What is the best time to take skincare supplements?

Do you take collagen supplements in the morning or at night? What about Omega-3? And vitamin C? But does it matter? Yes, it does. Taking supplements at the right time improves their effectiveness.
If you are taking a bunch of supplements as part of your skincare or planning to, and wondering what the best time is to take those to get the best results, we've got you covered. According to Dr. Ankur Sarin, a renowned dermatologist and hair transplant surgeon based in India, with over 730K Instagram followers, the timing of skincare supplements can significantly impact their effectiveness. Take a look.
Glutathione: Morning

Glutathione, a powerful antioxidant known for its skin-brightening properties, is best taken first thing in the morning. In a video shared on Instagram, Dr. Sarin advises taking it in the morning on an empty stomach. Glutathione works by combating oxidative stress, which can accelerate skin aging.
Iron: After a meal

Iron is an essential nutrient not just for skin, but for your overall health. Iron promotes healthy blood flow and skin vitality. Dr. Sarin notes that iron supplements are better absorbed when taken after a meal. He recommends pairing it with a vitamin C-rich food or supplement, such as citrus fruits or a glass of orange juice. Vitamin C enhances iron absorption, which is crucial for delivering oxygen to skin cells. These two work in tandem and give you healthy skin by preventing dullness caused by iron deficiency.

Collagen: Morning or post-workout

Collagen supplements are really popular, and the trend is only growing. This supplement is known for improving skin elasticity and reducing wrinkles, and thereby giving you a plump and youthful appearance. Dr. Sarin says that the supplement is most effective when taken on an empty stomach in the morning or immediately after a workout. This is because collagen peptides are absorbed quickly in these windows, supporting skin repair and recovery. Regular collagen intake is linked with improved skin hydration and firmness. No wonder it is a must-have in anti-aging regimens.

Omega-3: With a meal

Omega-3 fatty acids are one of the stars when it comes to skincare supplements. Found in fish oil or algae-based supplements, omega-3s reduce inflammation and maintain the skin’s moisture barrier. Dr. Sarin advises taking omega-3s with a meal containing healthy fats. You can have healthy fats, such as avocado or nuts, while taking the supplement.

Vitamin C: Morning

Vitamin C is undoubtedly the common supplement people take for skin health. The dermatologist suggests that it is best taken with breakfast to control oxidative stress throughout the day. This potent antioxidant protects skin from environmental damage, like UV rays and pollution. Pairing it with a morning meal helps better absorption and also supports the collagen-making process.
Probiotics: Morning

Both your gut and skin love the probiotic supplements. Through promoting gut health, probiotics indirectly benefit your skin. Probiotics should be taken on an empty stomach in the morning. It can reduce inflammation and improve conditions like acne.