I’m a dermatologist – here are the five anti-aging supplements I take everyday for smooth, youthful skin

Supplements are no longer reserved for drug stores and hidden corners of supermarkets.  These days, they line the shelves of department stores and even clothing retailers.

But with so many to choose from – the industry is worth around $40billion – how do you know which ones to pick?

Now, a leading dermatologist and skin health influencer has revealed the vitamin pills she swears by to keep her skin glowing and as wrinkle-free as possible.

Dr Azadeh Shirazi, who has nearly 2million followers on TikTok and trained at Harvard Medical School, says her combination of supplements not only make her look younger on the outside, they boast benefits for her internal body too.

Here are the five potions that Dr Shirazi swears by…

SUNSHINE PILL THAT PROTECTS FROM SKIN CANCER 

As a skin doctor, Dr Shirazi is more aware than most of the risks of sun damage – so you won’t find her sunbathing.

But, she revealed to Insider, her aversion to the sun has left her lacking in vital vitamin D, as revealed in a recent blood test.

The nutrient is synthesized by the skin when it comes into contact with UV rays from the sun – and is crucial for repairing and growing bone tissue, as well as protecting the outer layers of the skin from damage.

 Now, she takes a daily vitamin D tablet which she says not only keeps her skin healthy, but could reduce the risk of melanoma skin cancer in those vulnerable, according to a 2011 study.

The benefits of vitamin D supplements increase with age, she added. 

‘As we age, our skin becomes less efficient at making vitamin D from the sun and our kidneys’ ability to convert vitamin D to its active form is less effective.’

THE ‘PLUMPING’ VITAMIN IN PEANUTS & BROCCOLI  

Next on the list is vitamin E – which is found in sunflower seeds, peanuts and almonds, as well as some vegetables like asparagus and broccoli. 

And the nutrient is good for your skin for several reasons. 

Firstly, Dr Shirazi says, similar to vitamin D, it helps to build bone – which provides important scaffolding for the skin on your face. 

‘Our bones make up the scaffold that holds up our skin,’ she said, which can crumble after the menopause as a result of decreasing sex hormones. 

What’s more, studies show that vitamin E has anti-inflammatory properties, which protect the skin from UV damage. The vitamin is also hydrating as it both traps water within the skin, and helps to soak up liquid. An adequate amount of water within the outer layers of the skin keeps it looking plumper, smoother and, ultimately, younger.

ANTI-INFLAMMATORY NUTRIENT FIGHTS SPOTS  

Vitamin B3, otherwise known as nicotinamide, is another must for youthful skin, Dr Shirazi says.

‘It helps improve the skin’s barrier by increasing ceramides, which is the glue that holds our skin cells together,’ Shirazi said.

This ultimately stops bacteria and irritants penetrating through to the deeper layers of the skin, reducing redness and spots. 

Shirazi said an added benefit is that nicotinamide can help to fuel enzymes involved in the repair of DNA, meaning the body can better fix damage. 

THE LITTLE-KNOWN PLANT COMPOUND THAT COULD HELP STOP DEMENTIA

Another supplement she takes is resveratrol, a plant compound she said is naturally occurring in foods such as grapes and peanuts.

Similarly to nicotinamide, it has anti-inflammatory properties and helps ‘brighten the skin’s complexion and boost elasticity,’ Dr Shirazi said.

It is thought to do this by triggering the production of collagen – the protein in skin that makes it plumped and supple. 

Research on whether resveratrol can help with anti-aging has yielded mixed results, but it remains popular in the anti-aging sphere.

David Sinclair, a Harvard biologist and anti-aging researcher, previously said he takes resveratrol supplements every day.

Other research has suggested that due to its anti-inflammatory properties, resveratrol may even protect against heart disease, cancer and Alzheimer’s.

ALL IN ONE PILL THAT COVERS ALL BASES  

Dr Shirazi’s last supplement of the day is a multivitamin specific to women, which she has been taking for the past 20 years.

The tablet includes zinc, which Dr Shirazi praises for its ‘many anti-inflammatory properties’, therefore improving many skin conditions such as rosacea, acne, and eczema.’

The multivitamin also contains vitamin A to help ‘improve skin texture, reduce fine lines, and boost levels of moisturising hyaluronic acid.’

Vitamin A also aids cell regeneration, lessens collagen breakdown, evens out the skin tone and balances oil production, which Dr Shirazi said is especially beneficial in acne.