Silica: The Youth-Boosting Secret for Hair, Nails, and Skin
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Introduction
Silica is a naturally occurring mineral found abundantly in many foods, which is being talked about more and more in the world of beauty because of its remarkable benefits for hair, nails, and skin.
In this article, we will delve into the wonders of silica, explore its various advantages, and understand why it plays a prominent role in Japanese diets. We are interested in the Japanese diet, of course, because the country is known as a ‘blue zone’, an area of the world where people have long life expectancies, and we also know that Japanese women often look way younger than their age.
We’d like to give a shout out to Dr Anil Rajani whose video we reference for this article. He makes some great YouTube content so check him out!
What is Silica?
Silica, also known as silicon dioxide, is a mineral that contributes to the production of collagen, a vital protein responsible for maintaining the strength, elasticity, and youthful appearance of our skin. Silica also has inflammation reduction properties, making it a popular ingredient in skincare products.
Benefits of Silica for Hair, Nails, and Skin
Dr Anil Rjani talks about silica benefits for hair, nails & skin
#1 Collagen Production: Silica plays a crucial role in collagen synthesis, promoting healthy skin structure and reducing the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and sagging.
#2 Enhanced Elasticity: Silica aids in improving skin elasticity, giving it a more youthful and supple appearance. It also supports the elasticity of arteries, contributing to better cardiovascular health.
#3 Stronger Bones: Silica is involved in the production of collagen, which is essential for bone strength. Regular silica intake can help fortify bones and prevent age-related bone loss.
#4 Hair Growth and Thickness: According to Healthline.com, Silica doesn’t increase hair growth but does strengthen hair and prevent thinning by delivering essential nutrients to the hair follicles.
#5 Nail Health: Silica is a key mineral in the composition of nails. Adequate silica intake can contribute to stronger, healthier nails, reducing brittleness and promoting growth.
Why Do the Japanese Include Silica in Their Diet?
The Japanese have long been admired for their youthful appearance and longevity. Silica is believed to be one of the secrets behind their healthy skin. Bamboo leaves, a prominent source of silica, are commonly consumed in Japan. Alongside silica, the Japanese diet is rich in collagen, obtained from fish-based broths like miso, as well as an abundance of vegetables, and Vitamin K2-rich natto.
Check out our article about the power of Vitamin K2Â Vitamin K2: could it cause your face to look younger?
Silica-Rich Foods
According to WebMD.com, there is compelling data to suggest that silica is essential for your health and that it can be found in high quantities in green beans, bananas, leafy greens, brown rice, cereals, lentils and beer.
The following foods are also rich in silica: melons, cucumber, asparagus, artichokes, rose hips, dandelion greens, horsetail and bamboo leaf extract.
To ensure optimal silica intake, choose organic and clean vegetables whenever possible. Incorporate silica-rich foods into your meals by including them in salads, stir-fries, or as a side dish. Additionally, bamboo shoots can be used to make bamboo tea, a refreshing and beneficial beverage.
Can Silica be Taken as a Supplement?
Yes, silica can be taken as a dietary supplement. Supplements containing bamboo leaf extract or horsetail extract provide a convenient way to obtain silica. Look for supplements with high bioavailability to ensure efficient absorption by the body.
Silica as an Ingredient in Skincare Products
When applied topically, silica in skincare products can provide targeted benefits to the skin. Silica is often included in skincare formulations for its ability to improve skin texture, elasticity, and overall appearance. Silica works by creating a thin film on the skin’s surface, which can help to smooth out fine lines and wrinkles, blur imperfections, and give the skin a more youthful and radiant appearance. Silica in skincare products can also contribute to enhanced absorption of other active ingredients in the formulation.
Research Study Overview
A 2016 study done on the literature on Silica outlines the two studies below. In both studies, the participants were taking 10mgs of ch-OSA, a form of Silica, each day.
Skin
A randomised double-blind placebo-controlled trial was conducted with 50 healthy volunteers aged between 40 and 65 years, all showing clear signs of photo-aging. The participants were given a silica supplement for 20 weeks. The results revealed a significant improvement in skin surface characteristics, indicating enhanced skin health and vitality.
Hair
Another randomised study involved 48 volunteers who had thin hairs. They took daily silica doses for 9 months. Positive results were obtained in the evaluated hair properties, such as strand resistance to breaking and thickened hair.
Conclusion
Silica is a remarkable mineral with numerous benefits for hair, nails, and skin. Its role in collagen production promotes youthful appearance and reduces signs of aging. The Japanese have long incorporated silica-rich foods into their diet, contributing to their renowned youthful looks.
The Seeoran team are big supporters of anything that is safe and helps keep us looking youthful. To be honest, we haven’t tried Silica but the scientific evidence is there, the user reviews on Amazon for Silica supplements are very positive and the supplements are cheap and easy to buy – so supplementing could be a good idea for some people.
We’ve also written a popular article on collagen supplements, which also benefit your hair, nails and skin. Check out that article at …
As you know, we will always advocate for a healthy, balanced diet and this is the best way to get silica into your body – but many of us don’t always have time to eat a nutritious diet, rich in vegetables and fish, and that is where supplementation can come in handy!
What are your thoughts on silica? Have you tried it before? Did you see results in your skin, nails and hair? Let us know your experience!