Silica the secret supplement blog banner
Product Type, Skin Care Tips and Trends

Silica: The Secret Supplement Everyone Should Be Taking

It was on our never-ending quest for glowing skin that we came across silica and the radiant effect it can have on your complexion. Keep reading to discover the beauty-boosting supplement you probably didn’t know about.

What is silica?

In science-speak, when the elements silicon (Si) and oxygen (O) combine, you get silica (SiO2), which is also known as silicon dioxide. This under-the-radar mineral naturally occurs in the human body – but can be derived from a number of places such as quartz dust and dark leafy greens – and plays an important role in collagen synthesis. In fact, since silica is required for building collagen (aka the glue that holds us together) one could say that without it we’d literally fall apart!

Benefits of silica for skin

Silica is a superstar in the beauty world, supporting your body’s ability to produce collagen and maintain healthy hair, skin and nails. We’re talking thicker hair with less breakage, firmer and smoother skin, and long, strong nails. Because this wonder mineral is an overachiever, it also gives you a glow because it increases the transport of nutrients and oxygen to your skin. Because of that, your skin stays more hydrated.

Why supplement with silica?

If silica is a naturally occurring mineral in our body (i.e., we make it on our own) then why should we be supplementing with it? The sad truth is that silica production slows from around the age of 25, just like collagen. You should look to start taking silica in your late 20s/early 30s, or when you see fine lines appearing. Of course, prevention is always better than cure. While you can boost your intake of silica by eating more bitter foods, the only way to get enough is to supplement. As a supplement, silica can be taken in gel, capsule or liquid form.

The best products with silica

Alexia Rich, our favourite brand for adding silica to our daily routine, only uses Orgono® Silica – a quartz derivative that’s clinically proven to be 400% more bioavailable (i.e., easier for your body to absorb) than other types. It is also vegan-friendly, cruelty-free and contains no artificial sweeteners, flavours or colours. The rejuvenating superpowers of Orgono® Silica go beyond your skin. It can also rebuild joint cartilage, speed up recovery from exercise, improve digestion and detox your system.

Yours in skin,

Dr Alek and the SkinMiles Team

author-avatar

About Dr Alek Nikolic

Dr Alek Nikolic was born in South Africa and received his MBBCh (Wits) in 1992 and in 2000 he received his MBA (UCT). He has been in private practice for 24 years and is the owner of Aesthetic Facial Enhancement, which has offices in Cape Town. Dr Nikolic specialises in aesthetic medicine and is at the forefront of the latest developments in his field. He is very driven and has lectured extensively and has performed live demonstrations throughout South Africa and Internationally including Bangkok, Rome, Paris, Monte Carlo, Prague, and Warsaw. Dr Nikolic’s focus is on skin care, skin ingredients and cosmetic dermatology treatments such as lasers, chemical peels, Botox, and Dermal Fillers. He has performed over 20 000 procedures to date and as such is responsible for training numerous medical practitioners both in South Africa and internationally. Dr Nikolic is one of the founding members of the South African Allergan Medical Aesthetic Academy and chaired its inaugural launch in 2012. The Allergan Academy provides essential training to keep up with the latest technology in aesthetics. Dr Nikolic holds the advisory position of Allergan Local Country Mentor in Facial Aesthetics and is the Allergan Advanced Botox and Dermal Filler Trainer. He is Vice President of the Aesthetic and Anti-Aging Medicine Society of South Africa (AAMSSA) and is an Associate Member of the American Society of Laser Medicine and Surgery (ASLMS).

Leave a Reply