Concerns about aging and changes in appearance that increase with age are common concerns for many people. Especially from people in their late 20s, who are conscious of aging, there is a growing tendency to seek care from the inside with supplements and reliable results from cosmetic medicine.
While anti-aging supplements are easy to start, they are said to have limitations when it comes to age-specific problems such as deep wrinkles and sagging skin. Here, we will introduce in detail the effects of anti-aging supplements such as vitamin C and the much-talked-about NMN, how to choose them, and the total care that can be obtained by combining them with beauty treatments.
Graduated from the Faculty of Medicine, National Kumamoto University. After serving as the director of major beauty clinics in Japan, etc., he opened Aladdin Aesthetic Clinic in 2023. He is a professional in aesthetic medicine with a doctorate in anti-aging research and many years of experience. With the motto of "Toward the realization of cosmetic medicine without lies," he aims to be the "Only One" together with his patients.
Do Anti-Aging Supplements Really Work? Questions and Evidence
As we age, aging of the skin and body is a natural process, but anti-aging supplements are gaining attention as a means of slowing the aging process and maintaining a youthful appearance. Anti-aging supplements generally support the body's internal functions and promote skin elasticity and health by supplementing the body with the ingredients and nutrients it needs.
For example, vitamin C is known for its antioxidant properties and reduces cell damage by suppressing active oxygen in the body, keeping skin healthy. In addition, collagen plays a role in maintaining skin elasticity, and elastin contributes to skin flexibility.
Since these components tend to decrease with age, active intake of anti-aging supplements can be expected to help care for aging from within the body.
Some studies suggest that supplements such as antioxidants and collagen contribute to skin health. However, not all people will see the same benefits, and the effects will vary depending on one's constitution, lifestyle, supplement intake, and duration of use.
The reality is also that it is difficult to achieve complete prevention of aging with supplements alone. Because aging is affected by many factors, including genetic factors, hormonal balance, daily stress, and diet, supplements can only serve to supplement one part of the process.
For example, even if a person concerned about skin elasticity takes a collagen supplement, lack of sleep and continued stress may make it difficult to see the effects.
Are supplements limited in their effectiveness for the underlying problem of aging?
With age, the skin undergoes various changes. In particular, as collagen and elastin, which maintain skin elasticity, decrease, wrinkles and sagging become more noticeable, and the skin becomes drier.
It is possible to supplement these ingredients with supplements, but supplements are only supplementary care and provide support from the inside. There is a limit to how much supplements alone can dramatically improve deep wrinkles and sagging skin that have already formed.
Significant aging symptoms that progress with daily life and age
From the late 30s, skin metabolism slows down, skin turnover is delayed, and dead skin cells tend to remain on the skin surface. This causes the skin to become dull and wrinkles to deepen. In addition, muscle deterioration also affects sagging skin. These fundamental changes in aging are affected by the body's overall aging process and are therefore difficult to address with supplements alone.
Lack of sleep, irregular lifestyle, stress, and UV rays are also factors that accelerate skin aging. No matter how much nutrition is provided by supplements, if lifestyle habits are irregular, it is difficult for the effects to be fully realized.
Supplements can provide some support, but without reviewing these external factors and lifestyle habits, it will be difficult to fundamentally prevent aging. The more effective measures to combat skin aging are routine care, lifestyle modification, and, if necessary, consideration of cosmetic medical treatment.
Does anti-aging NMN (nicotinamide mononucleotide) really work?
While there are a variety of ingredients in anti-aging supplements, NMN (nicotinamide mononucleotide) has received particular attention in recent years.
NMN is expected to support aging care at the cellular level and is being studied domestically and internationally, but what does it actually do? Here, we will explain in detail the function, effects, and safety of NMN.
Why NMN is attracting attention and how it works at the cellular level
NMN is a substance that is converted to NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) in the body; NAD+ is deeply involved in various functions in the body, including energy metabolism, DNA repair, and antioxidant activity.
The amount of NAD+ decreases with age, and this is thought to be one of the causes of aging, since cell repair ability and energy metabolism decrease with age; taking NMN is expected to increase the amount of NAD+, thereby rejuvenating cells and improving metabolism.
Research results and views on the effectiveness of NMN
In recent years, research on the effects of NMN has been conducted both in Japan and abroad. A study at Keio University suggested that NMN may increase the amount of NAD+ and improve metabolism when administered to healthy adult males.
Positive effects on glucose metabolism have also been observed, and NMN is expected to have applications not only in anti-aging care but also in the prevention of lifestyle-related diseases. However, since most of these studies are based on animal experiments and small-scale clinical trials, further large-scale studies are needed to determine the effects of NMN. Therefore, some experts have expressed cautious views on the anti-aging effects of NMN.
Regulatory Status of NMN Supplements in the U.S.
In 2022, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) took action to ban the sale of dietary supplements containing NMN. This is because NMN is under investigation as a new drug and is not appropriate for sale as a dietary supplement.
In response to this action, the Natural Products Association of America (NPA) has filed a lawsuit against the FDA, demanding the resumption of sales of NMN supplements. It is believed that this is not due to a problem with the NMN ingredients themselves, but rather to regulatory issues. Since the situation may change in the future as regulations and research progress, it is necessary to pay attention to the latest information.
Side effects of NMN and precautions when using it
Although NMN is generally considered safe, mild side effects such as indigestion and headaches may occur depending on one's constitution. It is also important to consult a physician before use if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking certain medications.
In particular, since NMN is still a new ingredient, it is necessary to choose a reliable product and follow the proper dosage. Also, lifestyle modification and a well-balanced diet are important to maximize the effects; although NMN supplements can help prevent aging, it is important to avoid excessive expectations and find the best way to use them for yourself.
When using NMN, it is important to thoroughly check the reliability and safety of the ingredients. In addition, NMN plays only a supportive role, and if you are looking for reliable anti-aging effects, you can combine NMN with professional cosmetic treatment.
Why cosmetic medicine should be considered to ensure the prevention of aging
While supplements are an easy way to treat aging, they have limitations in treating deep wrinkles and sagging skin caused by aging, so cosmetic medicine is the way to go for more reliable results.
Aesthetic medicine offers a wide variety of scientifically based procedures that can be expected to have immediate and long-term effects. Here is an overview of typical cosmetic procedures and a detailed description of the rejuvenating effects of each procedure.
Immediate lifting and wrinkle and sagging improvement procedures
Cosmetic dermatologists offer a wide variety of procedures to address concerns that begin to bother people as they age, such as lifting, wrinkles, and sagging skin. For example, "Ulthera" and "Thermacool" are treatments that can be expected to have a lifting effect.
These procedures use radiofrequency and ultrasound to reach deep into the skin and promote collagen production, which results in skin tightening. In addition, Botox injections and hyaluronic acid injections also have an immediate effect, improving wrinkles and maintaining firmness. The effects of these procedures can often be felt immediately after the treatment, and the changes in appearance can be realized in a short period of time.
Mutual benefits with cosmetic procedures
The major advantage of cosmetic medicine is that its effects are scientifically proven and based on medical technology. While the effects of supplements are easily influenced by individual differences in metabolism and absorption in the body, cosmetic medicine works directly on the skin with medical equipment and drugs, making it easier to see and feel the visible effects.
In addition, cosmetic procedures are performed by physicians and specialized practitioners, which ensures safety and is a major factor in the range and durability of effects.While supplements are easy to use as daily care, they are inevitably limited in the treatment of advanced aging such as deep wrinkles and sagging skin.
Cosmetic treatments can cover problems that cannot be addressed by such supplements and provide more serious anti-aging care. For example, there are many procedures that can last from several months to a year in terms of skin firmness and lifting, and the major advantage is that you can obtain lasting results from cosmetic procedures while using supplements and skin care as a supplement in your daily life.
Incorporating cosmetic medicine is recommended as one way to address aging problems that cannot be prevented by supplements alone and to ensure a younger appearance.
How to Choose the Right Anti-Aging Strategy for Different Ages and Purposes
Since there are different methods of anti-aging care for different ages and purposes, a combination of supplements and treatments can be used to provide effective care. By adopting care methods that meet your needs, you can achieve the ideal aging care for your age.
From young adults in their 20s to those in their 40s and beyond, as well as those who are pregnant, each age group can prevent aging more effectively by choosing measures that match their specific aging concerns and goals. Here are examples of the best supplements and treatments for each age group and how to combine them.
20s|Preventive care and supplements and treatments to maintain skin elasticity
While the skin is at its healthiest and most beautiful during the 20s, early care is key to delaying future aging. During this period, it is recommended to support skin elasticity and hydration from the inside out with supplements containing ingredients such as vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, and collagen. It is also effective to incorporate antioxidant ingredients to prevent damage caused by UV rays.
In cosmetic medicine, chemical peeling and laser toning, if necessary, are popular to improve skin turnover and maintain transparency. 20s are also effective in reviewing skin care and lifestyle habits, so it is advisable to focus on daily care within a reasonable range.
30s|Care that helps maintain skin elasticity and prevent fine lines and wrinkles
In one's thirties, skin turnover slows down and fine lines and wrinkles due to dryness begin to appear. Supplements of ingredients that maintain skin elasticity such as collagen and elastin are effective, and adding nutrients such as vitamins B and E can support healthy skin from the inside.
In cosmetic medicine, procedures such as water light injections and dermapen are popular, and these are expected to prevent fine lines and wrinkles and strengthen the skin's elasticity. Thread lifts for lifting are also increasingly being adopted as a way to prevent sagging. In addition to daily skin care, total care with these procedures can help solve skin problems in one's thirties.
Over 40s|Anti-wrinkle, anti-sagging and full-scale anti-aging care
From the 40s onward, wrinkles and sagging skin become more noticeable and require serious anti-aging care. We recommend taking supplements that contain ingredients with anti-aging properties. In addition, nutrients that support overall health, such as vitamin D and zinc, should also be included.
In cosmetic medicine, Botox injections and hyaluronic acid injections for deep wrinkles and sagging are fast-acting and long-lasting, and provide firmness to the skin. In addition, procedures such as HIFU and thread lift can be considered to counteract sagging.
Because skin problems become more complex as we age, a combination of both supplements and cosmetic treatments can provide longer-lasting anti-aging care.
Pregnancy|Safe Supplement and Care Choices
Pregnant women need to choose their supplements carefully, as they need to pay attention to the ingredients. Generally, supplements containing folic acid, B vitamins, iron, and other nutrients suitable for fertility are recommended. However, antioxidant supplements and vitamin A should be taken with caution in terms of dosage.
As for cosmetic treatments, it is important to consult with a doctor in advance because there are limited procedures that can be performed during pregnancy or while pregnant. During pregnancy, it is basically safe to take care of your skin naturally, improve your lifestyle, and take care of your skin.
summary
A total approach that combines not only supplements but also cosmetic medicine is effective in preventing aging. While supplements provide easy daily care, medical support is effective for problems that cannot be compensated for by supplements, such as deep wrinkles and sagging skin. It is important to choose supplements and treatments that are appropriate for your life stage and to utilize professional support for reliable results. Finding the right method for you and taking a proactive approach to anti-aging will expand your options for maintaining your ideal youthfulness.
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.