Can a pill really make you beautiful? We put anti-ageing tablets to the test
http://www.mirror.co.uk/lifestyle/health/can-pill-really-make-you-1858910#ixzz31EB5MRum
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Scientists claim wrinkle-free skin could be as simple as taking a
couple of capsules each day. But does this actually work?
Most of us spend a small fortune on anti-ageing serums, potions and lotions, which promise to smooth away the wrinkles and take years off us.
But are we wasting our time and money when the real secret to younger-looking skin could be as easy as popping a pill?
The cosmetic industry is now inundated by beauty supplements in pill form, which are packed with nourishing ingredients said to work from the inside out.
The theory is not a new one, that what we put inside our body shows on the outside, and what we eat can have an impact on how good (or bad) our skin looks.
The first anti-wrinkle supplement, which persuaded even cynics of its benefits, was Dove Spa’s Strength Within, a pill containing a mix of soy isoflavones, lycopene, vitamins C and E and omega-3 fatty acids.
This is a combination of active ingredients, chosen not only to nourish the skin, but also to support the natural formation of collagen, which makes our skin plump and firm.
Created after more than five years of clinical research by a team of scientists, dermatologists and nutritionists, the pills were tested in two clinical trials involving 272 women over a period of 14 weeks.
The results showed smoother skin with a significant reduction in lines and wrinkles, especially deep-set crow’s feet.
According to its manufacturers Unilever, pills act so well on the skin because by being swallowed, the nourishing actives can be absorbed into the bloodstream through the gut wall, and this means they can reach all of the skin from the inside.
Other brands have since brought out their versions but are they better than creams?
“Face creams don’t work as they don’t penetrate deep enough to generate a real physiological change,” says Dr Daniel Sister, a French cosmetic doctor and anti-ageing specialist who has developed Youth, a food supplement.
A combination of amino acids and marine plant extracts, Youth supplements are said to enhance the production of growth hormones, which naturally decrease as we age, repair skin cells and reduce the damage done by free radicals.
“Your skin is a reflection of what’s happening on the inside, so a healthy diet is important,” Dr Sister adds.
“As we age, the body is less effective at extracting key nutrients from what we eat. If you add to that the fact that food quality may be low, and our need for a large quantity of amino acids from proteins for optimum skin care, here’s where supplements can help with their high concentrations of key ingredients.”
Lamiss El Hannach, in-house nutritionist at London pharmacy John Bell & Croyden, goes so far as to say that we should all be using supplements to optimise our skin-care regimes. “We can’t get enough vitamins and minerals from food because what we consume on a daily basis is highly processed and most skin health vitamins (A, C, and E) are sensitive to light, heat or chemicals,” she says.
“Therefore, any skin problem can be corrected by supplementing with vitamins A, C and E and essential minerals, which nourish the deeper layers from the inside.”
But Bridget Benelam, nutrition scientist at the British Nutrition Foundation, says this is nonsense.
“If you consume a varied and balanced diet with oily fish, whole grains and brightly coloured vegetables, this can provide you with essential vitamins and minerals, those needed for healthy skin. A supplement can never recreate this complex mixture of nutrients and natural compounds.”
There’s also the danger of toxic overload, she warns. “Follow the instructions and don’t exceed the stated dose as some vitamins and minerals can be toxic in excess,” says Bridget. “Combining a multivitamin tablet and a fish oil capsule, for example, could give you too much vitamin A, so always check the label or ask a pharmacist.”
Jennifer Young, an Associate Member of the Royal Society of Medicine, doesn’t see pills replacing skin creams and serum.
“Some active ingredients in skin care can reach deeper layers of the skin. If nourished, the effects are immediate,” she says.
“The nutrients in skin-care supplements aren’t targeted – collagen in a supplement could go to the skin or cartilage, the person taking the pill has no choice. However, the beauty is, we know exactly where products have been applied.”
So can these beauty pills turn the clock back? We asked six readers to trial the top performing anti-ageing beauty supplements for a month to see if their skin benefited in the short term...
Seven Seas ilumina 30+
£27.99 for 56 capsules/ 28-day supply, Boots
TESTER: Sian Agar, 36, is a science teacher who lives in Hove, East Sussex, with David, 34, and their son Freddie, nine months.
“I’ve been alarmed by the appearance of fine lines that have appeared under my eyes and across the top of my nose since giving birth, so I was glad to give these a go. I took two tablets before bed each day.
"There was no improvement to my wrinkles, but I did notice my skin was softer, maybe more oily. My hair became greasier (the tablets contain avocado, sunflower and safflower oils).
"I think taking them over a longer period might prevent more wrinkles from appearing but I probably won’t continue taking them as I dislike the feeling of greasy skin. Probably a great option for women with overly dry skin.”
Imedeen Time Perfection
£41.50 for 60 tablets/ 30-day supply, Boots
TESTER: Jo Reynolds, 43, from South London, is a part-time accountant. She is married to Nick, 41 and they have a son Charlie, nine.
“I’ve noticed the dark circles under my eyes and wrinkles getting worse in the past few years so have been using eye creams religiously to try to improve things.
"Taking the pills was fine and I got no side effects but as yet I haven’t noticed much difference to the wrinkles, although I think the dark circles might have improved in the last week or so.
"I wouldn’t carry on taking the pills though as spending over £40 a month seems like an extravagance when I eat pretty healthily anyway.”
Perfectil Platinum
£40.35 for 60 tablets/ 30-day supply, Boots and www.vitabiotics.com
TESTER: Jane Love, 49, from Basingstoke, is a learning support worker. She is married to Colin, 51, and they have three children.
“I have wrinkles around my eyes and mouth and dark circles under the eyes. My skincare regime isn’t brilliant – I wash my face with soap, and I sometimes go to bed with make-up on. Popping a pill seemed like a great, hassle-free way to care for my skin.
"After a month of taking the tablets, I didn’t see any changes. Plus points were that no new wrinkles appeared, and although the tablets may provide vitamins and minerals I might be lacking, I probably won’t bother carrying on taking them.
"I might look into a liquid supplement as that seems more likely to benefit the skin.”
Colladeen Visage
£18.95 for 60 tablets/ 30-day supply, www.naturesbest.co.uk
TESTER: Maryann Macaulay, 35, a trainee teacher from Bodmin, Cornwall, lives with fiance Mark, 33.
“I’ve tried all sorts of expensive moisturisers and serums to try to erase away my crow’s feet but they’ve mostly tended to irritate my skin or dry it.
"I’ve tried microdermabrasion too but nothing’s worked up to now, so I didn’t hold out much hope for these supplements.
“After about 10 days, though, my skin felt less dry and after a month there’s been an improvement. The crow’s feet are less noticeable and my skin looks radiant. Friends and family have been asking if I’ve been on holiday as I look so good! I’m a convert!”
Dove Spa Strength Within
£35 for 84 capsules/28-day supply, www.dovespa.co.uk
TESTER: Victoria Hopkins, 38, is the director of an engineering firm and mum to Abigail, six. They live in Leeds.
“In my 20s, I didn’t use much sun protection and my crow’s feet appeared early. Being a heavy smoker for 20 years didn’t help.
"I’ve tried face creams, none of which have made a bit of difference so I use face wash and moisturiser in the morning, and almond oil at night.
"After a month, I haven’t seen any difference. The depth of my wrinkles are the same, and there has been no change to my skin’s tone or suppleness.
"The literature does state they need to be taken for 14 weeks and my friend did say: 'Have you had some work done?' She thinks my nose to mouth lines have almost disappeared though I can’t see it myself!”
Murad Youth Builder
£55 for 120 tablets/30-day supply, www.murad.co.uk
TESTER: Julie Brammer, 54, from Washington, Tyne & Wear, is a freelance PR consultant, married to Bob, 62.
“I’ve got slightly uneven skin tone and it has started to look rough with a few too many laughter lines appearing. I cleanse religiously and use a moisturiser with sunblock and slather on eye cream, too.
"The tablets were quite difficult to swallow and I had to take two, twice a day, which was a bit of a chore, but I do think my skin tone looks less uneven and my complexion is fresher.
"Another unexpected positive is my creaky joints seem to be feeling the benefits – the ingredients contain glucosamine, a supplement which is used to treat osteoarthritis. I’ll keep using the pills as I think they’re doing me good.”
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