Should you try ingestible beauty products?

Two beauty influencers share their thoughts

If we could all sip on a magic potion that promised to give us a glowing complexion, chances are we would slurp it up in a heartbeat. I know I would!

Healthy skin comes from within and our diet plays an important role in this. Being a mother of two, I am always on the run. However, as much as I try to maintain a healthy lifestyle, research and studies claim that that is simply not enough.

Six months ago, I was introduced to a brand specialising in collagen drinks. I always study a product before trying it out (I'd also recommend getting a go- ahead from your family doctor, if needed).
So, what is collagen? It's one of the building blocks of the skin. Research says that collagen is part of our body and our body produces it naturally. However, as we age, the production slows down. As a result, we lose elasticity in our skin. Other lifestyle habits that can bring collagen production down are smoking, sun exposure and an unhealthy diet. Some health conditions also slow down collagen storage. And without it, you may start to see wrinkles and sagging skin or even experience joint pain.
Now, collagen can be taken in many forms (there are also anti-ageing creams that claim to have collagen in them too), but some experts say the ingestible form will reach deep down into the layers of our skin. By the way, the consumption of a collagen drink is for both men and women.

For me, it's become an essential part of my daily routine as I take a 50 ml bottle everyday after breakfast. The most noticeable difference I've seen from drinking collagen is that my skin is softer, plumper and more elastic! Influencers, like Huda Kattan, have also recommended collagen drinks and, as a makeup artist and beauty blogger, I'm optimistic about the trend. Go for a reputed brand though, and do your research before you begin your journey towards healthier skin!
Asma Hassan (below, right)
Is a certified makeup artist and blogger. Follow her for beauty tips on Instagram @asmakhhan and on Facebook @makeupbyasmakhhan

We've all seen these products on shelves while roaming around pharmacies. They boast of doing a number of things, from giving people healthy skin and nails to strengthening bones and joints - all with some magic potion or pill. Some even promise to reverse the effects of ageing. Of course, at this point, a super-convincing sales person will step in to tell you why you need these miracle cures in your life.

In the last few years, we've seen a massive growth in ingestible beauty products in the form of powders and supplements. So, what's the real deal? Are they worth spending money on - or are they just the latest fad?

I'd say that, when it comes to ingestible beauty products, you need to do your research and read labels carefully because a lot of what is out there is nothing more than a marketing gimmick. For example, some experts say that ingesting whole collagen does not digest it in a way that will do your skin any good. Biotin is another ingredient that is pushed, but you need to be deficient in it for it to work. Sometimes, these products consist of famed ingredients in very high concentration that is not always good for you.

For the most part, I would say that ingestible beauty products are more or less supplements. If you really think you need supplements and want to add them into your diet, speak to a doctor first and then look at adding the basics like iron, magnesium, calcium or vitamin D. If you are worried about a specific condition like puffy eyes or hair loss, the best thing to do is get help from a dermatologist and focus on topical treatments. But you need to acknowledge that, in the real world, there is no such thing as an expensive magic potion for your looks. So, spend your money wisely.
Mina Salman (above, left)
Is a Dubai-based skincare enthusiast. Follow her on Instagram and Facebook
@thebeauteousblog