Luminous skin is arguably the best accessory; and these days, there’s little one wouldn’t do in the name of a glowing, youthful complexion. To achieve it, many of us, for starters, have turned to an array of ingestibles for an inside-out approach. Collagen supplements—and their long list of benefits—led the conversation for many years, however, 2026 sees the pendulum swing to other restorative solutions, particularly: silicon supplementation. A mineral essential for the production of collagen, think of it as an all-around anti-aging superstar that has always been used to strengthen nails, hair, bones and cartilage, but especially to improve skin’s hydration and elasticity.
What is silicon?
If “silicon” calls to mind microchips and electronics (or Silicon Valley, the zip code of the tech elite), you’re not wrong. According to board-certified dermatologist Brendan Camp, MD, silicon (Si) is a semiconducting element used in manufacturing; from which silica (SiO2)—a naturally occurring compound of silicon and oxygen—it’s found in sand, quartz, and living organisms.
Organic silicon is also found in the connective tissue of our bodies, in higher concentrations in our bones, skin, hair, teeth and cartilage, and is the most widespread mineral in our bodies after iron and zinc. But just like collagen, this essential trace element begins to decline in our bodies as early as age 20.
How Silicon Benefits the Skin
“Silicon is a naturally occurring trace mineral that plays a key role in the formation of collagen and elastin, which are the structural proteins that keep skin firm, smooth, and resilient,” explains board-certified physician assistant Paula Brezavscek, PA-C. “In simple terms, it helps support the framework that holds the skin together.” She likes to think of silicon as one of those “quiet support players” in skin health. “It helps strengthen connective tissue, supports hydration in the skin, and contributes to overall skin elasticity. When levels are adequate, the skin tends to maintain its structure better, and we often see benefits extend beyond the skin to stronger hair and nails as well.”
Does taking silicon supplements improve skin quality?
In understanding how taking silicon supplements might improve skin quality, board-certified nurse practitioner Vanessa Coppola, MS, FNP-BC encourages one to have realistic expectations. “The theory behind silicon supplementation is that bioavailable forms of silicon may support fibroblast function and the extracellular matrix,” she says. “In simple terms, that means helping maintain the structural scaffolding of the skin, which includes collagen and elastin fibers.” A true improvement in skin texture, hydration, and elasticity is best balanced with other supplementation like collagen peptides, biotin, or other nutrients.
“What many people don’t realize is that collagen production isn’t just about adding collagen,” Brezavscek says. “The body needs certain nutrients to actually build and stabilize collagen fibers, and silicon is one of those key players. It’s not flashy, but biologically it’s very important. I think as people become more interested in skin health from the inside out, we’ll start hearing more about it.” Below, a look at how silicon benefits skin and the whole body.
- Stimulates collagen production in the scalp, and encourages the production of keratin, the protein that makes up hair, giving vitality to the 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 the symptoms of osteoarthritis.
- It is beneficial for bone health: It is involved, like calcium, in bone formation, and can help prevent osteoporosis.
- It stimulates the immune system.
- It makes the wall of veins and arteries more elastic, and is therefore beneficial for the entire cardiovascular system.
- It performs a healing action on wounds and insect bites.
- It improves hydration, strength and vitality of the whole body.
Who Shouldn’t Take Silicon Supplements
Silicon is generally well-tolerated when taken in prescribed doses, but is not recommended for:
- Those suffering from kidney disease.
- During pregnancy and lactation, it is recommended to seek medical advice before taking silicon supplements.
Foods Rich in Silicon
Several foods from the plant world contain higher or lower percentages of silicon; but often, our Western diet rich in processed foods and low in vegetables and whole grains does not provide us with enough. An obvious sign of silicon deficiency? Weak hair, brittle nails and dull skin. If this is the case, it is advisable to take it in supplements by consulting a specialist. Here are some foods that provide us with this valuable mineral.
- Green beans
- Bananas
- Green leafy vegetables such as spinach and kale
- Brown rice, millet, barley, rye and oats
- Potatoes
- Lentils
- Fresh peas
- Garlic and onion
How much silicon to take per day?
“Interestingly, there is actually no official recommended daily allowance for silicon. It has not been classified as an essential nutrient in humans the way things like iron or vitamin D have,” Dr. Coppola explains. “Most people already consume somewhere between 20 and 50 milligrams of silicon per day through their diet, especially from foods like whole grains, certain vegetables, and even beverages like beer, which contains relatively bioavailable silicon from barley.”
She goes on to explain that supplement studies that looked at skin outcomes, the doses typically fall in the range of about five to 20 milligrams of elemental silicon per day, often delivered in the form of choline stabilized orthosilicic acid (as research suggests that soluble orthosilicic acid preparations are absorbed much more effectively). “My general advice is simple: If someone is interested in trying a silicon supplement, stay within the doses that have actually been studied and pay attention to the form being used.”
Those interested in trying the supplement should consider the below as a starting point.
Meet the Experts
- Paula Brezavscek, PA-C, is a board-certified physician assistant and founder of Azala Skin Clinic.
- Brendan Camp, MD, is double board-certified in dermatology and dermatopathology. He is based in New York.
- Vanessa Coppola, DNP, FNP-BC, is a board-certified nurse practitioner and founder of Bare Aesthetic MedSpa and Bare Soul Wellness, where she is reshaping the narrative around aging, beauty, and hormone health.