May 15, 2023

All about silica and how it can support your skin!

Championed by beauty enthusiasts, silica has become synonymous with skin health. No matter the depth of your knowledge around this nutrient, you’re bound to learn something new. Read on to find out why silica is important for skin health and how it can elevate your skincare regime today!

Silicon vs Silica

Silicon and silica are the same right? Not quite. While these names are used interchangeably, they are, in fact, different.

Silicon is an element. If you ever did chemistry at school, you may have spotted it on the left side of the periodic table. Interestingly, silicon is the second most abundant element in the earth’s crust and the third most abundant trace element in the human body. However, as silicon is characteristically unstable it doesn’t exist on its own in nature. Because of this, it typically links up with oxygen to form silica.

Where can you obtain silica?

First place to look is your plate! Food sources particularly high in silica include whole grains, bananas and green beans. Although plant foods contain an ample supply of silica, the bioavailability of this mineral can be low due to poor solubility. To exemplify this, a study showed that absorption of silicon from green beans was 44% and just a minimal 4% from bananas .

How can silica help you?

Silica is essential for skin health. How so? Silica is required for the production of collagen, a protein making up about 30% of total body protein, necessary for keeping the skin plump and supple. However, as we age, both our silica and collagen levels begin to decline. Therefore, suboptimal intake of silica can lead to poor skin quality.

Who may need more?

Whilst a recommended dietary intake (RDI) is yet to be established, it’s important to be aware of times when physiological demands may be higher than normal. Silica intake is limited by diets that are high in animal fat and protein and low in plant foods. Also, as previously established, aging can impact silica levels, therefore the elderly are more likely to experience insufficiencies.

Looking to boost your silica intake with a three-in-one benefit? Why not try Herbs of Gold Silica Hair Skin and Nails. It contains high-strength silica plus a range of key nutrients such as biotin, vitamin A, vitamin C and zinc to support skin, hair and nail health in a convenient one-a-day dose. Winning!