adds Packham. “You could also look for a collagen supplement containing hyaluronic acid to improve dryness and skin clarity.”
What nutrients should individuals with mature skin (50+) focus on to achieve glowing skin?
“As we age, our body's ability to absorb nutrients can decline, so along with a wholesome diet, supplements can be a great way to keep nutrient levels topped up,” says Packham. “For brighter and firmer skin, look into a collagen supplement, which can boost elasticity and improve structure. Omega-3 fatty acids are fantastic for skin hydration and maintaining a resilient barrier. Antioxidant-rich vitamins - A, C, E neutralise free radicals, while zinc and biotin are also important. Zinc is essential for collagen synthesis and biotin plays a role in producing keratin, the protein that keeps our skin, hair and nails strong and healthy.”
Which nutrients can help improve skin radiance for acne and redness-prone skin?
“Look for formulations that contain vitamin A, which helps normalise the production of sebum and promotes cell turnover,” says Packham. “Vitamin B6 is another important nutrient found in bananas and chickpeas, it regulates hormone imbalances, keeping breakouts under control. I also recommend probiotics to reduce inflammation and help maintain a healthy balance of microbes in the gut, which we know has an influence on our skin health,” she shares.
Is there anything we should keep in mind when selecting skin supplements?
Opt for reputable brands that have been tested by third-party labs for purity and potency. Check labels for active ingredients at the top and avoid unnecessary additives like fillers or sugars. Food-grade supplements use nutrients derived from food sources, making them more easily absorbed by the body.
Best vitamins for glowing skin at a glance
- Best for overall skin health: Artah Skin Clinic - £45, Artah
- Best for supporting the natural tanning process: Wild Nutrition Natural Glow - £65, Wild Nutrition
- Best for vegans: Ancient & Brave Radiant Collagyn for Beauty - £32, Ancient & Brave
- Best for breakout-prone skin: Equi Beauty Formula - £70, Amazon
- Best for premium option: Sisterly The Elevator - £96.76, Brown Thomas
- Best for dull skin and reducing pigmentation: Vida Glow Advanced Repair Radiance+ - £44, lookfantastic
- Best for signs of ageing: Perfectil Platinum Radiance - £42, Boots
- Best for affordability: Vitl Skin & Beauty - £11.99, Vitl
- Best for mature skin: Absolute Collagen Marine Liquid Collagen - £27.99, Absolute Collagen
- Best for on-the-go: Imarais Beauty Glow Gummies - £40, Beauty Bay
ARTAH Skin Clinic
Best for: overall skin health
This award-winning supplement has been designed to support collagen production, promote cell turnover and enhance overall skin health.
It contains a potent blend of ingestible retinol and hyaluronic acid - two skincare heroes known for their ability to smooth fine lines, diminish wrinkles and boost hydration levels.
Antioxidant rich lycopene and coenzyme Q10 are also part of the formula, to combat oxidative damage and preserve the skin's natural glow. In addition to its skin benefits, this supplement supports hair growth with biotin, while added zinc helps maintain strong, healthy nails.
Take three per day with food, and depending on your skin's current condition, you may start noticing improvements within the first month, with the full benefits typically becoming apparent after around three months, as the skin completes its natural turnover cycle.
Buy now £45.00, ARTAH
Wild Nutrition Natural Glow
Best for: Supporting the natural tanning process
Wild Nutrition is known for food-grown supplements that are easily absorbed and kinder to the digestive system. Not only does this innovative supplement boost the skin’s defences against UV damage, it also promotes a natural, sun-kissed glow.
The key ingredient is Melaline - a unique form of keratin naturally found in the wool of a special flock of sheep in Provence. Melaline gradually stimulates the body’s production of collagen and melanin (the pigment responsible for tanning) leading to a healthier, more radiant complexion.
The capsules are also enriched with vitamin C to support collagen formation, vitamin E to protect cells from oxidative stress and copper, which plays a role in maintaining normal skin pigmentation.
A study of Melaline in this supplement showed that in just 30 days, 81 per cent of the 33 testers found that their skin was firmer, brighter and more tanned.
Housed in a recyclable jar, this vegetarian-friendly supplement is designed for daily use - take two capsules a day, either morning or evening.
Buy now £65.00, Wild Nutrition
Ancient + Brave Radiant Collagyn for Beauty
Best for: Vegan friendly
If you’re noticing the first signs of skin ageing and want to achieve brighter and smoother skin, this vegan and organic powdered formula is a good option.
It’s made with a combination of vitamin C for collagen renewal and antioxidant-rich raspberry, haskap berry and beetroot, which taste great and provide natural protection against oxidative stress. Additional nutrients like rosehip, choline, zinc, biotin and vitamin D3 work together to promote skin radiance and overall well-being.
The powder formula is easy to incorporate into your routine - just mix it with water, milk or blend into a smoothie. This is a great option if you prefer not to take pills or if you follow a plant-based or dairy-free diet.
Buy now £32.00, Ancient & Brave
Equi Beauty Formula
Best for: Breakout prone skin
Packed with 45 potent nutrients, this formula is ideal for those battling problem skin. The award-winning concoction works from the inside out to brighten the complexion and bring balance to the entire body.
Our skin thrives when our hormones are in harmony, detoxification processes are efficient, and the gut-skin connection is strong. When issues like breakouts, dryness or dullness appear, they're often signs of internal imbalances. This formula tackles these root causes with a blend of biotin, turmeric extract, glutamine and probiotics to support gut and digestive health.
It also features adaptogenic herbs and vitamin B6 to regulate hormones, while vitamin C, pine bark, marine collagen peptides and hyaluronic acid nourish the skin and enhance radiance. Whether you prefer powder or capsules, this supplement comes in both formats.
Buy now £70.00, Amazon
Sisterly The Elevator
Best for: Premium option
Developed by a team of doctors and nutritionists, this supplement features a blend of 24 bioavailable vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that address various aspects of female health - from gut, brain and cardiovascular, to overall well-being.
By enhancing the body's internal functions, these ingredients not only improve health, but also have a direct impact on the skin. If you're not a fan of cluttering your shelf with multiple supplements, this convenient sachet comes filled with a potent powder that delivers the benefits of seven tablets in one go.
It may be pricey, but the brand has gone above and beyond to ensure the quality of its product meets the gold standard. It contains a robust nutrient line-up including; a skin-perfecting cocktail of vitamins A, E and C to build collagen, fight inflammation and impart a luminous glow. Coenzyme Q10 for an energy boost, magnesium to calm the nervous system and improve sleep and iodine to strengthen immunity. The powder needs to be dissolved into water, which allows for easy absorption and it has a pleasant mandarin flavour.
Sisterly utilises independent third-party testing to guarantee purity and efficacy and all ingredients are certified GMO-free, gluten-free and vegan.
Buy now £96.76, Brown Thomas
Vida Glow Advanced Repair Radiance+
Best for: Dull skin and reducing pigmentation
Pigmentation can make the skin look dull and uneven. These vitamins are designed to target and fade specific areas of skin discolouration like melasma and sun spots, which are caused by excess melanin accumulation.
The flavour-less, once-daily capsules come filled with grapeseed extract, licorice root extract, grape pomace extract, lycopene and vitamin C – all known for regulating melanin and brightening the skin. Antioxidant-rich French maritime pine bark further reduces discolouration and boosts collagen. Artichoke extract is rich in polyphenols and antioxidant alpha lipoic acid helps protect skin against ageing free radicals. The makers claim you can expect more radiant and more unified complexion in just four weeks.
Buy now £44.00, LookFantastic
Perfectil Platinum Radiance
Best for: Signs of ageing
These two-a-day capsules are brimming with over 30 nutrients that work together to support skin health. The added bio-marine collagen aids skin rejuvenation and vitamin C supports collagen formation for those concerned with lines and wrinkles.
With environmental factors like UV radiation and pollution accelerating premature ageing and lacklustre skin, these capsules, created with vitamins E, C and riboflavin shield the cells from oxidative stress. Beyond skincare, they cover the bases for overall well-being with vitamins D and B12, folic acid and minerals like iron, magnesium and zinc - all of which play a role in healthy cell division.
Plus, the hair and nails get a boost from the added zinc and selenium. They are also free from artificial colours and preservatives, plus they're gluten-free.
Buy now £42.00, Perfectil
Vitl Skin & Beauty
Best for: Affordability
This purse-friendly option doesn’t compromise on ingredients or quality. Each daily dose is filled with a cocktail of bioavailable vitamins, minerals, plant extracts and amino acids to nourish the skin from within.
The inclusion of vitamins C, D, E and B help stimulate collagen production, regulate hormones and shield the skin from the dulling and ageing effects of UV exposure.
Vitamin B12 is essential for promoting healthy skin by supporting normal red blood cell formation, ensuring skin gets the oxygen it needs to stay radiant. Phytonutrients and vitamin A derivative – astaxanthin offer antioxidant protection, while L-cysteine aids in keratin production to keep the hair and nails strong. Essential minerals like selenium, zinc, iron and iodine are added to maintain the connective tissues and skin pigmentation. The formula is vegan-friendly, non-GMO and free from fillers, bulking agents, artificial colour and preservatives.
For those seeking personalised advice, Vitl offers an online Q and A style consultation to help tailor vitamins specifically to your skin goals.
Buy now £11.99, Vitl
Absolute Collagen Marine Liquid Collagen
Best for: Mature skin
Collagen plays a vital role in providing structural support, strength and hydration to the skin, but our production of it starts to decline from around the age of 25, and by the age of 50 we lose half. This liquid formula comes in a convenient 10ml travel-friendly sachet filled with 8000mg of hydrolysed marine collagen (the most we can absorb) to stimulate the body’s natural production. It’s also enriched with vitamin C, which further assists with collagen synthesis and provides antioxidant protection against UV damage.
In an extensive double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial of hydrolysed collagen supplements, Absolute Collagen, was shown to significantly improve skin quality in 100 per cent of female and male participants.
The liquid format ensures faster and more efficient absorption into the bloodstream compared to solid supplements, and with regular use, you can expect noticeable improvements in skin texture, tone and clarity within six weeks.
You can take it directly from the packet or add it to drinks and food. The blend is lactose, gluten, sugar and dairy-free, and it’s also halal-certified.
Buy now £27.99, Absolute Collagen
Imarais Beauty Glow Gummies
Best for: On the go
Vegan-friendly and recommended to be taken twice a day, these gummies contain glow-boosting ingredients including omega 3 rich marine algae to aid skin detoxification; vegan olive squalene to boost hydration and soothe irritation along with vitamin C to reduce the look of pigmentation, to leave skin more even toned. Plus, all ingredients are fully traceable, ensuring quality and transparency.
Unlike many gummies on the market that are loaded with sugar, these are both sugar and gelatin-free and have a subtle lemon flavour. They're an ideal alternative for anyone who prefers not to take tablets. Each recyclable, sustainable paper pouch contains a one-month supply, They’re also PETA-certified and cruelty-free.
Buy now £12.00, Beauty Bay
Verdict
Artah Skin Clinic is a great addition for any beauty regime. The supplement contains several of the ingredients recommended by our experts. Its comprehensive formula tackles multiple concerns such as dullness and lacklustre skin by supporting collagen production and cell turnover.
The ingestible retinol evens out the skin texture while hyaluronic acid boosts hydration. Whether you're aiming to fend off signs of ageing or simply maintain your skin's radiance, this supplement is an excellent place to start.
