The Tamesis
Glowing skin is arguably the best accessory you can have; nowadays, there are few people who don’t want to have a radiant, youthful complexion. To achieve this goal, many of us first adopt a series of inside-out intake methods. Collagen supplements and their long list of benefits have led the conversation for years, but in 2026 people will be turning to other restorative solutions, specifically: silicone supplements. An essential mineral for the production of collagen, think of it as an all-around anti-aging superstar, used all the time to strengthen nails, hair, bones and cartilage, and especially to improve skin hydration and elasticity.
What is silicon?
If “silicon” brings to mind microchips and electronics (or Silicon Valley, the zip code for the tech elite), you’re not wrong. According to board-certified dermatologist Brendan Camp, MD, silicon (Si) is a semiconductor element used in manufacturing; silica (SiO2) is a naturally occurring compound of silicon and oxygen found in sand, quartz, and living organisms.
Silicone is also found in the connective tissue of our bodies, found in higher concentrations in our bones, skin, hair, teeth and cartilage, and is the most widely distributed mineral in our bodies after iron and zinc. But like collagen, this essential trace element begins to decline in our bodies as early as our 20s.
How silicon benefits skin
“Silica is a naturally occurring trace mineral that plays a key role in the formation of collagen and elastin, the structural proteins that keep skin firm, smooth, and elastic,” explains Paula Brezavscek, PA-C, board-certified physician assistant. “Simply put, it helps support the framework that holds the skin together.” She likes to think of silicon as one of the “quiet proponents” of skin health. “It helps strengthen connective tissue, supports skin hydration, and contributes to overall skin elasticity. When present in adequate amounts, skin tends to maintain its structure better, and we often see benefits that extend beyond skin to include stronger hair and nails.”
Can taking silicon supplements improve skin quality?
When it comes to understanding how taking silicon supplements can improve skin quality, board-certified nurse practitioner Vanessa Coppola, MS, FNP-BC, encourages people to have realistic expectations. “The theory behind silicon supplementation is that bioavailable forms of silicon can support fibroblast function and the extracellular matrix,” she said. “Put simply, this means helping to maintain the skin’s structural scaffolding, which includes collagen and elastin fibers.” Real improvements in skin texture, hydration and elasticity are best balanced with other supplements such as collagen peptides, biotin or other nutrients.
“Many people don’t realize that there’s more to collagen production than just adding collagen,” says Brezavscek. “The body needs certain nutrients to really build and stabilize collagen fibers, and silicon is one of the key players in that. It’s not flashy, but from a biological perspective, it’s very important. I think as people become more interested in skin health from the inside out, we’ll start to hear more about it.” Below, we take a look at how silicon benefits the skin and the body as a whole.
- Promotes collagen production in the scalp and stimulates the production of keratin (the protein that makes up hair), revitalizing hair and strengthening dull hair.
- Strengthens nails and combats brittle nails.
- By stimulating collagen production, it improves joint flexibility and strengthens cartilage. It can also relieve symptoms of osteoarthritis.
- It’s good for bone health: Like calcium, it’s involved in bone formation and helps prevent osteoporosis.
- It stimulates the immune system.
- It makes the walls of veins and arteries more elastic, thus benefiting the entire cardiovascular system.
- It has healing properties on wounds and insect bites.
- It improves hydration, strength and vitality throughout the body.
