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Poor skin and hair health are often an indicator that something is missing from our diet or that there is an underlying health concern. Hormonal balance, stressors and medication need to be considered in addition to diet. Areas to investigate in your diet include: protein intake, Vitamin C, essential fatty acids, water intake and the quality and nutrient density of your diet.

MSM and Silica are both great choices when looking to improve your skin, hair and nails.
 
Whilst both products will assist in this regard we tend to recommend Silica in the colloidal liquid form as the product of choice if all other considerations prove to reveal no underlying health problems. This is because it is easier (more pleasant) to take and is less likely to result in an allergic reaction, particularly with regard to sulphur.  
 
Silica can be sourced from plant and mineral bases and can come in varying supplemental forms. There are combination supplements which incorporate nutrients like Vitamin C, zinc and B Vitamins into high dose liquid colloidal silicas. Silica's role in skin, hair and nail health comes from its ability to function in the synthesis of connective tissue. Silica is found in cartilage, ligaments and the epidermis of our skin. It also assists calcium absorption and forms cross-linking bridges with carbohydrate chains in our body thus aiding in the stability of connective tissue. Assuming underlying health is good, supplementation of Silica usually sees results within 2 months.
 
Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is an organic sulfur compound used in a lot of joint and arthritis formulas in combination with glucosamine and chondroitin. Its content of sulfur makes it effective in aiding in the formation of collagen in our skin and other structural tissues eg; joints. Organic MSM is derived usually from vegetables in the cruciferous vegetable family (broccoli, broccoli sprouts, cabbage and brussel sprouts). John Hopkins University has been conducting studies looking at the effect of these vegetable-derived sulfur compounds in reversing skin sun damage. This research is still new and needs further investigation before application is more widespread. It is also important to note that sulfur allergy needs to be considered before taking this supplement.
 
Both supplements affect overall connective tissue integrity hence their application in joint care and skin renewal. 

The information presented on this page has been prepared by a fully qualified naturopath and is for educational purposes only. It does not take into consideration your specific circumstances and is not intended to replace the services of a health practitioner. Any application of the material in this text is at the reader’s discretion and sole responsibility. If you have a persistent health condition or your symptoms are severe please consult a qualified healthcare provider.