Could a beauty pill transform your skin?
Stroll down the beauty aisle or step into any high street chemist and you’ll see rows of pills and powders that promise everything from radiant skin and glossy hair to a flatter tummy. These potent beauty boosters have never been more popular.
In fact, according to new research, British women are now buying more skin supplements than serums.
While nothing can replace a healthy diet, a supplement can be a good option if you are stressed, eat processed or junk food or are trying to lose weight.
So read our guide to the new generation of beauty pills and discover which is right for you.
SUPER SUPPLEMENT SHOPPING GUIDE
You want... radiance
Perfectil Platinum Collagen Skin, £39.89 (boots.com)
Collagen is essential for a plump and rm complexion.
However as we age, levels in the skin decrease leading to sagging and wrinkles.
This liquid supplement contains hydrolysed collagen to help restore radiance and amino acids to encourage the formation of new collagen in the skin.
Research has shown that the body absorbs liquid collagen more ef ciently compared to powder forms.
You want... summer ready skin
Hello Day, £79 (hello-day.com)
These new all-natural boosters are designed to be taken seasonally.
The Summer Box contains four different supplements that work together to prepare your body for sunny days.
Digestion Shape contains green tea to speed up the metabolism and artichoke to reduce cholesterol.
Sun Prime contains amino acids and copper to protect skin from sun damage.
Libido Stimulate contains magnesium to boost energy levels and Circulation Activate contains red vine leaf extract to tackle swollen legs and varicose veins.
You want... stronger hair
Philip Kingsley Biotin Boost, £30 (philipkingsley.co.uk)
Biotin helps to boost the hair’s strength, resilience and elasticity, minimising breakage and dryness.
It also soothes the scalp, preventing irritation and flaking.
This supplement contains biotin, zinc and vitamin B12, making it especially good for vegans and vegetarians who can struggle to get enough vitamin B12 in their diet.
You want... a flat tummy
Optibac Probiotics One Week, £8.69 (optibacprobiotics.co.uk)
Probiotics support gut health by producing enzymes that are essential for digestion.
As two-thirds of the body’s immune system is managed in the gut, it’s crucial to keep probiotic levels high.
This seven-day treatment will give your tummy an immediate boost and can help to banish bloating.
Each sachet of powder contains five billion live cultures.
Mix with water and take after breakfast.
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You want… anti-ageing boost
Perricone MD Super Greens, £58 (cultbeauty.co.uk)
This powerhouse blend of super greens includes spirulina, spinach, chlorella and broccoli and is bursting with antioxidants and vitamins.
Add one packet to a glass of water and drink to help fight the signs of ageing, boost health and wellbeing and protect against oxidative stress from the inside out.
You want… all-rounder
Bodyism Omega Brilliance, £40 (bodyism.com)
These highly concentrated capsules are packed with omega-3s, which are vital for metabolising fat, healing, reducing sugar cravings and supporting heart health.
A potent natural anti inflammatory, omega 3-s can also calm skin that is prone to breakouts as well as tackling signs of ageing.
For advice on cosmetic surgery, consult your GP.
For more of Lesley’s tips see lesleyreynolds.com