It's 2017—and while kombucha, bone broth, and medicinal mushroom tonics are currently as common as a morning latte, there's one throwback wellness staple that's making a cool comeback. A new wave of nutritional beauty supplements is taking the market by storm, targeting skin health, hair sheen, and even eye strength. And although they may rely on science-backed ingredients and high-quality extracts, they look nothing like their clinical predecessors. Instead, they arrive in sleek glossy packs that are more likely to be stocked at a discerning beauty boutique—where you can shop them alongside your favorite lipsticks or lash-volumizing mascaras—than the local health food store.
"Everyone wants to look better faster," says New York City nutritionist Robin Barrie Kaiden, M.S., R.D. of the desire to pop a single pill that can fast-track results. And while she cautions that "there is no quick fix"—supplements should be part of a 360 degree approach to a healthy diet and lifestyle, and taken under the supervision of a doctor—there are research-tested ingredients that may contribute to the big picture. Here, five of our favorite supplement blends for the months ahead.
THE AGE-DEFYING SKIN FIXGerman molecular scientist and celebrity dermatologist Barbara Sturm's Skin Food is designed specifically to combat the visible signs of skin aging, thanks to one hero ingredient. Purslane, a superfood compound developed in collaboration with doctors at the University of Miami, helps fight inflammation while activating the body's own "youth enzymes." Additional ingredients like glucosamine (which boosts hyaluronic acid production), Japanese Knotweed Root Extract (which is packed with anti-aging Resveratrol), and high-quality antioxidants round out the complex, which promotes the skin's ability to maintain its best elasticity, texture and tone.
THE STRESS-BUSTING BLENDGwyneth Paltrow's buzzy line of Goop vitamins, formulated in conjunction with Clean Program founder Dr. Alejandro Junger, have cheeky names. But the ingredients in the wellness brand's "Why Am I So Effing Tired?" formula are no joke. The mix aims to combat adrenal fatigue, increase energy levels, and diminish stress with a combination of Vitamin B, Omega 3's (derived from anchovy, sardine, and mackerel) a Viviscal nd ancient Ayurvedic herbs like bacopa, amla, and holy basil.
THE SCREEN-VISION SAVERSurfing Net-A-Porter, scheduling catch-up time with friends, and ordering dinner in a matter of minutes from your Smartphone makes for efficient multi-tasking, but it may also contribute to screen-strained vision. With the average person spending up to ten hours a day in front of a screen, opthamologists have seen a surge of complaints ranging from blurred vision to light sensitivity. In an effort to combat the damaging free radicals that lead to macular degeneration, Occugard's Blutein Protection supplement combines antioxidants like lutein, which helps to filter high-energy blue light, and vitamin A to boost allover eye health. Kaiden also suggests clients turn off electronics an hour before bedtime to let the eyes rest from a day of technological stress.
THE GOOD HAIR DAY GUARANTEEThe hair growth supplement Viviscal is as common backstage as lash-plumping mascara these days, thanks to legions of supermodel testimonials. Now, celebrity hairstylist Jen Atkin, whose clients include Bella Hadid and Kim Kardashian West, is launching a Hollywood-bound supplement for dry, brittle, or thinning hair. Ouai's Dry Hair pack promotes shine, hydration, and prevents breakage with a mix of vitamin E, amino acids, and biotin. Arriving in a compact silver foil sheet, they're sure to fit into even the tiniest of It-Girl clutches.
THE NEW SLEEPING PILLWhile there are a few dietary modifications that may help you get a good night's rest, Perricone MD's Sleep Booster aims to distill sleep maximizing vitamins into a single pill. "Magnesium and melatonin can promote relaxation," explains Kaiden of the supplement's key ingredients. Also in each little ampoule: Extracts of ashwagandha, an adaptogen that has shown promise in helping the body cope with anxiety.
