Beauty from the inside out: a review of nutraceuticals for healthy skin, hair and nails

The concept of “beauty from within” is no longer just a marketing slogan.

We now have a large evidence base for nutraceuticals that improve skin, hair and nails by affecting metabolism, the antioxidant system, the microbiome and inflammation.

At Vitafoods Europe 2025, this topic received particular attention, as innovative delivery systems significantly enhance the efficacy of traditional ingredients.

Collagen: not just a structural protein

Collagen is the basis of the dermal matrix. After the age of 25, its synthesis gradually decreases, and ultraviolet light, stress and poor diet accelerate degradation.

📌 Hydrolyzed collagen types I and III, which are most commonly included in nutraceutical formulas, have a proven track record of improving skin elasticity, wrinkle reduction and hydration.

Research:

• Proksch E et al, 2014: after as little as 4 weeks of consuming 2.5 g of collagen, women had improved skin elasticity [PMID: 23949208].

Biotin, zinc and selenium: micronutrients of beauty

Biotin (vitamin B7) has traditionally been used to improve the condition of hair and nails, especially for brittleness.

Clinical observations show:

• Taking biotin at a dose of 2.5 mg/day for 6 months reduces nail brittleness and improves nail structure.

• Zinc and selenium participate in the protection of cells from oxidative stress, which is important in acne, dermatitis, telogen hair loss.

Ceramides, omega acids and antioxidants

Ceramides in nutraceuticals are the new trend of 2025. Plant ceramides (from wheat or corn) improve skin barrier function, reduce transepidermal water loss.

Omega-3/6 PUFAs have a pronounced anti-inflammatory effect. Useful in atopy, seborrhea, acne.

Antioxidants (vitamins C, E, astaxanthin, lycopene, resveratrol) protect the skin from photodamage, slow down the aging process.

Table 1. Popular nutrients for skin, hair and nails

Delivery-systems: effectiveness depends on the form

Vitafoods 2025 paid considerable attention to delivery forms:

• chewable tablets and gummies;

• nutrigels;

• liposomal capsules;

• sublingual sprays.

These forms offer better bioavailability, ease of use and relevance to younger audiences.

Integrating microbiome and beauty

The skin and gut microbiome plays a critical role in skin health.
📌 New generation symbiotics, combining probiotics with prebiotic fiber, are already showing improvement in acne, atopic dermatitis and rosacea.

Table 2. Effect of the microbiome on the skin

Conclusions and practical tips

Modern nutraceuticals in the field of “beauty from within” are based on evidence. The result depends not only on the composition, but also on the form of delivery and the duration of intake. Combination complexes combining collagen, antioxidants, trace elements and microbiome solutions deserve special attention.

Literature

1. Proksch E, et al. “Oral supplementation of specific collagen peptides has beneficial effects on human skin physiology: a double-blind, placebo-controlled study.” Skin Pharmacol Physiol. 2014. PMID: 23949208

2. Pullar JM, et al. “The Roles of Vitamin C in Skin Health.” Nutrients. 2017. PMID: 28264470

3. Colombo VE, et al. “Biotin Supplementation in the Treatment of Brittle Nails.” J Drugs Dermatol. 2020.

4. Ghadimi D, et al. “Omega-3 fatty acids: mechanisms of action and effects on skin health.” J Clin Med. 2020.

5. Mazzotta P, et al. “Plant ceramides and skin hydration: A systematic review.” Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2022.