The 10-second lifestyle change that will enhance hair, skin and nails and reduce anxiety, stress and signs of ageing

In winter, everyone should consider taking a daily supplement, says McCauley Health and Beauty pharmacist Fiona Corrigan. 

Have you noticed that you have more health problems in winter than any other time of year? That’s because the body experiences more stresses during this season, making it more susceptible to coughs, colds, flu and other health problems, according to one pharmacist.

During winter the sun is not strong enough for our bodies to make vitamin D and everyone, including pregnant and breastfeeding women, should consider taking a daily supplement containing 10 micrograms of vitamin D. It is essential for healthy cell and bone growth.

We only need small amounts of minerals and vitamins, yet they are vital in keeping our body functioning properly and slowing down age-associated diseases.

Pharmacist Fiona Corrigan MPSI, of McCauley Health and Beauty Pharmacy in Carlow Shopping Centre, says taking a daily supplement can also reduce stress and anxiety. This 10-second step can help convert food to energy, keep the nervous system functioning properly, reverse deficiencies and slow down macular degeneration depending on the constituents of the supplement.

Men and women need different amounts of vitamins and minerals depending on their age and overall health. People who smoke, for instance, have lower levels of vitamin C available in their bodies than those who do not smoke. People following a vegetarian or vegan diet may lack vitamin B12. People with digestive conditions may need to take a vitamin supplement to reduce or avoid a deficiency, says Fiona.

With this in mind, here are some key vitamins and minerals available at McCauley Health and Beauty Pharmacy in store and online now.

Skin, hair and nails

Vitamin D helps to create healthy skin cells. Vitamin C has cancer-fighting (antioxidant) properties and also plays a vital role in the body’s natural collagen synthesis, helping to repair and prevent dry skin, says Fiona. Vitamin E is also an antioxidant and absorbs the harmful UV light from the sun.

Deficiencies in either vitamin C or E can increase the risk of sun damage, including skin cancer.

Vitamin A is necessary for cellular growth and sebum production. Sebum moisturises the scalp and helps keep hair healthy. B vitamins help create red blood cells, which carry oxygen and nutrients to the scalp and hair follicles. Vitamin B7 (biotin) deficiency is linked to hair loss. Biotin improves the body’s keratin infrastructure which can improve overall hair quality, including thickness and shine.

Vitamin C helps to create the protein collagen – an important part of the hair structure. Vitamin C also helps the body to absorb iron, a mineral necessary for hair growth. Low levels of vitamin D are linked to hair loss, such as alopecia. Vitamin E prevents oxidative stress of the hair.

Iron deficiency is a major cause of hair loss. Iron helps blood cells carry oxygen to our cells. Zinc plays an important role in hair tissue growth and repair.

A diet low in iron, vitamin A and C, biotin and collagen can all contribute to short, dehydrated and brittle nails.

Nature’s Bounty Hair Skin And Nails Gummies, €23.25

These delicious chewable gummies are formulated with the nutrients required for luscious hair, glowing skin and healthy nails. These are free of gluten, artificial colours and flavours, helping you to look good and feel great every day.

Valens Premium Collagen Complex 300ml, €29.95

This unique food supplement ensures maximum absorption and results, supporting beauty from within by delivering nourishment through the bloodstream at the inmost level – where the ageing process starts. Its key benefits are skin hydration, reduces wrinkles, supports healthy hair and nails, supports antioxidant activity, supports cartilage and bone health and supports the reduction of tiredness and fatigue.

Revive Active Beauty Complex 21-Day Supply, €49.95

Each sachet contains 7,000mg of Peptan® Marine collagen, 100mg phytoceramides and 100mg hyaluronic acid to contribute to normal hair, skin and nails. Beauty Complex contains no artificial colours or flavours and uses a natural plant-based sweetener, called Steviol Glycosides, making it suitable for diabetics.

Altrient Liposomal Vitamin C 1000mg (30 Sachets), €47.99

This sachet has been clinically proven to significantly increase skin elasticity due to increased cellular absorption of vitamin C, thus increased collagen production. Altrient Liposomal Vitamin C is very gentle on your stomach and very low in acidity. This product is vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, sugar-free, non-GMO and hexane-free.

Revive Active – Nine Week Beauty Plan – With Free Jade Roller, WAS €157.95, NOW €99.95

This unique blend comes in a convenient powder sachet with key ingredients 7,000mg of Peptan® Marine collagen, 100mg of phytoceramides and 100mg of hyaluronic acid to be used over nine weeks. This comes with a free jade roller that gently soothes the skin using the natural cooling properties of the jade gemstone for the ultimate treat for your skin.

Energy

Good levels of vitamins B3 (niacin), B5 (pantothenic acid), B6 (pyridoxine), B9 (folate) and B12 (cobalamin) may help achieve good sleep as they help regulate the body’s level of the amino acid tryptophan, which helps the body produce sleep-inducing melatonin, says Fiona.

The mineral calcium also helps the brain use the amino acid tryptophan to manufacture melatonin. Magnesium helps the body to release tension and relax, preparing the body for sleep. Vitamin E helps combat restless leg syndrome and relieve hot flushes and night sweats for menopausal women and improve sleep quality.

Iron deficiency can cause restless legs and a deficiency in vitamin D is associated with poor quality sleep.

Pharmaton Essential (30 Pack), €9.50

Pharmaton contains B-complex vitamins that support normal energy-yielding metabolism and help the body in its daily functioning. Vitamin B6 and B12 contribute to release energy from food, helping you maintain a normal cognitive function and mental performance.

Berocca Boost 30 Pack, €19.30

Berocca Boost is instant natural fuel for a fast effective boost when you need some extra energy to meet the challenges of the day. It contains Guarana, a natural energiser that works in synergy with B complex and C vitamins and minerals. Berocca Boost is clinically proven to increase speed and accuracy while decreasing tiredness.

Active Iron (30 Pack), €20.40

This advanced formulation means Active Iron delivers clinically proven better absorption of iron sulfate. Active Iron’s protein microbead formulation reduces iron breakdown in the stomach while optimising iron absorption. This also means when your body needs more, it will absorb more Active Iron.

Gut

The eight B vitamins, B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B5 (pantothenic acid), B6 (pyridoxine), B7 (biotin), B9 (folate) and B12 (cobalamin) have a wide variety of functions in the body. We are unable to synthesise B vitamins in the body so must therefore take them up through diet or supplementation. They strongly affect normal functioning of the central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS).

Numerous neurological diseases such as depression, seizures and peripheral neuropathy (PN) are related to a deficiency in one or more B vitamins.

Poor nutrition can compromise immune function and increase infection risk. Various micronutrients are essential for immune competence, particularly vitamins A, C, D, E, B2, B6 and B12 and minerals such as iron, selenium and zinc. Changes in the immune system occur with increasing age.

Alflorex Precision Biotic Food Supplement (30 Pack), €35.95

Alflorex is convenient and easy to use with only one capsule per day, taken with or without food. For best results take Alflorex daily for at least four weeks.

For all of these products, and much more, shop online at mccauley.ie. Or visit one of McCauley Health and Beauty Pharmacies in Dublin, Wicklow, Navan, Athy, Cavan, Kilkenny, Carlow, Tipperary, Wexford, Waterford, Cork and Kerry. Locate your nearest store here. 

Main photo: Getty Images