Conditions

18 health conditions with evidence-based supplement research

Explore health conditions with evidence-graded supplement recommendations. Each condition page ranks ingredients by the strength of clinical research supporting them.

How We Grade Evidence

Each condition page ranks supplement ingredients by the strength of clinical evidence. Here is what each grade means:

Strong Evidence

Multiple randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or meta-analyses with consistent positive results and large sample sizes.

Good Evidence

At least one RCT with mostly consistent results across studies. Evidence suggests benefit but more research may be needed.

Some Evidence

Small studies or observational data with some positive signals. Promising but insufficient for strong recommendations.

Very Early Research

In vitro studies, case reports, or pilot studies only. Early-stage research that requires clinical validation.

Acne

Affects approximately 85% of people aged 12-24; 12-22% of adult women experience acne

Comedones (blackheads, whiteheads) Papules and pustules Nodules and cysts (severe) +3

Aging Skin & Wrinkles

Universal process; visible signs typically begin in late 20s to early 30s

Fine lines and wrinkles Loss of skin elasticity and firmness Thinning skin +4

Cellulite

Affects 80-90% of post-pubertal women; rare in men due to different connective tissue architecture

Dimpled or lumpy skin (orange-peel texture) Primarily on thighs, buttocks, and hips May worsen with age and weight gain +1

Collagen Loss

Universal age-related process; accelerated in post-menopausal women

Loss of skin firmness and elasticity Increased wrinkle formation Skin thinning +3

Dark Circles Under Eyes

Extremely common; a primary cosmetic complaint across all age groups and ethnicities

Dark discoloration under eyes Bluish or purplish tint (vascular) Brown pigmentation (melanin) +2

Dry Skin

Affects approximately 29-85% of adults depending on climate, age, and definition used

Tight or rough skin texture Visible flaking or peeling Itching +3

Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis)

Affects 15-20% of children and 1-3% of adults worldwide

Intense itching (pruritus) Dry and scaly skin Red or inflamed patches +3

Hair, Skin & Nails Health

One of the most popular supplement categories; hair/skin/nail supplement market exceeds $2 billion annually

Brittle nails Dull or thinning hair Dry or lackluster skin +3

Hyperpigmentation

Melasma affects 15-50% of pregnant women; PIH common in darker skin tones (Fitzpatrick IV-VI)

Dark patches on face (melasma: cheeks, forehead, upper lip) Dark spots at sites of prior acne or injury (PIH) Age spots (solar lentigines) +1

Keratosis Pilaris

Affects 50-80% of adolescents and approximately 40% of adults

Small rough bumps on upper arms, thighs, cheeks, or buttocks Dry or sandpaper-like skin texture Mild redness around bumps +1

Psoriasis

Affects 2-3% of the global population; plaque psoriasis accounts for 80-90% of cases

Thick red plaques with silvery-white scales Itching and burning Nail changes (pitting, onycholysis) +2

Rosacea

Affects 2-10% of the global population; more common in fair-skinned individuals

Persistent central facial erythema Flushing and blushing episodes Papules and pustules (without comedones) +3

Skin Barrier Function

Impaired in multiple conditions: eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, aged skin, sensitive skin

Increased transepidermal water loss (TEWL) Sensitivity to irritants Stinging or burning with products +3

Stretch Marks

Affects 50-90% of pregnant women; common during adolescent growth spurts and rapid weight changes

Linear streaks on skin Initially red/purple (striae rubrae) Mature to white/silvery (striae albae) +2

Sun Damage & Photoaging

Virtually universal in adults with cumulative sun exposure; responsible for up to 90% of visible skin aging

Solar lentigines (sun spots) Deep wrinkles and leathery texture Solar elastosis +3

UV Protection (Internal Photoprotection)

Relevant to all individuals with sun exposure; growing consumer interest

Sunburn susceptibility Premature photoaging Actinic keratoses +2

Vitiligo

Affects 0.5-2% of the global population

Well-defined white patches on skin Premature graying of hair Loss of color in oral mucosa +2

Wound Healing

Relevant to all individuals; chronic non-healing wounds affect 1-2% of the population in developed countries

Delayed wound closure Excessive scar formation Wound infection +2

FDA Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The products and information on this website are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The evidence grades presented are based on our analysis of published peer-reviewed research and do not constitute medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen.