Are oral beauty supplements your kind of thing?


The other day, I almost got myself a bottle of sheep placenta supplement that was on sale. However, I thought I better read up more about it before making the purchase. In the end, I decided against it. Come to think of it, I’ve become a coward (read: kiasi) when it comes to beauty supplements. I was never like that. Years ago, I would purchase supplements that promised me fuller hair or healthier nails and I didn’t need much prompting about eating collagen for skin firming. However, somewhere along the way, I got lazy. And these days, I prefer to rely on skin care products and treatments instead, while maintaining a healthy diet. I take supplements all right, but strangely, I’ll avoid those that are packaged as beauty supplements.

Health considerations
Maybe it’s because I’m deterred by the fact that I’m already taking so many supplements on a daily basic and I don’t want to add anymore to that list. Or maybe I’m just skeptical because these beauty supplements are only good if I continue taking them on a long term basis and it’s just too much trouble (and money). Plus, I feel that it’s better to rely on nutrients and minerals from direct food source. However, I do get curious about some of the interesting ones – like sheep placenta currently. I’m actually tempted to try it just that I fear that it might disrupt my hormones and I’ll rather be safe than sorry. I mean, while it sounds really beneficial for my skin, but will it cause me any health complications later? I don’t think anyone can give me a definitive answer to that, given that our bodies also react differently to such supplements. For example, I had a friend broke out and developed eczema after taking one of the popular brands of collagen powder.

Hence, for the moment, I’m keeping beauty specific supplements out of my diet. Heliocare falls into a gray area for me because it’s for sun protection. Other than that, I’m happy to take my vitamin C and probiotics daily and perhaps add a fish or omega oil later.

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So tell me, are your into beauty supplements? How important do you consider them in your skin care routines? Do you believe in them over using creams and lotions on your skin? And if you’re taking some of these supplements, would you care to share your experience? Who knows…I may change my mind after reading some of your testimonies. HEH!

Comments

  1. youngorgeous says:

    I’ve finished my 1st can of Meiji Collagen powder. After 2 weeks of consumption, I noticed that my nose is less oily and the laugh lines around my lips has reduced. And it just stopped there. Due to that, I’m skeptical to whether my body is absorbing the collagen or not.

    Other than that, I just purchased Hakubi C in hope of reducing blemishes and pigmentations.

  2. joy says:

    It seems like a must trend to comsume all these beauty products to keep onself young and anti old age. I used to spend a lot on these products. Now I have a different view. My sisters often told that I’ll regret if I do not take care of my skin when I’m young. Well I do take care, daily morning and night cleasing and so on but not to the extend of “over conscious”. I think that especially the Propaganda media which influences us everywhere, telling and shaping our views on how a woman “surpose” to be like when they are in this age and in the end, I think that we’ll never get to enjoy the nature change among each of us. Truely, I believe they are adding unwanted stress and stress in fact…make us old faster#k8SjZc9Dxk#k8SjZc9Dxk No offence but all these are just personal thoughts. What is your view of old age beauty??

  3. stiffedneck says:

    I don’t know why I can’t bring myself to taking these beauty supplements. Like you, I believe in eating right rather than consuming more pills.

    This has nothing to do with this post, but I was hoping you can help me with this huge favor. There are a lot of sunblocks that you did the reviews on and they’re not available in the States. My friend’s going to Japan next week, do you mind telling me which ones should I ask her to stock up for me please? Thanks a bunch.

  4. stella says:

    i think beauty (or any other) supplements are particularly useful for people who lead busy, stressful lives. i work in a stressful industry and generally have poor eating habits (can’t eat too much in day as it’ll make me too sleepy; job requires intense focus; can’t eat too much at night or i wouldn’t be able to sleep early, which would affect concentration at work) so i take some of these supplements like tense up, brands berry essence as they not only provide me with a blast of vitamins and goodness for beauty (skincare can only do so much when you’re under so much stress), but also for health. i would however, draw the line at what i deemed to be ‘more exotic’ derivatives like sheep’s placenta. for people with saner lifestyles/jobs however, i would say it’s much cheaper, just as effective, maybe even safer to improve your daily dietary intake; contributes to less wastage too, i do throw out so many glass bottles weekly even tho’ i send them off for recycling!

  5. natalie says:

    I’m 18 and I’ve been consuming Hakubi B, consisting vitamin B2,B6, coix seed extract and L-Cysteine, since last year. Recently, I’ve also started on fish oil and vitamin C pills.

    Since I begun consuming beauty pills as well as taking good care of my skin, I noticed that the visible veins on my face is considerably lesser, complexion is less sallow too.

  6. Audris says:

    I started taking collagen pills late last year and my nails and hair have definitely strengthened amazingly. I don’t even need nail hardener/ strengtheners for my fingernails and toenails which were never the case before if I wanted to keep them semi-nail. My hairdresser also can’t believe how fast my hair grows in 3 months since the last cut.
    I think my nasolabial folds have lightened slightly, but not the fine lines around my eyes, though I think my skin looks ok.
    Personally feel that collagen does help in softening my skin as well, as my beautician did comment on that.
    Similarly, skin has been less oily since collagen intake as well.
    I’m regularly on Vitamin C but it doesn’t seem to do too much in keeping in the office flu away.
    Also recently stopped taking EPO (after so many years), since it did nothing for my cramps and PMS. Have started on borage seed oil as I hear that contains more GLA than EPO so we shall see how it works out.
    I’ve also started on glucosamine and calcium softgels. As I work out at the gym/ run around an average of 8 – 15km each session, am susceptible to joint injuries, I’m hoping they’ll help. Recently had a twisted ankle again (weak ankle, so that happens on a yearly basis) and it seems to be healing faster than my pre-supplement days.
    I also started on DHC’s Nameraka a few days ago to see if it really helps in bringing about a “glow” to the skin and smoothens it. Still waiting ?
    It contains pig’s placenta, a bit of fish collagen (at 400+mg only), fish elastin, Pueraria Mirifica and Hyaluronic acid.

    Ok, so all in all, it’s a mix of health and beauty supplements. I’m happy with this combination at the moment and will stop at these for the time being.

  7. Audris says:

    semi-nail = semi-long

  8. sesame says:

    Seems that many ladies are trying the Hakubi C supplement for skin whitening. Am curious if it is effective.

  9. sesame says:

    I’m not sure if it’s a necessity too. I think the products are increasing and maybe it’s convenient if you think of it as “beauty in a pill” but whether they work, that’s another question.

    My view about aging is that one should be healthy and happy. I believe beauty comes from within and if you are healthy and happy, chances are, you’ll look quite good. Stress like what you’ve highlighted is a major culprit in causing aging too.

  10. sesame says:

    Are you looking at natural or chemical ones?

  11. sesame says:

    Good point raised regarding the lifestyle and choice of diet. It’s true that if one leads a very busy lifestyle, supplements might be a good alternative. I’ll go for multi-vitamins but I don’t take those daily…only when I need it.

  12. sesame says:

    Wow, you’re taking a lot of supplements for your age. But good that they’re working well for you. Seems that they have some skin plumbing effects.

  13. sesame says:

    That’s an interesting mix of health and beauty supplements.

    I’m intrigued by your comments about collagen causing your skin to be less oily. I didn’t notice that my skin was less oily when I took them.

    I take calcium but stay away from glucosamine – causes a gastric pain for me.

  14. joy says:

    True nature beauty tells a lot of a person. Hey I’m looking for a effective sun block too. A natural one is good and my price range is abt $50. Any good recommendations?

  15. Anita says:

    I had major problems with acne last year and I was taking all kinda of supplements on a daily basis (Fish oil, Emu oil, Evening Primrose oil, Vitamin C, The whole range of Vitamin Bs, Vitamin E and what not .. ). At some point I gave up on it because it didn’t help at all. Today I don’t take suplements anymore and I have no acne .. I guess I was torturing my body with too much of this stuff?? I am not really sure about it anymore.

  16. stella says:

    yea i take vit c, cod fish oil too; i try to take as many ‘normal’ supplements as possible (so i like beauty supplements that are clearly loaded with more antioxidants than anything else; i’m a bit skeptical against efficacy of collagen but tense-up drink’s antioxidants really pack a punch, the collagen loaded powder/pills, i didn’t see any benefits)

  17. Rinka says:

    everybody here in japan drinks some sort of beauty supplement drink. most young girls (late teens-early 20s) drink chocola bb because it makes your skin noticeably softer and more glowy after about a weeks consumption. women who are concerned with ageing usually drink shiseido’s the collagen range which i occasionally drink because i enjoy the taste! haha

    japan has a mountain of beauty supplements so it is quite easy to get swept up in it all, and ive seen nothing but great results so far so i think ill keep drinking my chocola bb #k8SjZc9Dxk#k8SjZc9Dxk

  18. sesame says:

    Have you tried this one I reviewed before?

    https://www.vivawoman.net/2010/01/14/sweetsation-therapy-moisturizer-with-spf30/

    It’s slightly out of your budget but it’s available in Singapore. Texture is good and protection is not bad.

  19. sesame says:

    Those that you took shouldn’t contribute to the acne but who knows…maybe it was interfering with your system. But glad you have no more acne.

  20. sesame says:

    Heard quite a bit about Tense-Up. Seems that some girls swear by it. Anyway, looking at your comment reminds me that I need to get back to taking fish oil. I was lazy and stopped. Maybe I should take the ones in capsules which was more convenient although not so fresh.

  21. sesame says:

    Wow, chocola bb sounds so interesting and tasty! I haven’t heard about it and neither did I know that Shiseido has a collagen range.

  22. stiffedneck says:

    I prefer natural, but I’m ok with chemical ones as well. As long as they’re not greasy or chalky, and effective.

  23. joy says:

    this one seems good#k8SjZc9Dxk#k8SjZc9Dxk I already enjoying myself checking up the site!! Thanks ya#k8SjZc9Dxk#k8SjZc9Dxk The one that i used is Clarins about $65. Quite good too. just want to try other brand.

  24. N. says:

    Oh no. I don’t think I’d ever be too fond of taking beauty supplements as one. I have troubles taking pills. But two, I’m sacred what consequences it could bring to my health. As for now I’m focusing on eating healthy.

  25. sesame says:

    Okay, let me send you an email – by Friday or Saturday. I’m not familiar with the natural ones in Japan but I’ll run some search on it.

  26. sesame says:

    I used Clarins many years back and find their formulation greasy. Not sure if it has changed. This one is very good. Non-greasy.

  27. sesame says:

    That’s good. Getting nutrients from food source is good. I think health supplements like multi-vits are fine because sometimes our bodies cannot absorb certain nutrients and these vits help.

  28. stiffedneck says:

    I hope it doesn’t take much of your time. If you’re too busy, please don’t stress about it.

  29. Zinat says:

    Hi

    Has anyone tried Fair beauty capsules? and did it work?

  30. sesame says:

    No worries…just that I usually don’t have much time during the weekdays so okay after Friday.

  31. Anita says:

    I guess too much of something never is good? I guess I overdid it internal and external. I really appreciate that you reply to each comment! bless you!

  32. melmok says:

    I’ve just started taking marine collagen and glucosamine.

    The main reason of taking both of this is not for beauty but for my back problem.
    I was just diagnose with degenerative disc.
    From what i’ve read, collagen helps to strengthen/delay arthritis, ligaments, supporting joints…

    Maybe it’s psychology, i realize that i have less pain on my back. Or maybe because i am more careful with the way i move and sit.

    I can’t say much about the pain on my back for now… but i do notice that face is more firmer.

    Cheers,

  33. sesame says:

    Ah…interesting. I hadn’t took notice that collagen can help with joint and ligament issues but it certainly make sense. Hey, have you tried eating fresh cherries…they do help with aches and such! My mom who is close to 80 swears by them.

  34. melmok says:

    cherries huh? will buy them when i see it next time…

  35. yuki says:

    I have also tried Hakubi C, but felt that it didnt do more than my avaerage vitC pills, I did however stummble across Yllume skin whitening supplement, ive taken it for just under 2 months now and ive noticed my face seems firmer which could be the collagen production proerties, and a very even skintone, it looks bright blemish free,(on my face and body) and my pigmentation above my lip area is completely gone. I honestly dont seem to use or need much foundation now,im quite a critic on skin supplements particularly whitening as ive tried everything but this has actually worked for me and I will continue to use it. anyone know of a quick dry sunblock? I want to use that with it.

  36. anna says:

    Interesting.
    For my acne, I’m currently taking vitamin c and fish oil and I eat a healthy diet – this has cleared up my skin significantly. Although, I do believe it’s because I don’t use a lot of skin care products (sunscreen, papaw ointment for dry skin and water) and I’ve been drinking a LOT more water(3L a day).
    I’m going to start taking zinc supplements(http://www.blackmores.com.au/products/bio-zinc) and see if it’ll clear up the rest of my acne.
    Though, I think the vitamin c is unnecessary at the moment as I’m probably getting plenty through my diet.

  37. Destiny says:

    I take 8 mg of astaxanthin a day for sun protection. I haven’t used sunscreen for three years, yet my skin never even gets pink. I live in California and go to Hawaii yearly…ok, if I am going to be out in the sun in Hawaii, I put on a topical sunscreen. ? I read that for a sunscreen to be effective you need to reapply about 2 tsp every four hours. No way I am going to do that.

  38. sesame says:

    I had a quick search on astaxanthin and found it very interesting. I’ve read it but haven’t paid attention about it much. Hmm…going to check it out and see if I can find anything here. Yes, the 2tsp is what I slap on roughly when I head to the pool or beach. No kidding, I will be holding the sunscreen in a waterproof plastic bag or I’ll be running back to the chair almost every half an hour to slap on more sunscreen. Crazy! So I avoid the sun as much as I can. ?

  39. Destiny says:

    Astaxanthin has gotten raves in the US from health gurus. Try googling Dr. Oz+astaxanthin and Mike Adams+astaxanthin. The beauty benefits are reduced wrinkles and brown spots on the skin. Both my husband and I noticed our eyesight improve within weeks (as measured by our opthamoligist)
    One good thing, its inexpensive! Most that we buy here is private labeled by Cynotech in Hawaii. Bioastin and Healthy Origins are popular brands.

  40. sesame says:

    Okay, okay, you’ve got me all excited now! ? Improved eyesight I want too! Gosh, I’ll be googling and checking out. I saw yesterday that it’s available at iHerb so maybe I can order from there.

  41. s1sene says:

    Im in my early 30s and just like you, I used to try almost everything that promises me a better skin without even thinking twice. I mean, I have pretty good skin to begin with, but who doesn’t want to stay young forever? However, with years of experiencing with different supplement/product, I become more and more skeptical, almost paranoid. I found most of them have side effects on me like breakouts/drowsiness/headaches/toothaches/even backaches. No kidding! I don’t know if it’s just me being super sensitive or it is actually the products. I tried the FANCL collagen drink which gave me those red zits that never turn into whiteheads and never go away, tried glutathione which did the same+sore gum, tried astaxanthin from Dr. Mercola(which suppose to be the best on the market) but ended with a huge headache+stiff back. Now, just like you again, Im interested in MF3 placenta supplement, but scared to try at this moment. So far, I found only Young Living’s supplements have peace with me, but they don’t really offer anything specially for skin. I will never stop looking for my IT pill though, lol.

  42. lynn says:

    Where can we buy yllume skin supplement in Singapore?

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