Skincare supplementation has always been popular, however only recently has uptake of the liquid form really taken off on a mass scale. I was sent some samples of Skinade and thought I would investigate the hype:
What is it?
A peach flavoured drink that you have once a day – it’s important to drink these supplements with meals as vitamins require healthy fats in order to maximise absorption. You’re therefore less likely to feel the benefits if you drink them on an empty stomach or incorrectly use them as meal replacements. It is also advised that you avoid caffeine for an hour as this too affects absorption, the B vitamins should provide you with enough energy long term.
Skinade claims to deliver nutrients that help rebuild the collagen in your skin, keeping it young and plump. Liquid supplements are often more popular than tablets as they may allow for better absorption of the contents. Containing a patented hydrolysed (chopped up protein) collagen from the sea, Skinade may trigger HAS2 receptors in the skin – these are responsible for hyaluronic acid production, which is a natural acid produced by the body to keep skin plump and hydrated.
Their studies have also shown that the collagen proteins in the blood stream trigger fibroblast proliferation, meaning they would increase the number of cells producing extracellular matrix and collagen. According to the website, after just 1 week skin appears softer and more hydrated, whilst after 4 weeks skin is fuller with fewer fine lines and wrinkles.
Ingredients
Hydrolysed Marine Collagen Peptides: Chopped up proteins (making them easier to absorb), sourced from fresh water fish – therefore being lower in salt and avoiding mercury contamination. 7000mg in each bottle. The peptides themselves may help to form collagen fibres and strengthen the skin, however they also stimulate the body to produce its own collagen.
Vitamin C: Topically this has been shown to be great for skin complexion – the only problem is that it has a poor shelf life and so store creams are often lacking in potency and efficacy. When ingested it has anti-oxidant benefits and so reduces free radical damage (damage to the skin from poor diet and the environment. Even oxygen in the environment causes free radical damage, as a natural part of ageing – which is why I have never understood those oxygen facials). It also assists in collagen production and plays a role in boosting the immune system.
MSM: Methylsulphonylmethane is a type of naturally occurring sulphur that improves skin elasticity and prevents cross-linking of collagen cells, which is a cause of ageing.
Vitamin B complex: Vitamin B2, B3 and Biotin contribute to skin health maintenance and protection from oxidative stresses. Skinade claims that their vitamin B complex promotes more uniform, clearer and glowing / radiant skin.
Omegas 3 and 6: Most of us have plenty of omega 6 in our diet and relatively not enough omega 3. Skinade sources their healthy fatty acids from organic flax seed oil, helping to balance both dry and oily skin.
L-lysine: An essential amino acid that rebuilds collagen at a cellular level.
It is lactose, gluten and dairy free, does not contain artificial colours, flavours or added sugar (though it does contain artificial sweetener in the form of sucralose). It does not need to be kept in the fridge but I prefer to keep mine in there as personally, I find it tastes better cold.
The Studies
There is a little more information on the studies conducted on key ingredients in Skinade on their website. There were only 2 trials conducted and they contained a relatively small sample size of just 80 women aged 35-59. Sample size is important because the larger your size, the more accurate your result is likely to be.
It doesn’t mention whether or not the trial was double-blind (so that those conducting the tests are not biased in their results) however they were placebo controlled (one group was given the supplement, while the others were given a fake supplement and neither knew which was which). The subjects were followed for 8 weeks and supplemented individuals showed improved skin hydration levels, suppleness and decreased wrinkles.
Personally
I have been drinking it for around 2 weeks now and while I can’t comment on its wrinkle-reversing effects (being 25 and temporarily line-free), I did have some lesions and scrapes on my face that I felt healed incredibly quickly and incredibly well in comparison to past occurrences.
Of course this is purely anecdotal evidence, however I liked most of the ingredients in the drink with the exception of the sweetener. I thought it tasted great and made a healthy addition to my diet. Obviously one drink is not going to magically make a difference to your appearance and as the website recommends, this would need to be consumed regularly to notice any effects.
When it comes to improving my skincare regime I would primarily focus on changing my diet in other ways as well, for example a high sugar intake has been proven to negatively affect collagen production and so simultaneously eating fewer processed foods would guarantee a better complexion.
There would be little point in spending money on daily supplements if you were simply to counteract the benefits by continuing with a routine of supermarket granola, fizzy drinks and sweet snacks – you can read more on sugar in previous posts, here and here. Therefore as much as taking supplements may help you on your quest for better health, it is important to remember that they are just that – ‘supplements’ and a fringe addition to fundamental changes that may need to be made to your daily routine in order to allow your body to function at its best.
Overall I personally think that Skinade has been a great little helper and a nice daily reminder to improve my overall health and fitness routine in order to achieve better results from the inside out.
Are you still trying this?