Supplements are a simple and effective way to support your skin from the inside out! We sat down with Perelel Health's Dr. O'Connor to chat about the connection between supplements and your day to day beauty routine. 

How do vitamins and skincare ingredients work hand in hand?

While ideally we want to be working on skin inside from the inside out - a good skin care routine helps amplify the impact of a solid vitamin regime. 

How do hormones affect our skin at different stages of life? 
Our hormones can change dramatically throughout the life cycle - puberty, hormonal birth control, stress, pregnancy, postpartum, perimenopause - all of these stages can result in dramatically different hormone levels which impact sebum production, hydration levels and collagen production.  

What are the main reproductive hormones for women and what impact do they have on your skin health?
Estrogen, progesterone and to a lesser degree testosterone are the main reproductive hormones. Estrogen impacts skin elasticity and oil production, testosterone has a major impact on oil production and hair growth.  Progesterone's impact on the skin is less well known but seems to be implicated in skin issues that fluctuate with the menstrual cycle. 

What can we do to save our skin (and hormones) at home?
The basic steps of sleep, stress management, hydration and eating a variety of fruits and vegetables really apply here - skin can be a reflection of overall health so by addressing the foundational steps we can really see a positive impact on skin. Look for a supplement that includes: vitamin E, a great anti-inflammatory, vitamin C, which supports collagen synthesis and fights free radicals, vitamin A, an antioxidant used to combat breakouts, collagen for healthy skin tissue and elasticity, and biotin for healthy skin, hair and nails. 

What products are a must if you are just starting a daily routine?
A good basic am routine is cleanse, antioxidant serum (like vitamin C)  and a moisturizer with sunscreen. At night, swap out the vitamin C for a retinol or another serum that works well for your skin type and finish it off with an oil, balm or cream for moisture. I think a 3 step routine is a solid place to start. 

Looking to add supplements into your daily routine?
We love Perelel Health's Women's Daily Vitamin Trio as it bundles full-spectrum nutrition with a Beauty Blend vitamin! You can get 20% off your first month of Perelel using the code EVEREDEN20.