The beauty benefits of silica – the natural skin, hair and nail enhancer

At Edible Beauty one of our core values is addressing beauty concerns from the inside-out, naturally. One of our favourite ingredients for enhancing the health and look of your skin, hair and nails is silica. Silica has many applications; however, more and more evidence has shown benefits for its use in beauty and health supplements.

What is Silica?

Silica is a natural compound made of oxygen and silicon molecules, naturally occurs in the human body and plants, and makes up over a quarter of the earth’s crust[i]. It is the third most abundant element in the human body after iron and zinc.

The Beauty Benefits of Silica

Silica is found in human bones and fast-growing tissues such as hair, skin, and nails, which are especially dependent on the compound for strength, resilience, and collagen production.

It is important for activating hydroxylation enzymes, the formation of collagen and improving skin strength and elasticity, preventing hair loss, strengthening nails, and brightening the appearance of the hair, skin and nails in both males and females[ii].

One of the major skin concerns for many people are the visible signs of ageing, such as fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots. These signs of ageing result from UV radiation damage, smoking, pollution, and inadequate nutrition[iii]. Including natural forms of silica into your diet and skincare products can promote the production of collagen and therefore aid in preventing signs of ageing. Silica stimulates and binds to a specialised protein in the body called glycosaminoglycans (GAGs). GAGs can hold up to 1000 times their weight in water and can help promote skin hydration[iv].

Silica is also important for the maintenance of elastin. Studies have shown that the use of silica both topically and internally significantly improves the elasticity, texture and hydration of the skin, as well as reducing visible signs of ageing[v].

Silica has also been shown to promote the production of keratin, which is the building block of hair and is required for its health and strength[vi]. Silica takes all the nutrients to your nails helping not only to impart strength, but also feeds your nail beds with all the vital nutrients for encouraging healthy and strong nails.

Additional Health Benefits of Silica

Bone health – Silica is essential in in directing calcium into and out of bones. Studies have shown that supplementing it in your diet can improve bone health and prevent bone fragility[vii].

Supports brain function – Silica is able to bind to heavy metals accumulating in human tissue and can obstruct the absorption of the metals by the body. High levels of aluminium in the brain have been linked to cognitive decline. Studies have shown that supplementing with silica can decrease the rate of cognitive decline due to its ability to impede the absorption of aluminium into the gastrointestinal tract[viii].

Where to find it?

Natural sources of silica include whole grains (oats, barley, rice bran), fruits and vegetables (such as avocados, cucumbers, asparagus, spinach, and root vegetables), and herbs (such as horsetail, nettle and comfrey).

Our & Beauty Dew contains Orthosilic Acid, a natural, highly bio-available form of silica. Beauty Dew is specifically designed to promote stronger and healthier hair, skin and nails.

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[i] Haigh, C., What is Silica? Benefits, Dosage, Side Effects. Holland and Barrett, hollandandbarrett.com.

[ii] Araújo, L., Addor, F. and Campos, P., 2016. Use of silicon for skin and hair care: an approach of chemical forms available and efficacy. Anais Brasileiros de Dermatologia, 91(3), pp.331-335.

[iii]  As above

[iv] Greco, G., 2019. 5 Benefits of Silica. Lucky Vitamin.

[v] Araújo, L., Addor, F. and Campos, P., 2016. Use of silicon for skin and hair care: an approach of chemical forms available and efficacy. Anais Brasileiros de Dermatologia, 91(3), pp.331-335.

[vi] Greco, G., 2019. 5 Benefits of Silica. Lucky Vitamin.

[vii] Laane, H. (2009). SILICON IN HUMANS : BENEFICIAL OR ESSENTIAL? https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/4252/095b8eadf3cb96fb22c0149c6141ff14e983.pdf

[viii]  Rondeau, V., Jacqmin-Gadda, H., Commenges, D., Helmer, C. and Dartigues, J., 2008. Aluminum and Silica in Drinking Water and the Risk of Alzheimer's Disease or Cognitive Decline: Findings From 15-Year Follow-up of the PAQUID Cohort. American Journal of Epidemiology, 169(4), pp.489-496.