Can supplements support your aesthetics journey?

Let's be real—popping a pill won't knock 10 years off your age, but what about when you tag team nutritional supplements with your chosen aesthetic treatments? Will it enhance your results, and if so, which ones are best to take?

While supplements aren't a magic bullet, there is an argument to say that they can potentially assist with post procedure healing and repair, and even give cell renewal and collagen synthesis a helping hand. "Teaming the right supplements with aesthetic treatments can positively influence the results of aesthetic treatments by supporting the skin’s ability to heal, regenerate and respond effectively," says W-Wellness Nutritionist, Maz Packham.

"I’d consider optimising skin health before a treatment with dietary tweaks such as increasing healthy fats and antioxidant-rich foods, and incorporating targeted supplements such as hydrolysed collagen to support skin elasticity and hydration, vitamin C to support collagen synthesis and protect against oxidative stress, and zinc to support skin healing. By strengthening skin prior to treatments, you’re giving it the nutrients and support it needs to respond more effectively to the treatment, potentially enhancing the results."

Maz shares some pointers on which supplements to pair with injectables, RF microneedling, peels vaginal rejuvenation and energy based treatments.
   

Injectables / skin boosters

Pair with: Omega 3

Omega 3 is anti-inflammatory and can reduce inflammation from injections which may cause localised bruising and swelling in some patients. Omega 3 is a key component of our cell membranes and can help support a healthy, resilient skin barrier. It’s also moisturising which complements the hydrating effect of skin boosters, and can help improve overall skin texture and smoothness for healthier looking skin. However, a word of warning: because omega 3 supplements naturally thin the blood slightly, you should pause taking them prior to your injectables appointment to minimise bruising.
 

Radio frequency microneedling

Pair with: Zinc

Zinc is a key nutrient essential for tissue repair and skin healing, making it beneficial after treatments like microneedling with RF, which create controlled micro-injuries. It plays a critical role in collagen synthesis, a crucial part of the skin’s repair process post-needling. Zinc also has mild antimicrobial properties, helping to protect skin from potential infection. Additionally, it supports faster resurfacing of the skin by promoting cell renewal, contributing to smoother skin and recovery.
 

Laser and energy-based treatments

Pair with: NAD+

NAD+ is key for production of ATP (the body’s energy currency, produced in the mitochondria), and after energy-based treatments, skin cells have an increased demand for ATP to support collagen synthesis, tissue repair, and regeneration. Without sufficient NAD+, this repair process may be slower or less efficient. Since NAD+ levels naturally decline with age, supplementation can help restore optimal cellular function, support faster recovery, and enhance treatment outcomes such as improved skin firmness and tone. "Emerging research suggests that supporting NAD+ production can help improve the skin’s recovery and overall resilience during aesthetic procedures, specially those that involve controlled injury like microneedling or laser treatments," says Maz.

Maz suggests: Nuchido Time+, a scientifically formulated supplement containing nicotinamide, a pre-curser to NAD+ to help naturally support the body’s ability to produce NAD+ and cellular repair processes.

Vaginal rejuvenation/ menopause treatments

Pair with: Collagen

The vaginal wall and mucosal lining is a collagen-rich connective tissue that can change with hormonal shifts, especially during the menopause. Oral supplementation of hydrolysed collagen peptides can help to encourage natural collagen and elastin production, to improve tissue elasticity in the vaginal area and improve vaginal dryness.
 

Skin radiance / peels

Pair with: Vitamin C

Chemical peels exfoliate the surface of the skin, accelerating skin cell turnover to reveal fresher, smoother skin underneath. As a nutrient, vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that can inhibit melanin production which contributes to the brightening effect we associate with vitamin C and a more even skin tone. It can help boost the radiance and glow given by a peel. Vitamin C is also a key nutrient needed for collagen synthesis in the body, so it can be supportive in the post-peel recovery process.

Maz suggests: Totally Derma, a well formulated supplement which contains hydrolysed bovine collagen peptides with vitamin C, zinc and green tea extract to support skin texture, collagen synthesis and antioxidant protection.