In the pursuit of great skin, shopping for the best collagen-boosting supplement or antioxidant-rich blend is a compelling proposition. But with over 95,000 dietary supplements on the market today, according to the Food and Drug Administration, it can be hard to know where to start.
That’s why we turned to Dr. Dominique Fradin-Read, M.D., M.P.H., the L.A.- board certified doctor in preventive and anti-aging medicine who helped to pioneer the concept “beauty from the inside out.”
“We live in a world where the food supply isn’t as good as it used to be, environmental aggressors and pollution are hard on our skin, and high levels of stress are visible right between the eyebrows,” says Dr. Fradin-Read, whose integrative approach to wellbeing and disease prevention have made her a go-to expert for Hollywood insiders. At her Beverly Hills practice, she creates individualized wellness programs that incorporate everything from rejuvenation therapies to life interventions and supplement regimens.
“The best way to get your nutrients is through food,” says Fradin-Read, who stresses the importance of consistency in hydration, exercise, and maintaining a balanced diet. But boosting a morning smoothie with, say, protein powder to ensure you’re getting the recommended daily intake of 60 grams can go a long way to maintain energy levels, overall health and, yes, even skin.
She regularly suggests a daily multi-vitamin that’s rich in Vitamins C, B, and CoQ10 to patients in search of improved skin and hair health. Beyond those basics, says Fradin-Read, here are 5 top supplements that make the cut.
COLLAGEN
It’s no secret that a collagen supplement can help skin elasticity, hydration and overall radiance, but not all brands are created equal when it comes to research-backed raw ingredients and formulation. With so many options on the market, Dr. Fradin-Read recommends the Designs for Health Whole Body Collagen Powder, which uses pure, patented collagen peptides at optimal molecular weights for the body’s absorption. She recommends mixing one serving with your favorite protein powder in a morning smoothie for skin support.
OMEGA 3
If you’re dealing with skin conditions like acne or eczema, or are looking to promote scalp health and hair growth, Dr. Fradin-Read recommends incorporating an omega-3 fatty acid into your diet. Arctic Omega and Premium Omega 3 are two brands she recommends to clients). The supplement also supports heart and brain health, and prevents hearing loss. Pro tip: Dr. Fradin-Read suggests storing your bottle in the fridge; the cold temperatures help to decrease the supplement’s natural aroma of fish.
NMN or NIACINIMIDE
Every morning, Dr. Fradin-Read takes her own wellness cocktail, which includes NMN, a precursor to NAD (Nicotinamide Adenin Dinucleotide), an energy producing co-enzyme that begins to decrease in the body after age 25. Another great support of NAD is Niacinamide; Pure Encapsulations makes one she likes. “It protects the skin on a chromosomal level,” she says. “It’s good for the brain, it’s good for everything.”
VITAMIN D
Vitamin D deficiency is more common than you might think. If you’ve noticed hair loss, or simply live in a heavily polluted city where UVB rays, which trigger the body’s own vitamin D production, are blocked by the ozone layer, Dr. Fradin-Read suggests getting your levels checked annually by your doctor. Vitamin D is essential for skin health and repair: “We have receptors in our skin and our cells specifically for D3,” she says. If you are low, your physician will recommend taking the correct dose of vitamin D, which varies by individual—taking too much of it can be toxic.
ADAPTOGENS
If you’ve been shopping for a supplement to help with sleep, or stress, it’s likely you’ve come across popular adaptogens like ashwaganda. “Ashwaganda is good but [the product I recommend most is] called ‘Cortisol Calm,’” says Dr. Fradin-Read who prefers a combination of three plant adaptogens—Ashwaganda, Rhodiolas Rosea and Magnolia—with the addition of L-theanine, an amino acid found in tea and some mushrooms. The supplement modulates the production of cortisol, a stress hormone that can interfere with sleep and all its restorative functions, during the crucial evening hours. “I take two [capsules] at night myself,” she says.
