5 Powerful Nutrients for Beautiful Hair & Skin at Any Age

Shiny, silky hair and beautiful skin are usually looked at as the most universal traits of physical beauty in this world. While this type of beauty is only skin deep, it represents internal health outwardly to the world. Unfortunately, millions of people spend hundreds or even thousands of dollars per year trying to achieve beautiful hair and skin when the answer may be much simpler. 

Makeup and artificial hair products can do more harm than good long term. Healthy, attractive looking hair and skin doesn’t have to come at such a high expense or by using toxic products. With a few healthy nutrients, your skin, hair, and entire body will thank you for years to come. 

1. Organic Silica

The secret beauty enhancing effects of silica are becoming more well known throughout the world. For many years, women in Asia have been using silica rich extracts to improve the natural beauty of their hair and skin. It is the second most abundant element on earth and third most abundant in the human body. Yet for most, our daily intake isn’t nearly enough to get the beauty benefits of this mineral. Deficiencies of silica have been linked to: 

  • Injuries of the bones, ligaments, and tendons 
  • Weak, brittle hair and nails
  • Dull and dry skin
  • Loss of elasticity and plumpness of the skin
  • Weaknesses in the skeletal system & joints
  • Atherosclerosis
  • Calcium deposits
  • Osteoporosis

While silica won’t reverse hair loss, a 2008 study with almost 50 women showed stronger hair after 9 months of supplementation. Another study done in 2005 caused improvements on sun damaged skin by increasing collagen and elastin production. Silica acts as a glue that helps keep collagen and elastin functioning well so you can look your best. The most easily absorbed form of silica is said to be choline-stabilized orthosilicic acid. This type of silica can be found in supplements available online, although they’re more expensive per milligram. Natural bamboo extracts are the most cost feasible way to get this beauty enhancing mineral working for you.   (1-3)

2. Omega-7 Fatty acid

Omega-7 fatty acids (palmitoleic acid) have been largely overlooked and undervalued for many years. Not only for the beautifying effects it can give, but the important role it plays in overall health. Most people have heard of omega-3 fats because of its mainstream popularity, but studies show omega 7’s may give even greater benefits. According to research, omega-7 fatty acids are critical for: 

  • Proper cell membrane functioning
  • Insulin sensitivity & blood sugar metabolism
  • Skin elasticity and wrinkle formation
  • Overall metabolic rate and fat burning 
  • Arterial health
  • Balanced Inflammatory response
  • Healthy lipid profiles

It has been discovered that omega 7’s play a major role in skin health, and may even help in maintaining soft, beautiful hair. As we age, the natural supply of palmitoleic acid in the body decreases, which causes dryness and lack of suppleness in the body. Omega 7’s help to replenish moisture from the inside out, which improves the luster of hair and skin. Sea buckthorn oil and macadamia nuts are good sources of omega 7. There are also extracts that can be purchased online called provinal that supply a purified form of palmitoleic acid.    (4,5)

3. Fulvic/Humic Acid

Fulvic & humic acid are mysterious, powerful substances that form out of the decomposition of organic matter. They are sometimes called peat, shilajit, or moomiyo in other areas of the world. This substance is the result of thousands of years of decomposed organic matter that contains vitamins, minerals, fats, hormones, ketones, electrolytes, flavonoids, probiotics, nucleic acids, and more! Despite the mysterious nature of fulvic and humic acid, they are known to be beneficial for: 

  • Hair growth and overall appearance of hair
  • Skin radiance & collagen production
  • Energy production 
  • Diabetes
  • Digestive health
  • Cellular oxygenation, detoxification & removing wastes
  • Immune function
  • Brain health & healing after brain injuries
  • Libido & overall vitality
  • Encourages healthy aging

(6-8)

4. Chlorella Growth Factor

Chlorella growth factor is a fascinating, nutrient dense substance that is found inside the nucleus of chlorella algae. Whole chlorella only contains a small amount, so it’s necessary to use a CGF extract to gain the full benefits. Chlorella growth factor has an incredible ability to reproduce at a rate not often seen in nature. These same qualities are what give its many health benefits. CGF extracts may help cause the following effects according to studies: 

  • Improve growth rates of children & increase IQ
  • Speed up healing in the body
  • Improve DNA/RNA functioning
  • Protect cells from certain toxins
  • Repair genetic damage
  • Slow aging
  • Improve the appearance of skin and hair
  • Speed up cellular renewal & hair growth
  • Strengthen the immune system

(9,10)

5. Vitamin E

Vitamin E is not only incredibly important for the cardiovascular system and brain, but it’s also critical for healthy skin and hair. Vitamin E helps to form a protective barrier on the skin according to several studies. It also is able to increase circulation to hair follicles and keep the scalp healthy for robust, beautiful hair growth. One study on vitamin E showed good benefits to those experiencing hair loss. Vitamin E acts as a natural sunscreen that helps protect skin from UV damage and common elements. Within the vitamin E family, there are tocopherols and tocotrienols. Although less commonly consumed in food and supplements, tocotrienols may offer greater overall benefits to the entire body. (12,13)

In closing, beautiful hair and skin doesn’t have to be such an elusive, complicated thing to achieve. As the body is nourished with some of these nutrients, it rewards us with good health that reflects on the outside. While ideal health cannot be guaranteed with any nutrient or supplement, the 5 listed here can help improve internal health and external appearance in a number of ways. 

References: 

1. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16205932/

2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4938278/

3. https://www.superpharmacy.com.au/blog/silicamore-than-just-a-beauty-supplement

4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5903135/

5.https://www.urologyofva.net/articles/category/longevity/33391/omega-7-an-overlooked-fatty-acid-life-extension

6.https://www.purahome.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Fulvic-Acid-A-Substance-Critical-to-Human-Health.pdf?x14244

7. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/fulvic-acid#benefits

8. https://www.researchednutritionals.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/RN-Issue-12-Humic-Acid-The-Power-of-Detox-and-Immune-Support-All-in-One.pdf

9.  https://nutriphys.com/en/what-is-chlorella-growth-factor-cgf/

10. https://blog.puriumcorp.com/2015/12/03/what-is-chlorella-growth-factor-and-why-do-kids-need-it/

11. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3819075/

12. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322836#benefits