Silicon: The forgotten element for connective tissue, hair and nails

Hardly anyone thinks of silicon when it comes to beautiful skin, strong hair and firm nails. This trace element is overshadowed by collagen, biotin and zinc – yet it is found precisely where connective tissue is held together. It’s better known as silicic acid, and anyone who’s ever heard of „Silicea“ is essentially referring to the same thing. It’s time to give this forgotten element some attention.

What silicon actually is

Silicon is the second most abundant element in the Earth’s crust after oxygen – but it is found in the body only in minute quantities, mostly as silicic acid (orthosilicic acid). Despite this small amount, it plays a structural role: it is involved in the formation and cross-linking of collagen and other building blocks of connective tissue. Put simply, silicon helps to To stabilise the collagen network – It is not so much the building block itself as the architect who weaves the fibres together. It is found wherever tissue needs to be resilient: in the skin, cartilage, tendons and blood vessel walls. An element you cannot feel, but which provides support everywhere.

Why skin, hair and nails?

Connective tissue is found wherever structure is required: in the skin, in the hair roots, and in the nail matrix. This is why silicon is associated with several „beauty concerns“ at once – with skin elasticity, stronger nails and healthier, less brittle hair. It does not act alone, but in synergy with other nutrients for Hair, skin and nails. Similar to Zinc It is one of those trace elements that works quietly in the background – in many places at once. Precisely because it does not tackle a single symptom in any spectacular way, but instead affects the underlying structure, its contribution to everyday life is easily underestimated.

It’s all about the shape

Not all silicon is the same. Many mineral forms are poorly soluble and are scarcely absorbed by the body – they pass through the gut without having much effect. Dissolved, bioavailable forms are more readily utilised – first and foremost the choline-stabilised orthosilicic acid (ch-OSA) as well as orthosilicic acid itself. It is these that were examined in the studies. That is why the quantity stated on a label alone is of little significance as long as the form is not suitable for absorption. And it is important to understand that whilst silicon supports the structure, the actual synthesis of collagen requires Vitamin C as a co-factor – the two are interlinked.

What the studies show

The evidence on silicon is more limited than that on collagen, but it does exist. In a randomised controlled trial by Barel et al. (2005) Women took choline-stabilised orthosilicic acid for 20 weeks; effects were observed on skin elasticity and on the condition of their nails and hair. Wickett et al. (2007) The researchers specifically investigated ch-OSA in relation to hair and found evidence of improved strength and more favourable hair properties. Two sound pieces of work – but they are, after all, smaller studies, not the extensive body of research that underpins collagen peptides.

Where to get silicon

It is certainly possible to obtain sufficient silicon from your diet, particularly from wholefoods of plant origin:

• Oats and millet: two of the most silicon-rich cereals of all.
• Wholemeal products: deliver significantly more than heavily ground, light-coloured varieties.
• Pulses: a good plant-based addition to your daily routine.
• Beer: Known for being rich in silicon – but, for obvious reasons, not a recommended source.

Classified honestly

Silicon is not a miracle cure and is no substitute for sun protection or a collagen-rich skincare routine. The evidence base is solid but limited – smaller studies that demonstrate a plausible effect without exaggerating it. It is a complementary component – one that has long been overlooked because it is so unassuming. It is precisely in this capacity that it rounds off the profile of action: In the Liquid Collagen Pro Active Advanced are 5 mg of silicon contains, together with hydrolysed collagen peptides, vitamin C, hyaluronic acid and zinc – this means that connective tissue, skin, hair and nails are supported from multiple angles, rather than just in one area.

Silicon doesn’t produce collagen on its own – but it helps to hold the network together. A small building block that only makes a difference when working in tandem with others.