When we notice the first signs of ageing, our skin is usually where we see them first.
Fine lines, loss of firmness, uneven skin tone and dryness are all natural changes that occur over time. While skincare products can help protect and nourish the surface of the skin, they only tell part of the story. The health of your skin starts much deeper—inside your cells.
Scientists now understand that skin ageing is influenced by many of the same biological processes that affect the rest of the body, including oxidative stress, mitochondrial function, chronic inflammation and declining cellular energy. Supporting these processes from within is why "beauty from within" has become one of the fastest-growing areas of longevity nutrition.
Let's explore what really drives skin ageing and how nutrition, lifestyle and targeted supplementation can help support healthy, radiant skin as we age.
Why does our skin age?
Skin ageing happens for two main reasons.
The first is intrinsic ageing, the natural ageing process that occurs over time because of our genes and biology.
The second is extrinsic ageing, which is influenced by external factors such as:
- Sun exposure
- Pollution
- Smoking & alcohol
- Poor nutrition
- Stress
- Lack of sleep
These external factors can accelerate the natural ageing process by increasing oxidative stress and placing additional demands on our cells. While we can't stop the passage of time, we can support our skin's ability to maintain its structure, hydration and resilience.
What causes skin to lose elasticity?
One of the most noticeable signs of ageing is skin becoming less firm and elastic. This happens because several important changes occur beneath the surface.
Collagen production slows
Collagen is the main structural protein that gives skin strength and firmness. From around our mid-20s onwards, collagen production naturally begins to decline.
Oxidative stress increases
Every day our skin is exposed to UV radiation, pollution and environmental stressors. These generate free radicals that can damage cells if they aren't balanced by antioxidants.
Cellular energy declines
Every skin cell relies on mitochondria to produce energy. As mitochondrial function naturally changes with age, skin cells become less efficient at repairing and renewing themselves.
Hydration decreases
Ageing skin naturally loses moisture more easily, contributing to dryness and the appearance of fine lines.
Can supplements help support healthy skin?
Healthy skin starts with healthy cells.
While topical skincare helps protect the outside of the skin, nutritional support provides the building blocks your skin needs from within.
Different nutrients support different aspects of skin health, including:
- Antioxidant protection
- Collagen formation
- Cellular energy production
- Skin hydration
- Healthy skin structure
Rather than looking for one miracle ingredient, many experts now recommend supporting multiple pathways involved in healthy skin ageing.
Do collagen supplements actually work?
Collagen supplements have become incredibly popular—and for good reason. Research suggests that specific collagen peptides may help support skin hydration and elasticity when taken consistently.
However, collagen is only one piece of healthy skin ageing.
Healthy skin also depends on:
- Vitamin C for normal collagen formation
- Antioxidant protection
- Healthy mitochondrial function
- Good nutrition
- Adequate sleep
- Sun protection
Think of collagen as providing building materials, while your cells still need the energy and nutrients to use those materials effectively.
What role do antioxidants play?
Every day your skin is exposed to oxidative stress. Over time this can contribute to visible signs of skin ageing. Antioxidants help protect cells from free radicals, supporting the skin's natural defence systems. Some of the most exciting antioxidants in healthy ageing research include:
Ergothioneine
Often called the "longevity antioxidant," ergothioneine is transported into cells by a specialised transporter, allowing it to accumulate in tissues exposed to high levels of oxidative stress, including the skin. Researchers are interested in its ability to help protect cells from oxidative damage.
Glutathione
Known as the body's master antioxidant, glutathione plays an important role in protecting cells from oxidative stress and supporting the body's natural detoxification processes.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is essential for normal collagen formation and also provides antioxidant support, helping protect skin cells from oxidative stress.
What about PQQ?
One of the most exciting additions to modern beauty-from-within formulations is Pyrroloquinoline Quinone (PQQ). PQQ supports healthy mitochondrial function.
Why is that important?
Because every skin cell depends on mitochondria to produce the energy required for renewal and repair. Supporting mitochondrial health means supporting the energy your skin cells need to function at their best.
Can NMN or NAD+ improve skin?
One of the fastest-growing areas of skin longevity research is cellular energy. NAD+ is essential for healthy cellular energy production and is found in every cell of the body—including skin cells. As NAD+ levels naturally decline with age, researchers are exploring how supporting the body's natural production of NAD+ may help maintain healthy cellular function.
NMN and Nicotinamide Riboside (NR) are both precursors that help the body produce NAD+. While research into skin-specific outcomes is still emerging, supporting healthy cellular energy and mitochondrial function may complement an overall healthy skin strategy.
What makes Glow Skin Radiance different?
Many beauty supplements focus on just one ingredient.
Good Health NexAge™ Glow Skin Radiance takes a broader approach by combining ingredients that support healthy skin from multiple angles.
Ergothioneine
Supports antioxidant protection and helps defend skin cells against oxidative stress.
PQQ
Supports healthy mitochondrial function and cellular energy production.
L-Glutathione
Provides antioxidant support to help protect cells from free radical damage.
Vitamin C
Supports normal collagen formation for healthy skin function and provides additional antioxidant support.
Together these ingredients are designed to support:
- Skin radiance
- Skin firmness
- Skin hydration
- Healthy ageing
- The skin's defences against UV-related ageing
- Cellular vitality
What nutrients help improve skin from the inside?
Healthy skin depends on a wide range of nutrients. Some of the most important include:
🍊 Vitamin C – supports normal collagen formation.
🛡️ Antioxidants – help protect cells from oxidative stress.
💧 Nutrients that support hydration and skin structure.
⚡ Nutrients that support cellular energy production.
Rather than focusing on one vitamin alone, a balanced diet combined with targeted nutritional support provides the best foundation for healthy skin.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best supplement for skin ageing?
There isn't one single "best" supplement. Healthy skin benefits from nutrients that support collagen formation, antioxidant protection and cellular energy production.
Can supplements make you look younger?
Supplements can't stop the ageing process, but they can support healthy skin structure, hydration and radiance as part of an overall healthy lifestyle.
Does NAD+ improve skin?
NAD+ supports cellular energy production, which is important for all cells, including skin cells. Research into its role in skin health is continuing.
Is collagen enough on its own?
Collagen can support healthy skin, but healthy ageing also depends on antioxidants, good nutrition, cellular energy, sun protection and healthy lifestyle habits.
The bottom line
Healthy skin isn't created by one cream or one ingredient.
It reflects what's happening inside your body.
By supporting your skin with good nutrition, antioxidant protection, healthy cellular energy and positive lifestyle habits, you're helping to build the foundations for skin that looks and feels healthy as you age.
Because true beauty isn't just skin deep—it's cellular.
