Let’s face it: We all want to age gracefully. Whether you’re in your 30s, 40s, or believe that age is just a number, it’s never too early (or too late!) to take care of your skin. But at the end of the day, we all know beauty starts well beneath the surface of our skin. Glowing from the inside out is the goal and that all begins with lifestyle and state of mind. From sleep to exercise to eating foods that deeply nourish our bodies, how you do anything is how you do everything. In other words, it’s a culmination of our habits, our choices, and our actions that make us well. And when we feel well, it shows. That’s where the best anti-aging supplements come in.
When we approach aging—or health, in general—with a humble perspective and an eyes-wide-open, curious attitude, we think about life as a journey, not a destination. Another lap around the sun is an opportunity to be grateful for where we’ve been, where we are, and where we’re going.
It’s a blessing to get older, and it’s an even greater blessing to be healthy while we’re at it.
Featured image by Michelle Nash.
And the older we get, the more we realize that fad diets aren’t sustainable and trendy products don’t necessarily leave lasting results. Ultimately, we realize that aging gracefully isn’t about fixating on the past. It’s not about wishing for the skin you had in your early 20s. Rather, aging gracefully is about living your best life and having the physical and mental health to enjoy it.
Tips for Aging Gracefully
Before we dive into the best anti-aging supplements, let’s talk about tips for aging gracefully. Think of this list as the accompaniment to the supplements in your medicine cabinet.
- Take care of your body’s largest organ: Your skin. Don’t forget your daily SPF, get your moles checked, and stick to clean skincare products that aren’t filled with synthetic ingredients.
- Eat the rainbow, especially foods loaded with antioxidants. These help fight free radicals, an important component of skin health.
- Move your body in a joyful, celebratory kind of way. Dance, do yoga, lift weights—whatever kind of exercise makes you feel energized and happy. Regular exercise is key for overall well-being, including heart, bone, and skin health.
- Mind your mental health. Whether that involves prioritizing family and friend time, seeing a therapist, and/or incorporating mindfulness into your day, take care of your brain.
- Get enough sleep. Whether that’s seven, eight, or nine hours, good sleep is imperative. In fact, sleep deprivation ages you quicker. A better night’s sleep is just a click away.
How to Choose the Best Supplement for Anti-Aging
In addition to these lifestyle tips, a youthful glow can also be perpetuated by high-quality, well-sourced supplements. When it comes to choosing the best supplements for anti-aging, there are a few things to keep in mind. First and foremost, it’s worth the reminder:
There is no magic pill to keep you looking and feeling young, forever—aging is natural and unavoidable.
There are, however, the best anti-aging supplements with powerful ingredients that target aging at the source—the cellular level.
Secondly, think anti-inflammatory. As we age, our bodies become less and less efficient at repairing damage from pro-inflammatory oxidative stress. These stressors range from pollution to poor nutrition to sun damage. Therefore, you want to choose a supplement that is loaded with anti-inflammatory ingredients. These are designed to decrease inflammation and provide antioxidant support, minimizing oxidative stress.
Last but not least, consider what you want to get out of the supplement—fewer wrinkles, more energy, better cognitive function, etc. Look for these benefits on the product packaging. And while you’re at it, consider your price range (as you’ll likely be taking this supplement for a while) and the quality of ingredients. Always look for an official seal from third-party testing on the bottle.
Specific Ingredients To Look For in Anti-Aging Supplements
There are three main ingredients to look for in anti-aging supplements: NAD+, resveratrol, and CoQ10. These all support cellular health. NAD+ is a coenzyme. It is involved in numerous cellular functions, including the production of energy. As we age, our levels of NAD+ naturally decrease. Supplementing with nicotinamide riboside, which is one of the precursors to NAD+, is known to increase levels of NAD+.
Resveratrol is making waves in the wellness industry, but most wine drinkers know it as a compound found in the skin of grapes. It displays powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Finally, CoQ10 (coenzyme Q). It also has antioxidant properties that protect cell membranes from oxidative stress and supports mitochondrial function.
Do anti-aging supplements actually work?
Naturally, there are hundreds of dietary anti-aging supplements on the market (or in the very least, supplements that tout anti-aging capabilities). The truth is, most of these supplements have little research to back their claims. Many have only been studied in a lab on a cellular level or in animal studies. Therefore, we don’t know if they have the same effects in humans. However, some supplements come with more evidence of potential benefits than others. In many cases, you’ll need to take an anti-aging supplement for a few months to see if you notice a difference. It’s a long game.
When it comes to any beauty supplement or product, non-toxic is the way to go, and organic is always a plus. Keep in mind that paying for trendy or exotic vitamins, mostly loaded with fillers, will get you very little other than a dwindling bank account. In fact, dermatologists agree.
Very few supplements are actually effective in preventing and reversing skin damage.
So long as you’re seeing ingredients like nicotinamide riboside, resveratrol, CoQ10, omega-3 fatty acids like fish oil, and antioxidants like selenium, vitamin E, circumin, and vitamin C, give the supplement a whirl.
12 Best Anti-Aging Supplements
Before buying an anti-aging supplement, chat with your doctor or dermatologist. Get tested for any potential nutrient deficiencies as well as make sure you choose a supplement that won’t cause allergies or other adverse effects. Furthermore, read all labels and steer clear of non-natural or chemical ingredients. Ideally, the ingredients are plant-based and come from organic sources.
ResveraCel by Thorne
Thorne Research is one of my tried-and-true supplement brands. Their quality is top notch. This supplement is available in capsule form and contains key players: Nicotinamide riboside, resveratrol, quercetin, and betaine. It also contains well-studied antioxidants. The only con is the price.
Ubiquinol By Doctor’s Best
These soft gels contain extra virgin olive oil and MCTs for enhanced absorption, along with the preferred form of CoQ10 for enhanced bioavailability. It’s also accessible at major retailers and affordable—a win-win. In essence, this supplement is formulated for enhanced absorption and bioavailability, supporting CoQ10 levels.
Circumin Complex by Swanson
Another affordable anti-aging supplement, this Circumin Complex is standardized to contain 95% curcuminoinds and delivers 700 milligrams of curcumin per dose. Research shows that circumin activates certain proteins, promoting cellular longevity. Additionally, it contains BioPerine (black pepper extract), which has been clinically proven to increase the absorption rate of curcumin up to 2000%. Swanson is a trusted supplement brand and subjects all its products to third-party testing for optimal quality.
Green Tea Extract By Pure Encapsulations
Another go-to brand, Pure Encapsulations makes this Green Tea Extract supplement, which is packed with antioxidants. And antioxidants are natural scavengers of free radicals, which cause consequent age-related issues (including wrinkly skin). This supplement contains 100 milligrams of green tea extract, standardized to contain a minimum of 70% EGCG.
Collagen JS By Pure Encapsulations
This multi-molecule collagen complex offers support for joint health. In addition to collagen, this supplement provides the combined benefits of hyaluronic acid, chondroitin sulfate, glucosamine sulfate, and amino acids to support the elasticity and firmness of healthy skin as well as help retain moisture. This collagen supplement may also rejuvenate skin and modulate the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
TimeCapsule by Hush & Hush
A powerful 4-in-1 anti-aging skin supplement, TimeCapsule acts as a beauty supplement for the skin by boosting collagen production capabilities, adding moisture to the skin, protecting against environmental damage, reducing redness and breakouts, gives a boost of energy, and supports immunity with zinc, vitamin C, and ginseng.
cellular beauty+ by mindbodygreen
mindbodygreen’s anti-aging supplement contains astaxanthin, phytoceramides, ubiquinol CoQ10, and pomegranate—all powerful anti-aging ingredients. Their formulation is clinically shown to support skin hydration, elasticity, smoothness, barrier function, and wrinkle reduction. It can also enhance skin photoprotection from UV damage and promote cellular metabolism.
Cell Protector by Pure Synergy
With almost 20 of the planet’s most powerful organic cellular protectors, detoxifiers and antioxidants, Cell Protector™ is touted as the ultimate insurance for healthy aging and DNA protection. It nourishes healthy liver function, protects from the effects of everyday pollution and other environmental exposures, and promotes glutathione regeneration—our bodies’ master antioxidant.
CoQ10 Gummies by Mary Ruth’s
While most CoQ10 supplements are sourced from animal organs, these raspberry CoQ10 gummies are made from the highest quality vegan ingredients. Although the body produces CoQ10 naturally, production tends to decrease as we age. This supplement contains important antioxidants, protecting cells from damage by free radicals.
SuperBeauty by Moon Juice
Known as the master antioxidant formula to work to protect from accelerated aging, this supplement promotes collagen production, elasticity, and cell vitality. Commit to consistency, and you may even see results in four weeks. This anti-aging product contains glutathione, vitamin C, astaxanthin, and silica. These ingredients improve skin elasticity, help maintain healthy cellular function, protect against oxidative damage, and more.
Tru Niagen
In addition to 10 published human studies, leading universities continue to study daily supplementation with Niagen® in humans for a variety of health outcomes. Their findings include healthy aging, cellular defense, cellular energy, and cellular repair. With a single, daily capsule, Tru Niagen helps combat the natural decline in NAD+ levels.
Skin Accumax by Jane Iredale
Skin Accumax is a nutritional supplement designed to promote healthy skin. Suitable for all skin types, it works from the inside to improve the quality of skin throughout the body. Scientists have blended a specific combination of vitamins with diindolylmethane (DIM), a phytonutrient identified in cruciferous vegetables. This precise concentration of active ingredients has a powerful effect on the health and look of the skin.
This post was originally published on August 26, 2021, and has since been updated.
