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The popularity of supplements has exploded in the past five years, with revenue reaching$41.2 billionin 2024.
Sabine Villiard / Trunk Archive
Sales are only expected to climb, with estimates of over$70 billionby 2031.
But no corner of the supplement market is subject to regulationeven the serious ones.
There are often grossly exaggerated promises that popping a supplement has benefits beyond basic health and system support.
Understandably, many dermatologists are skeptical of recommending supplements to their patients.
So are dermatologists themselves eschewing this entire category in their own hair, skin, and nail routines?
Well, not necessarily.
The answer in most cases was yes.
Keep reading to find out what these experts are swallowing and why.
I first encountered it through clinical studies presented at dermatology conferences and recommendations from peers in the field.
Ive been recommending it for many years and, for patient convenience, now carry it in my practice.
A high-quality supplement ensures steady, optimal intake for skin and hair health.
Ive personally noticed enhanced skin hydration and reduced dryness during colder months since I’ve been taking omega-3 supplements.
Many of my patients have also seen improvements in eczema symptoms and nail strength.
Ive been takingHeliocare Advancedfor about two years now.
Its one of the few oral antioxidants with strong clinical evidence supporting its ability to reduce UV-induced skin damage.
It has been particularly beneficial for me in managing my melasma.
I still wear sunscreen daily, but it provides an extra layer of protection against hyperpigmentation.
I now take D3 along with K2.
Since taking them consistently for the past five years, Ive noticed that my hair feels healthier and stronger.
I do think that in some patients supplementation with biotin works wonders.
Supplements are not very scientifically regulated and the data is not a slam dunk.
I’ve seen people with side effects from supplementation and from protein powders.
Our bodies aren’t meant to get crazy amounts of things that you just drink in a powder.
I really don’t usually recommend any of the branded expensive hair and nail ones.
I’m a big research science nerd, and I understand a vitamin deficiency.
There are metrics you could follow to be like, okay, this is a reasonable thing to do.
I don’t care what fancy celebrity you’ve paid to endorse it.
Heliocare doesnt replace sunscreen but adds a layer of systemic protection.
It has helped my melasma tremendously.
Unlike many supplements that rely on anecdotal evidence, Heliocare is backed by peer-reviewed research.
Its manufactured with consistent quality standards, and its mechanisms are clearly understood.
Instead of focusing solely on stimulating growth, Nutrafol helps address the stressors and inflammation that contribute to shedding.
And there are a fewstudiesthat show statistically significant improvement in the fullness of the hair after taking the supplements.
The only downside to Nutrafol is that the pills can be large and tough to swallow.
I typically recommend it as part of a multifaceted approach to hair growth.
NAD+ is important for cellular energy and declines with age.
There is also goodevidencethat vitamin B3 supplementation helps prevent skin cancer.
Have I seen results?
No, but I wouldnt expect to in this time frame.
The hope is that they will slow the aging process, but its a leap of faith.
I trust Dr. Granstein and his research, so Im comfortable taking these.
I started carrying it in my office once I tried it myself.
I specifically like the vegan version as its biotin-free.
Biotin is not helpful for hair loss if you are not biotin deficient.
I have usedNature Made Prenatal Vitaminswhich help support skin health.
Its basically a multivitamin with various key nutrients.
Folic acid aids in cell turnover, iron enhances oxygen delivery, and calcium supports skin barrier function.
Vitamin D reduces inflammation, vitamin C promotes collagen synthesis, and vitamin A regulates cell growth.
Zinc contributes to wound healing and oil regulation.
Ultraviolet exposure generates free radicals and free radicals wreak havoc on our skin.
They get in, they break down DNA, they break down collagen, they break down elastin.
Antioxidants neutralize free radicals.
The other reason I’m a big fan of this product is polypodium leucotomos extract.
Its derived from a fern from South America, and contains an endogenous photo protective factor.
But now we’re realizing it’s all skin types.
The Isdin SunIsdin supplement is an additional way to diminish that damage.
I discovered it at a medical conference where they were presenting their data.
Nutrafol delivers noticeable results for those with early hair thinning or shedding.
Some people who are sensitive to biotin may notice increased breakouts, but otherwise side effects are rare.
Ive been taking BioSil for about two years and BodyHealth for about six months.
This is much more efficient and effective than taking a collagen supplement, plus it’s vegan.
So it’s not that collagen is badwe need to consume protein and collagen is a protein.
[Xtresse is only available through professional offices.]
It’s formulated by a top dermatologist in hair restoration.
It is much newer than Nutrafol and there is significantly less data.
But nothing will work if patients are not compliant and Nutrafol is a hard pill to swallowliterally.
Their focus is on reducing inflammation sparked by cellular stressorsa key issue with healthy hair growth.
Taurine also plays a role in mitochondrial functionality and protection.
We do need more clinicals, but it is promising and developed by a qualified group of physicians.
I also take magnesiumbut not as a pill.
Magnesium isbetter absorbed through the skinso it can bypass the digestive system.
Plus, it’s heaven.Dr.
Aim for a 15-minute soak with two cups of the mineral at a moderately hot temperature for best results.
Ive also observed improved thickness and density, and my hair appears healthier and shinier overall.
These results are consistent with what many of my patients report after three to six months of regular use.
I also handle stress better and my temperament feels more even.
These are the average costs for a years supply of each of the supplements recommended in this story.
Read more about dermatologists' personal routines:
