What do they have more than cosmetics?
Food supplements and cosmetics act on different registers. The former contain ingredients that provide building blocks for hair, skin and nails such as amino acids, collagen, keratin, etc. They help feed them and rebuild them. We are talking about nutricosmetics. It is a way of taking care of one’s interior to see the benefits on the outside, and thus facilitate the surface action of the latter.
When are they useful?
For healthy skin and hair, it is essential to have a balanced diet. “But the hair only captures 10% of amino acids from food”, nuance Christian Latgé, nutritionist. Nutrient supplementation can therefore be a good idea. Especially since food intake is sometimes reduced with certain diets, especially vegan and vegetarian. If you are deficient, the synthesis of keratin is done much less well.
When do we take it?
As soon as your skin or hair mass begins to show signs of weakness (dryness, abnormal hair loss, etc.), you can take action. It is also possible to anticipate seasonal changes, to prevent seasonal hair loss and promote regrowth, or to regain skin comfort despite the cold winter.
Same thing if you start a weight loss diet, which will reduce your vitamin intake. Regarding the intake, it does not matter the time of day, but “always take your food supplements during meals, for better assimilation of nutrients” explains Christian Latgé.
How long do we take?
Food supplements are taken cure of about 3 months, especially for formulas targeting the hair. The first results are visible after one month, but for accelerated growth and a thicker texture, it is better to continue taking it throughout the trimester. On the other hand, no need to consume it all year round, it is not really of interest.
Can we take several at the same time?
Avoid taking several dietary supplements at the same time, as this is of no use and risks putting the nutrients in competition. Especially since if you take a hair food supplement, you also act on the skin (synthesis of collagen, elastin, hydration…).
It is better to take the cures one by one: hair, sunscreen, etc. The only exception: one-off winter immunity or vitamin C-based cures which can be combined with formulas for the skin or hair.
Our expert : Christian Latgé, nutritionist and active food supplement manager at Ducray-Pierre Fabre.
Read also :
- 6 nutri tips for pretty nails and beautiful hair
- The 6 micronutrients allied to your immunity
- Dry skin: what do you eat to hydrate it from the inside?
