I'm so excited that my new supplement, holi (radiance) has now launched because I am in love with MSM and what it can do for your entire body. If you've been following me for a while, you will know that this is the supplement that I think EVERY woman needs (I wrote about this here). It’s actually one of the first supplements that I ever started talking about. I discovered it in 2009 and it has healed me, and helped me, in so many ways. Not only does it help to detox glyphosate in your body, help with fertility, anti-aging and more, it also helps you achieve that coveted beauty and luminescent glow from within. What is often overlooked is that MSM is incredible for banishing acne and this is something that I really want to help people with. In terms of fighting acne - the benefits are endless. MSM helps skin by increasing collagen production, reducing inflammation, supporting detoxification, helping support the creation and synthesis of glutathione, regulating keratin levels and more.

Let’s get into what MSM is and how it can annihilate your acne and help overhaul acne-prone skin so you can take a step towards clearer, blemish-free skin.

What is MSM?

MSM stands for Methylsulfonylmethane and is a naturally occurring form of sulfur found in all living organisms. It's known as the "Beauty Mineral" because of its potent anti-aging and skin-enhancing properties (particularly how it can boost collagen and keratin production in the body, all while nutritionally supporting the condition of skin, hair and nails too).

MSM is the purest form of sulfur, which means it's highly bioavailable and easily absorbed by the body which is why my new holi (radiance) is in a beautiful powder formula. While sulfur is the third most abundant substance in our body, right after water and gasses, a ton of people are sulfur-deficient in today’s society. So, if you are struggling with acne, it’s always something I suggest people look into.

MSM and The Connection to Acne

With a ton of benefits, MSM offers three key benefits for treating skin problems like acne. These are: 

• it has anti-inflammatory properties
• it supports the body with glutathione production (the master antioxidant) and
• it strengthens the skin (through inhibiting the breakdown of collagen, and more) 

Let’s go through these one by one and look at the science behind the claims so you can understand how this supplement can really help you with acne or acne-prone skin.

MSM, Detoxification and Anti-inflammatory Properties

MSM offers significant benefits for acne-prone skin because it fights inflammation in the skin. This is due to its anti-inflammatory properties and its ability to enhance cell membrane function. MSM has been found to inhibit NF-kB, a protein complex that plays a role in inflammation. It also reduces the production of cytokines like TNF-ɑ and IL-6, which are signaling proteins associated with systemic inflammation. Both of these are pro-inflammatory cytokines and this study shows that MSM can help to alleviate inflammation in the body. Another study that looked at the power of MSM through the lens of inflammation in osteoarthritis conditions confirmed that MSM in combination with other supplements like glucosamine demonstrated a notable analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect in individuals with osteoarthritis.

Additional research stacks up further. More focused on the skin, a 2017 study suggests that MSM can improve the permeability and fluidity of cell membranes, allowing for better absorption of nutrients and elimination of waste products too. Cell membranes consist of a dual phospholipid layer, which serves as a protective barrier surrounding the cell, shielding it from the external surroundings. Phospholipids, essential constituents of cell membranes, incorporate sulfur and MSM (which we now know is a sulfur-containing compound). The permeability and flexibility of cell membranes can have advantageous effects on the overall body and skin health and this enhanced cell membrane function supports detoxification and nutrient uptake, leading to healthier and more radiant skin that is less prone to acne. So, MSM helps to reduce inflammation in the skin, and assist with detoxification in the skin at the same time.

MSM and Glutathione Production

Next, fighting acne through fighting free radicals and stressors to the body and skin. MSM is also effective at fighting acne because it provides the body with the necessary components for the production of glutathione, the body's master antioxidant.

Free radicals contribute to acne by causing inflammation and oxidative stress in the skin, promoting sebum production and bacterial growth. Antioxidants help counteract these effects by neutralizing free radicals and protecting the skin from acne development so glutathione is CRUCIAL to good skin health and fighting acne. Research shows that acne-prone skin often lacks sufficient levels of this important antioxidant too.

But how does it work? MSM contains key minerals like magnesium, zinc and selenium, in addition to amino acids such as cysteine and glycine, which are essential for glutathione production as well as fighting against and reducing levels of damaging free radicals in the body.  

By supplying the building blocks for glutathione synthesis, and fighting against free radicals, MSM supports the body in achieving healthier, clearer skin that is less prone to acne-breakouts. 

MSM and Strengthening The Skin

Alongside its anti-inflammatory and free radical fighting properties, MSM's sulfur content plays a crucial role in strengthening the skin too. It helps to create stronger skin that is more resilient to acne breakouts and this is because it enhances the production of collagen in the body, a crucial protein for strengthening the skin and reducing the likelihood of breakouts.

This connection was first acknowledged in a study conducted in 1965, which demonstrated that a low-sulfur diet led to reduced collagen levels. Science is now showing that not only does MSM inhibit the breakdown of collagen and modestly boost collagen levels but it also works to improve the cross-linking of collagen and elastin too. This strengthening effect of MSM improves overall skin tone, has the potential to delay the aging process and also strengthens the skin against acne breakouts. 

With MSM believed to inhibit key proteins involved in inflammatory responses in the body, as well as working to increase levels of glutathione (a potent antioxidant produced by your body), and strengthening the skin and its supporting structure, it adds up that we can expect calmer existing pimples, reduced formation of new pimples, and a dramatic improvement in overall skin tone when supplementing with MSM.

So, the more I read and learn about MSM, the more convinced I am that my new holi (radiance) supplementation is needed now more than ever. MSM is a simple yet life-changing supplement. I am excited to bring it to people who struggle with breakouts, acne, or acne-prone skin because I understand the impact it can have on your self-confidence and how you show up in the world.

Buy yours here. 

***THESE STATEMENTS HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR REGULATED BY THE FDA. WE ARE NOT DOCTORS, THEREFORE ALWAYS CONSULT WITH YOUR DOCTOR FIRST***