There is no doubt that good skin starts from the inside. But do specific skincare drinks deliver? Editor Trudi Brewer investigates.
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The beauty-from-within trend is here to stay. Beyond a collagen shot, the latest skincare powders are infused with peptides, hyaluronic acid, antioxidants, and vitamins, promising health benefits that enhance the skin, hair and nails. But do they deliver? According to Dr. Joshua Zeichner, director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, "Skin-boosting drinks are a popular trend right now because they provide the body with nutrients and antioxidants that support healthy skin cell function."
He is quick to add, “While we don't have great data that they do help, there's no real downside to using them," says Zeichner. What is clear (with plenty of research to back it up) is that the skin and gut microbiomes are intricately linked through a bidirectional communication system called the gut-skin axis, according to the National Library of Medicine. Also known as sister organs, your complexion woes can often be connected to what is going on in the gut. So, whatever your goal, skincare drinks are beneficial, offering anti-inflammatory benefits to the gut, and at the same time helping to improve common skin issues like acne, while boosting skin clarity - and guess what, you don’t need a flash food processor or powerful juicer to reap the benefits.
Here are the skin drinks that boost natural radiance and the kitchen essentials to add to your diet
KIKI Health Marine Collagen Beauty Blend, 200g, $93
A supercharged, superfood for any complexion. Stacked with hydrolysed marine collagen, harvested from wild fish, blended with vitamin C from Camu Camu powder and organic Açaí berries. Hyaluronic acid helps boost the skin’s natural collagen production and hydrates from within. Not only does this blend boost healthy skin, nails, joints, and bones, but it also contributes to a boosted metabolism and a healthy immune system. Finally, this powder is free from wheat, gluten, lactose and dairy. No artificial colours, zero GMOs, preservatives, and no sweeteners or fillers.
Dosage: Add two heaped teaspoons (10g) to water or a smoothie daily.
The Beauty Chef HYDRATION
Inner Beauty Boost, 500ml, $55.
The blend of fermented hyaluronic acid and a bio-fermented probiotic helps boost moisture levels to hydrate lacklustre skin while nourishing your gut. The magnesium acts like an electrolyte, as does the bio-fermented coconut and cucumber water. Good to know: it’s vegan, with zero GMOs, and no artificial flavours, preservatives, or colours. Also free from gluten, dairy, soy, eggs and nuts.
Dosage: Thanks to the coconut flavour, you can mix one tablespoon with water, or add it to your green smoothie each day.
Oat Milk
Oat milk is enjoying a moment, especially in your morning flat white. It’s dairy and soy-free, and an environmentally friendly alternative to cow’s milk. Fun fact, it’s also great for your skin. For anyone with naturally dry, eczema-prone skin, oats offer natural calming and soothing properties, as well as anti-inflammatory benefits. They are also rich in zinc, which can help curb breakouts by killing acne-causing bacteria.
INTU WELLNESS Gut & Skin Rejuvenation Powder 140g, $90
Research suggests that a healthy gut is crucial for achieving glowing skin, which is why this supplement is formulated with 12 active ingredients, including turmeric, milk thistle, ginger, and molybdenum, which can be found in legumes, grains, and organ meats, as well as vitamin C. The idea behind this powder is that it supports healthy digestion, providing relief from bloating, boosting liver health and detoxification, and ultimately giving the skin that healthy-looking glow.
Dosage: Mix five grams with water and take daily.
Matcha
It’s hard to ignore the popularity of Matcha, and yes, it’s so good for you. A form of powdered green tea (extracted from the Camellia sinensis plant) grown in Japan. It is processed to preserve its antioxidant content, including essential vitamins such as epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and vitamins C and E. Known for boosting collagen production, Matcha green tea helps reduce redness and inflammation, promoting skin firmness.
Nutra Organics Collagen Beauty Blueberry Wildflower, $50
Packed with bioactive collagen peptides in a tiny molecular weight (2,000 daltons, the average molecular size of a collagen peptide is between 3,000 and 5,000 daltons). To boost absorption, this formula includes vitamin C and antioxidants such as lime, beetroot, monk fruit, sea buckthorn juice, bamboo, pea extract, and guava leaf extract, all of which benefit skin healing, enhance hydration, and support healthy hair, nails, and gut health. The added benefits of blueberries and elderflower make this a brilliant low-sugar way to improve the drinkability of plain water.
Dosage: Mix one tablespoon daily into water.
Celery juice
Celery juice is a diuretic, helping to empty the bladder and kidneys, and possesses benefits to the digestive system, including improved hydration and boosting your daily fibre content. It also helps reduce cholesterol and contains two beneficial antioxidants — apigenin and luteolin. Both are known to benefit the skin due to their anti-inflammatory properties, which reduce redness, puffiness, and acne. It also improves heart and brain function. It’s recommended to buy organic celery for juicing due to the high pesticide levels found in conventional celery.
Jeuneora Renew+ Marine Collagen Super Powder, $99
Not only is this a shot of sustainably sourced marine collagen peptides to boost hair, skin, and nail health, but it also contains a host of other skin-loving ingredients. Hyaluronic acid to boost hydrated, healthy-looking skin. Zeolite is an antioxidant that works like a magnet to trap and remove toxins from the body while supporting immune function. While vitamin C boosts collagen production in the skin, it also acts as a potent antioxidant, helping protect against harmful free radical damage. Finally, bromelain is a digestive enzyme extracted from pineapple to help wth healthy digestion. Expect a tropical, fruity taste that is also sugar-free.
How to use: Add a teaspoon to chilled water and take daily.
Coconut Water
A natural electrolyte, coconut water is full of vitamin C, calcium, and potassium. It is also rich in B vitamins and magnesium, which together help keep your blood sugar levels stable and aid in building lean muscle tissue, while also benefiting the skin naturally.
Here’s a functional beverage that does more than hydrate.