Are anti-aging supplements really effective? A thorough explanation of ingredients, how to choose, and how to use them!

As we age, more and more of us are experiencing a decline in skin elasticity and firmness, as well as physical discomfort. Aging care involves not only external approaches such as skin care and beauty treatments, but also internal care. Among these, anti-aging supplements that support body functions while supplementing nutrition are attracting attention.

But, "Does it really work?" "Which ingredients should I choose?" Many people may have questions such as, "Is it really effective? Here, we will explain the effects of anti-aging supplements from a medical perspective and provide detailed information on how to choose and use them. Let's learn the key points to take appropriate supplements and obtain healthy beauty.

 

What are anti-aging supplements? Medical Perspectives on Beauty and Health

As we age, various changes appear, such as a decrease in skin elasticity and firmness, an increase in spots and wrinkles, and even tiredness and a slowdown in metabolism. These are not simply signs of aging, but are caused by the effects of oxidation, glycation, and chronic inflammation that occur within the body. In recent years, as the mechanisms of aging have been elucidated, the importance of "anti-aging care," which approaches aging not only from the outside but also from the inside of the body, has been attracting attention.

Among these, "anti-aging supplements" have been adopted by many as a means to supplement nutrients that decline with age and support slowing the aging process at the cellular level. For example, supplements containing a variety of ingredients such as antioxidant vitamins C and astaxanthin, hyaluronic acid and elastin to stimulate collagen production, CoQ10 and NMN to enhance cellular energy metabolism, and many others are now available on the market.

The greatest appeal of anti-aging supplements is that they provide an efficient way to consume ingredients that cannot be supplemented by our daily diet. As we age, our body's absorption rate of nutrients declines, making it difficult for us to adequately consume necessary ingredients. Therefore, by supplementing with specific nutrients, we can improve the condition of our skin and body from the inside out and slow down the aging process.

However, anti-aging supplements are only a supplement and do not provide dramatic rejuvenation on their own. Combined with lifestyle modifications such as a well-balanced diet, moderate exercise, and stress management, they can be even more effective. In addition, it is important to have the correct knowledge of the ingredients, as their effectiveness varies depending on how they are selected and ingested.

What is anti-aging care in the first place?

With aging, various aging phenomena appear, such as a decrease in skin firmness and elasticity, an increase in spots and wrinkles, as well as a decline in physical strength and metabolism. The main causes of these phenomena are oxidation, glycation, and chronic inflammation.

Reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are generated in the process of metabolizing oxygen taken in through breathing, etc., damage cells and tissues. This increases the risk of skin aging and lifestyle-related diseases.

In addition, excess sugar combines with proteins in the body to produce AGEs (end-glycation products). This causes yellowing and hardening of the skin and accelerates aging. Persistent inflammation in the body, caused by lifestyle and environmental factors, leads to a decline in cellular function and the aging process.

Although this aging is an inevitable and natural process, its progression can be slowed. Antioxidant intake, moderate exercise, a well-balanced diet, and adequate sleep have been shown to slow the aging process.

Impact of Supplements on Aging Care

Modern diets tend to be deficient in micronutrients such as vitamins and minerals due to the increase in processed foods and the westernization of food. Supplements are an effective means of efficiently supplying these often deficient nutrients.

Supplements containing antioxidants such as vitamins C, E, and astaxanthin neutralize active oxygen species in the body and reduce oxidative stress. In addition, supplements containing ingredients that promote collagen production help maintain skin firmness and elasticity.

Recent studies suggest that components such as NMN (nicotinamide mononucleotide) may activate intracellular energy production and restore the function of aging cells. This is expected to have a rejuvenating effect on the entire body.

Through these mechanisms, anti-aging supplements play a role in supporting beauty and health from the inside out. However, the effects of supplements vary from person to person, and overdose or inappropriate use can be detrimental to health, so proper selection and use are important.

 

What are effective anti-aging ingredients? From familiar to well-known ingredients!

The importance of anti-aging supplements and their roles were mentioned in the previous chapter, but what specific ingredients contribute to our beauty and health? In this section, we will explain in detail the ingredients that are considered effective in anti-aging care from a medical perspective.

Antioxidant ingredients

constituent name	effect
vitamin C	Active oxygen removal and collagen generation
vitamin E	Cell membrane protection/antioxidant
astaxanthin	UV damage reduction and wrinkle prevention

In our bodies, reactive oxygen species (ROS) are produced in the process of using oxygen in our daily lives. These reactive oxygen species are known to damage cells and cause aging and various diseases. The role of antioxidants is to prevent this.

The first well-known ingredient is vitamin C. It is a water-soluble antioxidant that removes active oxygen species in the water-soluble portion of the body, both inside and outside the cells. It also promotes collagen production and helps keep skin firm. E is also effective in vitamins. It is a fat-soluble antioxidant that neutralizes reactive oxygen species in lipid areas such as cell membranes. This prevents oxidation of cell membranes and maintains cell health.

In addition, astaxanthin, a type of carotenoid, is a powerful antioxidant. It is believed to be effective in reducing skin damage caused by ultraviolet rays and preventing wrinkles and sagging.

When produced in excess by ultraviolet light, stress, or smoking, reactive oxygen species (ROS) damage cell membranes and DNA, accelerating the aging process. Antioxidants prevent cell damage by binding to and detoxifying these reactive oxygen species. This inhibits the formation of skin spots and wrinkles and helps maintain youthful skin.

Ingredients that maintain skin elasticity and firmness

constituent name	effect
collagen	Maintains skin structure and firmness
hyaluronic acid	High water retention and moisture retention
elastin	Elasticity maintenance and collagen support

The following ingredients play an important role in maintaining skin elasticity and firmness.

• Collagen: a protein that occupies about 70% of the dermis layer of the skin and is responsible for supporting the skin structure.
• Hyaluronic Acid: With its high water retention capacity, hyaluronic acid is essential for skin to retain moisture.
• Elastin: A protein that maintains skin elasticity and binds collagen fibers.

The production of these components in the body decreases with age. As a result, the skin loses its firmness and elasticity, and wrinkles and sagging skin easily occur. Supplementation with collagen and hyaluronic acid is an effective way to compensate for this.

However, these ingredients have large molecular weight and are difficult to absorb from the digestive tract. Therefore, it is recommended that they be used in combination with low molecular weight products and vitamin C, which promotes collagen production in the body.

Metabolism-supporting ingredients

constituent name	effect
CoQ10	Energy production, Antioxidant
L-Carnitine	Fat burning and energy conversion
NMN	Acceleration of cell metabolism and DNA repair

Ingredients that support metabolism and promote energy production at the cellular level include

• Coenzyme Q10 (Coenzyme Q10): A coenzyme necessary for energy production in the mitochondria of cells, Coenzyme Q10 also has antioxidant properties.
• L-carnitine: an amino acid derivative that helps transport fatty acids to the mitochondria for use as energy.
• NMN (nicotinamide mononucleotide): Converted to a coenzyme called NAD+ in the body, it is involved in cellular energy metabolism and DNA repair. In recent years, NMN has been attracting attention as an activator of the sirtuin gene (longevity gene), which is related to aging and longevity.

These ingredients promote energy production in cells and activate metabolism. As a result, the whole body functions are improved, and effects such as recovery from fatigue and promotion of skin turnover can be expected to keep you looking young.

Hormone-balancing ingredients

constituent name	effect
soy isoflavone	Estrogen-like action, menopausal measures
placenta	Growth factor and cell regeneration promotion
Maca (Macao)	Hormone regulation, recovery from fatigue

Hormonal balance is one of the pivotal factors in aging care. In particular, women in their 40s and beyond tend to experience dry skin, loss of elasticity, decreased bone density, and mood instability as they head into menopause and estrogen secretion declines. To cope with these changes, it is effective to take ingredients that regulate hormonal balance.

• Soy isoflavone: A type of polyphenol found in soybeans that acts like estrogen (female hormone) in the body. It helps maintain the health of menopausal women who tend to lack estrogen. It is expected to help maintain skin moisture and bone density, and reduce hot flashes.
• Placenta: An ingredient extracted from the placenta of mammals, placenta is rich in growth factors, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals. It is expected to promote cell regeneration and normalize skin turnover. It also has a hormone-balancing effect and helps reduce menopausal symptoms.
• Maca: A superfood native to Peru in South America, maca is believed to regulate hormone secretion. In particular, it supports improved energy metabolism and hormonal balance, and can be effective in alleviating menopausal symptoms and relieving fatigue.

Menopause is a time when various physical and mental discomforts appear due to the rapid decrease in estrogen levels. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is one option, but considering the risk of side effects, it is effective to first utilize supplements such as soy isoflavone, placenta, and maca. These ingredients gently regulate hormonal balance, preventing skin deterioration while helping to maintain good health.

Hormonal imbalances can also lead to poor sleep quality and stress buildup. To minimize these effects, it is recommended that appropriate supplements be incorporated along with a nutritionally balanced diet.

 

How to choose the right anti-aging supplement?

In the previous chapter, we discussed in detail the ingredients that are effective for anti-aging. In order to effectively incorporate these ingredients, it is important to select the appropriate supplements. Here, we will explain in detail how to choose the right anti-aging supplements.

Basic Points for Selecting Supplements

When choosing a supplement, the first thing to look for is the type and concentration of the ingredients it contains. Check the product label or official website to see what the major ingredients are and whether the amounts contained are clearly stated.

Some products are highlighted in advertisements or on packaging as "containing XX," but the important thing is whether or not there is scientific evidence for the ingredients. Choosing ingredients that have been proven effective in credible studies and clinical trials will lead to safe and effective anti-aging care.

Supplements recommended by medical institutions are considered reliable in terms of quality and safety. For example, products supervised by physicians and supplements sold exclusively at clinics are often subject to strict quality control and are therefore worth considering as an option.

Safety and quality points of importance

GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) certification is an indicator for determining the quality and safety of supplements. This indicates that the quality control standards in the manufacturing process have been met, and products with this certification are considered highly reliable. Products that have undergone inspections by third-party organizations can also be assured of safety.

Besides, supplements may contain additives such as preservatives and coloring agents. Choosing products with fewer of these additives can reduce the burden on the body. It is also important to follow the recommended dosage, as overdose of ingredients can cause health problems.

How to choose by age and purpose

In your 30s, preventive aging care is important to prevent future aging. It is advisable to choose supplements that contain ingredients such as antioxidant vitamins C, E, and astaxanthin. These ingredients are effective in removing active oxygen in the body and slowing down cellular aging.

In addition, in their 40s, people begin to notice a decline in skin elasticity and firmness. Supplements containing collagen and hyaluronic acid are effective in this age group. These ingredients help maintain skin moisture retention and elasticity, helping to keep skin looking young.

On the other hand, in the 50s and older, hormonal balance changes and metabolic decline become more pronounced. In this age group, supplements containing NMN and soy isoflavones are appropriate. NMN supports cellular energy production and can be expected to have a rejuvenating effect on the entire body. Soy isoflavones have estrogen-like effects and help regulate hormonal balance.

Choosing an anti-aging supplement should be tailored to your individual life stage and goals. Choose the right supplements and lead a healthy and beautiful life.

 

The use of supplements from a medical perspective

In the previous chapter, we discussed in detail how to choose an anti-aging supplement. Choosing the right supplement is the first step in effective anti-aging care, but to further enhance its effectiveness, it is important to understand how to utilize it from a medical perspective.

This section details how supplements and cosmetic medicine can be used together, how they can be incorporated into daily life, and the benefits of prescribing supplements by a physician.

Combination of Supplementation and Cosmetic Medicine

Although supplements support beauty and health through internal nutritional support, certain skin problems and aging phenomena may require an external approach. For example, deep wrinkles, sagging skin, and pigmentation can be difficult to improve with supplements alone. In such cases, a combination of cosmetic treatments can be used to achieve more effective results.

Among cosmetic treatments, cosmetic infusion and laser therapy can be used in combination with supplements to achieve a synergistic effect. Cosmetic intravenous infusions provide highly concentrated vitamins and antioxidants directly into the bloodstream for immediate skin beautification.

Laser therapy, on the other hand, promotes skin regeneration and is effective in improving spots and dullness. Combining these treatments with supplements allows for an internal and external approach, resulting in higher cosmetic effects.

How to incorporate in daily life

To maximize the benefits of supplements, it is important to balance them with your daily diet. For example, antioxidants such as vitamins C and E are abundant in fruits and vegetables, but may not be adequately consumed through diet alone.

In such cases, supplementation can enhance antioxidant activity. In addition, the synthesis of ingredients such as collagen and hyaluronic acid in the body is promoted when taken together with protein and vitamin C. A combination of diet and supplements can provide more effective anti-aging care.

The timing of supplement intake also affects its effectiveness. For example, fat-soluble vitamin E can be absorbed more efficiently when taken during meals. Vitamin C, which stimulates collagen production, can be taken in the morning to protect the skin from UV damage during the day.

On the other hand, nighttime, when the secretion of growth hormones is more active, is the time when cell repair takes place, and taking supplements at this time supports skin regeneration. It is important to take supplements at the appropriate timing according to your own lifestyle rhythm and objectives.

Supplement prescription by physician

Over-the-counter supplements are often manufactured for general health maintenance purposes. On the other hand, supplements prescribed in clinics are more effective and safer because they are selected by physicians based on the health and cosmetic concerns of individual patients. In addition, supplements exclusively for medical institutions are subject to strict quality control and the content and purity of the active ingredients are guaranteed.

Physician-assisted supplement prescribing allows for personalized care that takes into account an individual's constitution, lifestyle, and health status. For example, if a person is deficient in certain nutrients or at high risk for certain diseases, a corresponding supplement can be selected for effective health management. In addition, taking supplements under the guidance of a physician can help avoid the risk of overdose or interactions.

Supplements play an important role in aging care, but to maximize their effectiveness, it is important to use them in combination with cosmetic treatments, to incorporate them appropriately in daily life, and under the guidance of a physician. Use supplements in a way that is right for you, and aim for a healthy and beautiful life.

 

Safety and Precautions for NMN Supplementation

Nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) is one of the ingredients of interest in the field of anti-aging, but there is also an active debate about its safety and regulation. Some experts point to uncertainties about the long-term effects of NMN, and its sale as a dietary supplement has been banned in the United States.

Here we would like to discuss a little about the latest regulatory status of NMN and the precautions that should be taken to ensure safe consumption.

Regulatory status of NMN? Is it banned for sale in the US?

NMN was originally approved as a dietary supplement ingredient by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). However, in October 2022, the FDA made a decision to ban NMN as a dietary supplement, deeming it a "new drug research subject. This was due to the fact that NMN was being developed as a new drug before it was widely distributed as a health food.

In other words, the ban on the sale of NMN is not because of its safety issues, but rather because its potential as a "new drug" has been deemed inappropriate for treatment as a dietary supplement. However, NMN is still distributed as a dietary supplement in countries outside the U.S., and many products are sold in Japan.

Safety and potential risks of NMN

NMN is converted in the body to a coenzyme called NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide), an important component involved in cellular energy metabolism and DNA repair. No major side effects have been reported when taken within the appropriate range. However, risks have been noted with regard to overdose and long-term use.

What is the safe way to take NMN?

When taking NMN, it is important to follow the proper dosage. Generally, a daily intake in the range of 150-300 mg is recommended. Do not exceed the recommended amount, as overconsumption can strain the liver and digestive system.

It is also important to choose a reliable product: the quality of NMN supplements varies greatly depending on the manufacturer and manufacturing process; it is important to choose products that have GMP certification (Good Manufacturing Practice) or have been inspected by a third-party organization.

If you are unsure, you should consult your doctor or clinic. In particular, if you are already taking other supplements or medications, it is advisable to consult your doctor or specialist because of the risk of interactions. In addition, those with pre-existing medical conditions or who are pregnant should consider carefully, as their safety has not been established.

 

summary

Anti-aging supplements are an effective way to support health and slow the aging process from within the skin and body. However, to maximize their effectiveness, it is important to choose scientifically proven ingredients and follow proper intake methods.

In addition, by selecting ingredients that match the concerns of aging, more effective anti-aging care can be achieved. Furthermore, synergistic effects can be expected when combined with cosmetic medicine and lifestyle modification. Receiving professional advice at a clinic is another option. Continuation is the key to anti-aging care. Find a method that suits you and maintain a healthy beauty.

At Aladdin Aesthetic Clinic, based on our many years of experience in cosmetic medicine and cosmetic dermatology and the knowledge of our doctoral degree, we provide counseling that aims to be "only one", offering the best treatment for each person we meet. We offer only the necessary treatments without any unnecessary information or suggestions.

Feel free to use our official LINE account for 24-hour counseling and reservations. Please feel free to contact us for free counseling for the first time or if you have any concerns.