The 6 Best Natural Anti-Aging Supplements for Your Body

Whether we admit it or not, most of us wouldn’t hesitate to purchase some sort of quick fix to slow the onset of mental sluggishness, sagging skin, wrinkles and grey hair that accompanies the aging process. And the numbers show that plenty of people already have: as of 2015, the global estimate of the anti-aging market was somewhere in the range of $140 billion US.

Whether this takes the form of skin cream, supplements, or vitamins, we’re always on the hunt to find new ways to stay looking and feeling youthful.

But what anti-aging products are actually safe and effective?

Read on for a detailed overview of which anti-aging supplements are the best choice for your body, and what ingredients to stay away from.  

Anti-Aging Skin Care Products: Proceed with Caution

Here are a few notes about common ingredients in skin care products.  

Retinol  

Retinol is a vitamin A derivative that is often sold as a prescription cream or in other anti-aging products. It has been clinically proven to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, but at high concentrations it can be an irritant and dry out your skin, and is generally considered safe.

But according to the Environmental Working Group’s Cosmetics Database [1], retinol could pose a moderate health risk at a biochemical or reproductive level, specifically if used in high doses or over a long period of time. It may also increase the risk of sunburn. It is not recommended for women to use if they are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Parabens

Parabens are often used as preservatives in over-the-counter skin care products. They are known to disrupt hormone systems and as such may be linked to increased rates of cancers a well as disrupt the reproductive systems. Research shows that parabens essentially “act” like estrogen, and as such are linked to an increased risk of breast cancer. [2, 3]

Sunscreen

Using sunscreen is actually one of the best things that you can do to protect the skin from premature aging, and the American Academy of Dermatology claims that sunscreen is safe to use. But many -- especially spray sunscreens -- are still full of toxic ingredients.  

The Environmental Watch Group warns that ingredients such as titanium dioxide, retinyl palmitate and oxybenzone (just to name a few) are potentially unsafe. (Check out their guide to safe sunscreen ingredients here.)

If you are concerned about the potential negative health effects of certain ingredients, try to choose organic brands and brands that are sold at reputable health food stores.  

Related: 6 Harmful Additives That Could Be Lurking In Your Supplements

6 Safe & Effective Anti-Aging Supplements   

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is just one example of a natural supplement that is an incredibly effective antioxidant. Antioxidants may help to fight free radicals in our bodies, agents which essentially damage important cell components. Using vitamin E topically may also help prevent damage from sun exposure and clear up scars.

Vitamin E may boost your immunity, lower insulin resistance, and even help to prevent heart attacks. Recent research also shows plenty of potential for Vitamin E in preventing or treating age-related diseases such as Alzheimer’s. [4]

Related: 10 Reasons To Consider An Astaxanthin Supplement

Grape seed Extract

Grape seed extract is an example of another supplement that may help to retain the elasticity of your skin. It is also a powerful antioxidant and as such it has shown solid potential as a possible anti-cancer agent. [5] It boasts plenty of other benefits, including helping circulation and promoting heart health.  

Related: 5 Powerful Supplements For Perfect Vision and Eye Health

COQ10

Coenzyme Q10 is a naturally occurring and potent antioxidant that is vital to cell functioning. Studies show that it has the potential to mitigate various diseases related to aging, such as cardiovascular disease, Parkinson’s, and hearing loss.

When used topically it can help protect the skin from UV rays and other external substances known to cause age-related damage to the skin. [6]  

This safe and natural supplement has also been researched as a possible treatment for muscle problems, reproductive challenges and various diseases. Studies have shown that it has the potential to increase blood flow, and help ease some symptoms of fibromyalgia as well as possibly reduce plaque that causes hardening of the arteries. [7]

Related: Is PQQ The Ultimate Anti-Aging "Vitamin" For Your Brain?

Fish /  Krill Oil

Omega-3 fatty acids are key ingredients in Krill oil that boast plenty of anti-aging benefits. Not only is it great for our cardiovascular health, it may also help to prevent memory loss. [8]

Research points to a host of other benefits from omega-3 supplements, including its potential to help with anxiety, inflammation, eye problems, and immunity.

Related: 5 Reasons Why Krill Oil Is The #1 Omega-3 Supplement For Brain Health

Green Tea

Have you ever wondered why the Japanese tend to live so long? One reason may be because their diet incorporates plenty of fresh fish (omega-3s) as well as green tea. Green tea contains a super potent antioxidant that may prevent many diseases including cancer. [9]

While it may or may not work if used topically, consuming a couple of cups a day will definitely result in a host of health benefits.   

Related: 10 Best Anti-Inflammatory Herbs and How To Use Them

Lycium barbarum (Wormwood)

Wormwood has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years and it’s loaded with vitamins, carotenoids, and other healing agents. As a potent antioxidant, it has the potential to reduce age-related cell damage.

Recent studies suggest that the herb may be useful in the prevention of Alzheimer’s disease as well as a range of other anti-aging applications. [10, 11]

The Best Thing you can do to Prevent Aging

Unfortunately there is no miracle elixir that can prevent us from aging, except perhaps the controversial drug Metformin, and everyone to a certain degree will age in a different way. But understanding what we put into our bodies is really essential to the way our bodies and brains respond to the aging process.

We have to remember that staying “young” is more about keeping our bodies healthy than what we look like -- and when our bodies are functioning well on the inside, it will show on the outside. So eating a nutritious, balanced diet, skipping processed foods, avoiding chemicals, limiting stress and alcohol, and of course getting proper exercise, are all essential to longevity.

Focussing on what you are putting inside your body (as well as on your skin), as well as managing stress levels are truly some of the best things you can do to for the best chance at a long, happy life.