Healthy skin, hair and nails are - like the rest of the body - heavily reliant on proper nutrition. The same vitamins and minerals that act as antioxidants, maintain cardiovascular and cognitive function, reduce stress, and improve energy are the foundation of a healthy appearance.

Although hair loss and grey hair have hereditary etiologies, deficiencies in vitamins and minerals can contribute to both. Generally, to maintain healthy hair, people need sufficient amounts of vitamins B and C, the mineral zinc, protein, and fatty acids. There are currently no definitive treatments for balding, but in some cases, taking biotin (vitamin H) and folic acid (vitamin B9) can prevent hair loss to a certain extent.

The appearance of nails can be a measure of health in an individual. Healthy people usually have pink and shiny nails with white crescents as the base of each nail. Nails that appear different (if they are white, yellow, dark, brittle, cracked or thick) are indicative of a lack in some vitamin or mineral that should be supplemented. Possible candidates include vitamins B and C and zinc.

For good skin, it is important to have a sufficient dose of zinc, and the vitamins B, C, and E. Chamomile has been used medicinally for thousands of years, and is widely used in Europe. It is a popular treatment for numerous ailments, including skin infections/inflammation (including eczema), wound healing, and diaper rash. More human research is required to support these usages. There is also some evidence that borage oil, extracted from the seeds of the borage plant, can improve appearance and reduce dryness, inflammation, and moisture loss in the skin.