Feeding Your Skin Smarter: Why Some Skin Nutrients Work Best From Within

And Which Oral Supplements Outperform Topical Skincare Promises

With a beauty industry full of promises in a bottle, the truth is: not everything your skin needs can be applied topically. At MNA we always emphasize the impact and importance of internal health for your skin. There are key nutrients your skin craves in order to achieve a healthy, non compromised, glowing complexion. And with that being said, some are far more effective when you get them through your diet or targeted supplementation. 

Why Your Collagen Cream Won’t Work (But THIS Cup of Hot Chocolate Will)

Collagen creams and serums are by far, one of the most overhyped and overpromised skincare products on the market right now. The idea being sold is: by applying collagen, you get firmer skin. Unfortunately, it doesn't quite work that way. Collagen molecules are actually too large to be absorbed effectively through the skin. They mostly sit on the surface, providing some temporary moisture. To truly boost your skin's collagen levels, and counteract the natural decline in collagen production as we age, you need to support your body's own collagen production.

Collagen supplements can provide the essential amino acids needed for collagen synthesis (the process of stimulating your own fibroblasts – the skin cells responsible for collagen production– to produce more of this vital protein). High-quality options, such as Ancient Nutrition Collagen, often contain hydrolyzed collagen peptides that are easily absorbed and can support skin elasticity and hydration. Consistent use of these supplements may contribute to a reduction in the appearance of wrinkles and dryness, promoting a more youthful complexion. 

PRO TIP: If you tend to reach for your morning coffee before breakfast, adding collagen powder to your coffee is a simple skin-friendly tip. This makes your coffee more nutrient-dense with those skin-loving amino acids, which may also help to buffer the effects of caffeine on an empty stomach.

Bone broth is another excellent option; a powerhouse of nutrients including collagen, gelatin, hyaluronic acid, and minerals that support skin elasticity, hydration, and overall health. Plus, there are a variety of different ways to incorporate bone broth into your diet: 

  • Use it as a base for soups in place of traditional vegetable broth or stock

  • Instead of cooking your rice in plain water, cook it in bone broth so the rice absorbs the nutrients 

  • Heat (and spice if preferred) straight from the carton and sip as a savory snack

  • For a comforting and skin-boosting treat, try my favoriteee cacao hot chocolate recipe - just heat all ingredients on the stove and sip! (you can’t even taste the broth!!!):

    • 1 cup bone broth (grass fed & finished beef or pasture raised chicken, good quality is key for flavor)

    • 1-2 tablespoons unsweetened cacao powder (adjust to your chocolate preference)

    • ½ - 1 cup A2 dairy milk or nut milk (almond, cashew, or full-fat coconut milk work well for creaminess)

    • 1-2 teaspoons honey or maple syrup (adjust to your sweetness preference)

    • ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract

    • ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon (or more, to taste)

    • Pinch of sea salt (enhances the chocolate flavor)

A supplement I also frequently recommend at MNA is DMK's EFAs. Its balanced omega profile, encompassing omega-3, -6, and -9 fatty acids, mirror the skin's natural lipid composition for optimal cell membrane support and barrier function. Differing from other EFA sources available, DMK’s plant-based sourcing ensures a stable and high-quality supply of these essential fats, minimizing the risk of impurities often associated with other sources. While EFAs are not a form of collagen, they support the skin's barrier function, preventing dehydration and inflammation that can hinder collagen synthesis and cause its breakdown. So, by ensuring well-nourished and protected skin cells, EFAs indirectly but significantly contribute to the body's ability to produce collagen effectively. 

And while “collagen creams” are in fact ineffective as we mentioned above, you can still find products that promote collagen production topically. DMK Revise A* is a great example of this; Revise A doesn't use traditional retinol, but instead is formulated with Vitamin A derivatives and other ingredients to stimulate cellular communication, encouraging your skin to produce more collagen and elastin on its own. Essentially, it is retraining your skin cells to act younger and firmer. 

*Available to existing clients only

So, instead of running towards the next trending “collagen” youth cream, consider a two-step approach of ingesting collagen building blocks and using targeted topical treatments like DMK Revise A, alongside supportive supplements like DMK EFA Ultra, which can be a much more effective strategy for promoting collagen production and in turn, achieving improved skin elasticity, reduced appearance of wrinkles, and increased skin hydration.

The Battle of Bacteria: Topical vs. Internal Probiotics 

Another buzzing product trend I’ve seen around is probiotic-infused skincare, with promises of a balanced and thriving skin microbiome. While the concept of a healthy skin microbiome is absolutely valid, the effectiveness of many over-the-counter probiotic creams and serums is extremely questionable. 

The primary challenge lies in the stability of live bacteria in topical formulations. Maintaining their viability in a jar or bottle on your shelf is very difficult, and by the time the product is applied, the beneficial microorganisms may no longer be active or even alive. This is where spore-based biome serums, like SIV, offer a scientific, trusted and researched approach for directly targeting the skin's unique microbiome. Instead of live bacteria, SIV uses spores – the dormant, protected form of bacteria. These spores are much more stable and resilient, surviving until they encounter the right conditions on your skin to become active and beneficial. Once activated, they can then get to work helping to rebalance your skin's existing microbiome at a deeper level. SIV may be particularly beneficial for skin conditions like acne, eczema, keratosis pilaris (KP), and dandruff.

Also, similarly to collagen, when it comes to cultivating that thriving skin environment, working from the inside out with ingested probiotics can be a game-changer, because of the gut-skin axis. A thriving gut can actually contribute to clearer skin and fewer acne flare-ups. You can introduce beneficial bacteria to your gut through probiotic supplements, which offer a targeted approach with various strains. And don't forget the power of fermented foods which help to diversify your gut microbiome, that you can easily buy in your grocery store like yogurt (look for live and active cultures!), kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, and kombucha. 

The gut-skin connection also proves that when there's an imbalance in the gut microbiome (known as dysbiosis), it can trigger manifestations in the skin. An imbalanced gut can lead to increased intestinal permeability, or sometimes referred to as "leaky gut”. This allows substances like bacterial byproducts and toxins to enter the bloodstream, triggering a systemic inflammatory response that can show up on the skin as acne, rosacea, eczema, psoriasis, and more. For a supplement specifically formulated to address both gut and skin health by recognizing this vital link, consider Face Reality’s Clear Skin Restore (which includes zinc and probiotics).

Probiotics, like collagen, are best absorbed when ingested and offer a more foundational approach to overall skin health. 

Consciously Nourishing Your Skin Inside and Out

Ultimately, achieving healthy and vibrant skin extends beyond what you apply on the surface. While targeted topical treatments certainly have their place, recognizing the power of internal support through diet and strategic supplementation can be a game-changer for long-term skin health. Beyond just collagen and probiotics, For personalized insights into your unique needs, functional lab work and guidance from a qualified naturopath, like my naturopath Dr. Rayna Katz, are invaluable for unlocking your skin's potential from within. And of course, I'm always here to complement this with personalized esthetic care and share the knowledge I've gained, ensuring a truly functional approach to your skin's well-being!

Best, 

Maria