In pursuit of perfect skin, many have turned to supplements… but at what cost? Here, I share my wake-up call, and explore the dark side of skincare supplements
In the relentless pursuit of radiant, glowing skin, many women have turned to skincare supplements like Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E and probiotics. These tiny pills promise to unlock the secrets of flawless complexions, but beneath their allure lies a darker reality.
Recently, I came across a story of a 28-year-old woman who suffered from kidney failure and teetered on the brink of death due to an excessive intake of Vitamin C, and it came as a shock to me – because I’m guilty of using the same supplement outside of its recommended dosage too. This case sparked my curiosity about the risks attached to taking skincare supplements, and I decided to do some research.
Why people are turning to supplements
For many, skincare supplements offer what topical products sometimes fail to deliver — fast, visible results. The logic is simple: if skin health starts from within, why not feed it directly with the right nutrients? This has led to an influx of beauty supplements packed with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, biotin, and marine collagen, all promising smoother, brighter, and more youthful skin.
Over the past years, the popularity of supplements has skyrocketed, largely driven by social media’s influence on beauty and skincare habits –which is how I first came across supplements in the first place. When influencers credit their radiant skin to a daily supplement rather than a 10-step routine, it’s easy to see why people are ditching their serums in favour of ingestibles.
Dr Sikora, a licensed dermatologist at Skincare Physicians, says that maintaining healthy, glowing skin requires more than a good skincare routine. In her ultimate guide to using supplements for healthy skin, she recommends five supplements which she uses regularly — including one she takes twice daily, to get “radiant skin.”
For some women, including me, the promise of a quick fix to skin-related insecurities such as acne, eczema, hyperpigmentation, and others, is enough motivation to get on board. For others, it’s in pursuit of a brighter complexion, smoother skin, or a more youthful glow. However, supplements have become a crucial part of women’s routines for whatever reason.
The dark reality of using supplements
While supplements can be a valuable addition to our skincare routines, their misuse and overuse can unleash devastating health consequences. Johanna Dwyer, RD, a senior research scientist with the National Institutes of Health’s Office of Dietary Supplements says “Most people don’t realise there’s no real advantage to taking more than the recommended amounts of vitamins and minerals, and they don’t recognise there may be disadvantages.”
Excessive vitamin C intake, for instance, can wreak havoc on our kidneys, triggering damage or exacerbating existing problems. High doses can also spark gastrointestinal chaos, leaving us reeling from stomach upsets, nausea, and diarrhoea.
Consuming too much vitamin A over a long time can cause coarse hair, partial loss of hair (including the eyebrows), cracked lips, and dry, rough skin. Chronic consumption of large doses of vitamin A can also cause liver damage and can also cause birth defects in a fetus.
Additionally, according to Healthline, excessive vitamin E intake can cause blood thinning and lead to fatal bleeding. It can also interfere with blood clotting, which is your body’s natural defence against excessive bleeding after an injury. It has also been linked to an increased risk of haemorrhagic stroke, or a stroke caused by bleeding in the brain.
And for those taking prescription medications, supplements can be a recipe for disaster, interacting with medications and diminishing their effectiveness.
Finding the balance
As someone who has long relied on supplements to support my skincare routine, I am now reminded that even well-intended habits can have potentially devastating consequences. So, how can we harness the benefits of supplements without sacrificing our health?
The answer lies in balance and awareness. Before continuing with any supplement regimen, consult with a healthcare professional to discuss potential risks and benefits. After consultation, choose high-quality products from reputable manufacturers, and adhere to recommended dosages. By embracing this cautious approach, we can unlock the secrets of radiant skin while safeguarding our health.
As we navigate the complex world of skincare supplements, we must confront a profound paradox: our pursuit of beauty must never compromise our health. Moving forward, we must remember that true beauty is not just skin-deep, but health-deep. By prioritising our well-being and embracing a balanced approach to skincare, we can unlock the secrets of radiant, glowing skin.
