Here's what supplements beauty journalists actually take

a group of pharmaceutical drugs pills laid in a pile
The supplements beauty journalists actually takeDaniel Grizelj

I think out of all the things we try in the beauty industry, supplements are the thing that divides editors the most. Some absolutely swear by it while others wouldn't recommend bothering with the addition to your daily routine. At Cosmo, we sit squarely in the middle. While most of the results that you seek with the addition of supplements can be achieved by simply adjusting your diet, they can be handy if you aren't the best at ensuring you get the vitamins and minerals in your everyday food and drink. I mean we can't all be tucking into a perfectly balanced meal every morning and every night, can we?

So, if this sounds like you, below you'll find the best beauty supplements that our editors swear by and why...

Omega oils

"Omega oils (either as fish oil of from plant sources such as evening primrose) are not just essential for a healthy skin lipid barrier, they also protect your joints and brain. It's the one supplement I never forget to take because A) I know I don't get enough of them through my diet and B) It's the one supplement EVERY skincare pro takes. I consider them as essential for supple skin as my moisturisers and fluid intake. There are many good options but I favour The Advanced Nutrition Programme's Skin Omega's. They have added Vitamin A, another vital skin nutrient, and they come in brilliant, re-sealable 'snack packs'." Inge, Former Beauty Director

Co-Q10

"I've recently completed a course in naturopathic nutrition and the skin lecture confirmed that antioxidant vitamins A, E, C and B1, B2 and B6 are anti-ageing heroes – as is Co-Enzyme Q10, which boosts skin repair and cell rejuvenation plus energy production (fab because I exercise quite a bit). Like collagen, Co-Q10 depletes as we age, so a supplement is a good idea if you're not getting enough through your diet (organ meats are not my cuppa, although it is found in oily fish and wholegrains, too). I take the Vitabiotics Ultra Co-Q10 supplements." Bridget, Former Online Beauty Editor

Marine proteins

"The one pill I pop religiously is Imedeen Derma One, a blend of their unique protein 'Marine Complex', vitamin C (a potent antioxidant which makes skin damage-forming free radicals more stable) and zinc (a mineral essential for healthy skin and especially good for fighting acne). I know this works because in a before-and-after trial for the Cosmo Beauty Lab, skin scans showed the collagen (our wrinkle-swerving protein), elastin and moisture retaining properties in my skin increased by 25% in 4 months, then another 9% on top a year later. Kind people also regularly note that I'm not starting to show that I'm in my thirties, even though after the age of 20 we all produce 1% less collagen per year.

"Another marine protein I believe in is Viviscal which boosts hair growth by packing plenty more healthy hair nutrients into you than you would eat. I took this cocktail of marine extracts, zinc and biotin (a B vitamin found in legumes, eggs and poultry) for 3 months before my wedding and started to notice baby hairs sprouting at the roots. Proof it works! My hair is as thick as I want it to be nowadays, without supplementation, which I put down to my heavy plant-packed diet and obsession with superfoods. Inside out definitely works!" Bridget, Former Online Beauty Editor

Carotenoids

"Carotenoids are the compounds that keep your veg from withering in the sun by absorbing UV light and free radicals, and do just the same for skin. Trouble is, they can turn you orange-ish if you consume a large amount, so new skincare brand Yllume uses colourless carotenoids which do much the opposite: they inhibit pigmentation, actually brighten skin and fade sun spots. Best of all, they can build up your resistance to sun damage, making your skin less prone to burning and its DNA less vulnerable to attack." Inge, Former Beauty Director

Collagen

"I've recently finished a 30-day trial of Skinade collagen drinks (a liquid supplement sourced from fresh-water fish). The results were impressive – increased skin hydration and thickness, and I noticed my hair got thicker too, which is never a bad thing. Having the drinks wasn't an interference in any way at all, I just set an alarm for 11 am each day so I remembered to take them. However, having the drinks daily can become an expensive habit and it's something you would need to continue for the results to continue, as once you do stop the collagen drinks the results will gradually start to revert back." Lucy, Former Acting Beauty Writer

Vegan Collagen

"I'm actually not vegan or veggie but I swear by vegan collagen for my collagen supplement. While many are unproven the Revive Vegan Collagen is clinically proven to identically mimic human type 1 collagen. It also contains vitamins A, B, C, D and E, for benefits including anti-inflammatory, healthy hair growth and cell renewal among others. I find the sachets so handy too especially as I travel a lot for work, you don't have to do any shaking or mixing it's ready to drink each morning, meaning I do take it every day." Keeks, Acting Beauty Director

Vitamin C+

"SO BODY Gorgeous Greens has become an essential part of my skincare routine. It has a blend of skin-loving superfoods, including spirulina and kale, and has worked wonders for my complexion. I've noticed a significant improvement in my skin tone and texture since incorporating it into my daily routine. The formula contains 13 essential vitamins including vitamin C for the improvement of the function of the skin.

What I love most about Gorgeous Greens is its ease of use. I simply mix it into cold water, and I can feel it working from within to combat signs of acne and inflammation. It's like a secret weapon for achieving radiant and clear skin. For additional benefits, I add a scoop of the Peptigen+, which also works really well in my breakfast shake, as the taste isn’t as potent as the Gorgeous Greens." Jaime, Digital Design Editor

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