I’ve been reviewing beauty products for over 10 years now (12, in fact), and I would like to think I’m pretty informed at this point. I do love a lotion and a potion (as you can see from this section of the blog!) and I consider it a privilege to be asked for my advice on skincare (despite being stubborn - and stubbornly careful - about using eye make up remover products [because I hate dragging cloths and cotton around my eye skin and I dislike anything but purely natural products around my eyes and lashes]). So often though, when asking for advice, people say they have, for example, dry skin and ask me what moisturiser they should use… and I am astounded to then ask about their water consumption only to find that they barely drink water at all. Or I ask about diet when someone says they have a skin irritation that they’ve been assuming is the fault of a topical product they’ve applied without looking at their own diet or what’s going into their skin from within.
For so long we believed that the only way to care for our skin was by applying topical creams. Gradually, and thankfully, it's now well recognised that what we eat, how we treat our body and its delicate hormonal balance deeply affects our skin quality. Skin is our body’s biggest organ after all. Addressing specific skin concerns - from rosacea and acne to eczema and psoriasis – should not be solely in the hands of the beauty industry; for me, a dermatologist-dietitian/or facialist-nutritionist led combo is the ultimate skin goal!
I've always been a big believer in acquiring the maximum nutrition possible from eating the right food and drinking enough water. Getting the gut:skin relationship right is crucial and for me, this is way more important than any topical lotion or potion. Give me a portion of spinach and kale over an iron supplement any day, but if there's something that will bolster my diet and bring additional health benefits, I'm all for it. Bolstering our diet with vitamins and food supplements is now the norm - and a multi-million pound industry. Initially developed to make it easier for us to get our daily dose of essential vitamins and minerals, most of us have progressed from a multivitamin - at a push - to a series of supplements to address multiple health and wellbeing requirements.
But self diagnosing can be a risky guessing game, so if you're new to supplements, I highly recommend seeking professional advice. Our bodies can't tolerate too much of certain vitamins and minerals and the best options and dosage will vary enormously according to individual health and lifestyle.
There are so many multivitamin and mineral packages available now – some specific to female needs and they are a really quick and easy way to get the right vitamins and minerals into our bodies. Personally, I think it’s a great starting point to seek professional advice and I popped in to Framar Health in Belfast for an all-over assessment. I had the ASYRA PRO assessment with a nutritionist which was fascinating. I left with the knowledge of what vitamins and minerals I was lacking in and then spent a bit of a fortune to be fair on supplements and goodies (Epsom salts, vegan chocolate etc as well as magnesium, Zinc, Selenium etc).
In the meantime, I thought I'd share some options of multi-vitamin and mineral supplements that I’ve trialled in the past, or I’d like to in the future. The first one is def not a realistic option for any of us mere mortals, but I thought I’d include it as it may be more accessible in the future!
KLOTHO
One supplement that I’ll never be able to afford is a recent – and semi-secret – version of Klotho called Immortalis. Have a google of that one, and you’ll likely only find one (comprehensive) article about it on VOGUE.co.uk, because it’s still so rare, barely anyone knows about it. It is estimated that the Swiss clinic where it’s made can only produce enough for 800 people to take a year’s supply. And that pretty much rules out anyone who’s not Hollywood royalty, the richest Californian and Chinese billionaires as well as a few Middle Eastern or Russian oil and gas tycoons. I’m now convinced JLo is on it. She ages in reverse! The trading name of this secret supplement is Immortalis, and it was created by a retired professor of molecular biology, Marco Ruggerio. The 12 month supply comes in with a hefty price tag of £20,000.00. Yup.
LUMITY
One supplement I do take is Lumity. And it is, for me, the next best thing. It is a natural, anti-ageing supplement that works with your body to restore youthful vitality at cellular level. Its scientifically formulated Morning & Night softgel capsules deliver maximum results for health and beauty with minimum effort.
A powerhouse blend of high-quality omegas, minerals, vitamins and essential nutrients, this advanced formula grants infinite benefits from more youthful-looking skin to boosted energy and vitality. Selected by the Times and the Telegraph as amongst the top beauty and health supplements, Lumity is available locally via my lovely friend, Gemma Garret at Buella Life.
MIND BODY GREEN
Mind Body Green supplements target multiple health needs, including NR+ to promote cellular energy production and glowing, smoother skin thanks to nicotinamide riboside (NR), a new form of Vitamin B3. It also includes healthy skin actives to help combat dryness and improve elasticity.
REVIVE ACTIVE
Revive Active's food supplements are formulated and produced in Ireland using the highest natural quality ingredients. Free of binders, additives and fillers, they contain a multitude of vitamins and ingredients that are all vegan-friendly. These supplements can help sustain natural energy, reduce the effects of fatigue, support heart health and reinforce the immune system for healthier skin, nails and hair.
The brand's commitment to producing excellent products to address a variety of health benefits is recognised internationally with multiple business and enterprise awards.
IMEDEEN
IMEDEEN® Skincare supplements are scientifically proven to help reduce visible signs of skin ageing from within. I'm talking 10 clinical trials, plus a number of in vitro studies and consumer evaluations, across the range of formulations.
As with many of these 'beauty' supplements, IMEDEEN® benefits can be seen all over the body, not just on your face. From hair and nail capsules to the liquid Advanced Beauty Shot with 2500mg of collagen and Vitamin C, make sure you select the right option for you.
COLLAGEN LIFT
Collagen Lift is a daily drinkable collagen supplement, clinically proven to reduce wrinkles by up to 50% and increase skin elasticity. Made in France, this highly-effective formula is ideal for anyone who wishes to fight the signs of aging in a non-invasive way and visible results can be seen in as little as 3 to 6 weeks.
IV VITAMIN THERAPY
Vitamin IV drips can boost the immune system, skin health and fight lethargy with a direct infusion of vitamins and minerals, like high doses of vitamin B, C or magnesium. Receiving vitamins through an IV allegedly allows the nutrients to bypass the digestive system for a quicker shot of vitality.
A number of Belfast clinics now offer vitamin infusions but I get mine at Glow Aesthetics at the Culloden Hotel, Cultra and I've had a similar treatment at the Exilir Clinic in London and felt amazing afterwards!