What’s better – topical or ingestible skincare? From collagen supplements and retinol capsules, to toners and moisturisers, both methods have proven their efficacy in maintaining a flawless glow

Once considered a passing fad, ingestible skincare supplements have now become a staple in beauty routines. From collagen to retinol capsules, these products promise to provide glowing skin from within. But are ingestibles really the key to optimal skin health?

Our skin is affected by a range of internal and external factors, including diet, stress, alcohol consumption and sleep. While we may strive to keep these factors in check, our busy lifestyles often get in the way, and this is where ingestibles come in – they provide an additional boost of nutrients to support skin health. But do they really work? While there is some scientific evidence to support the claims of certain ingestibles, such as collagen and probiotics, it’s important to note that while they can for sure lead to better skin, they aren’t a magical solution to all skin problems.

On one side, topical formulas act like a vehicle that delivers ingredients directly to the skin. Different products are like different modes of transport, and what works best for you varies depending on your skin type and particular concerns. For example, toners and sera have smaller molecular structures that allow them to penetrate the skin more effectively, while moisturisers are meant for skin layers closer to the surface. However, many factors affect how effective a product is, like where you use it on the body and the health of your skin barrier.

On the other hand, beauty supplements work from the inside out, meaning they aim to work on a cellular level by being absorbed into the bloodstream, thus providing more holistic skincare benefits compared to just surface changes.

“Ingesting supplements is part of a full picture that’s composed of many factors,” says Keiko Negishi, aesthetician and skin therapist at Fild Studio in New York. “Working out, drinking water, eating well, sleeping the right amount of hours, keeping stress under control … all these will influence your skin. So taking skin-targeted supplements, like hyaluronic acid or collagen, will certainly add up, but it goes hand in hand with your lifestyle and your topical product choices.”

Let’s take collagen. As the protein responsible for maintaining the structure and elasticity of our skin, collagen production is key to keeping our complexion young and healthy. As we age, our body’s natural production of collagen starts to decline, leading to the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and sagging skin.

When you ingest collagen peptides – which can be derived from animal or plant-based sources like marine collagen and pea protein – they’re already broken down for easy digestion. Your body needs to do less work, and over 90 per cent of the peptides are absorbed into the bloodstream within an hour or so, boosting collagen production and improving skin texture and hydration.

In that sense, collagen can be a game changer for your skin when ingested. Topical collagen treatments tend to be formulated with peptides that are too big to be absorbed through the skin, the reason why drinking it or eating it may be a better way of getting its benefits. However, that’s not the case for all nutrients.

Vitamin C, for example, works best when applied topically. When you use a vitamin C serum or cream, you’ll get potent antioxidant benefits, reducing pigmentation and stimulating collagen production. You can eat as much of it as you want on a well-balanced diet, but topical application can work wonders on your skin.

So, what’s the best approach? “I recommend them as a booster, especially to people struggling with balancing their healthy lifestyle practices,” says Negishi. As always, it’s all about figuring out what your skin needs and tailoring your routine accordingly.