It's official - Britain has become a nation of pill poppers, if recent reports are to be believed.

We pick up more than 16 prescriptions a year and the demand for diet drugs is soaring, according to the Department of Health.

But when it comes to beauty ailments, many of us prefer to stick to the wonder creams and latest 'It' cosmetics to cure our concerns rather than pop a pill or swig on a supplement drink.

Can the prospect of glowing, youthful skin or lustrous thick locks really be achieved by following a dedicated programme of beauty supplements?

Yes, according to leading dermatologist and nutritionist Dr Nicholas Perricone (www.perriconemd.com).

"I've spent most of my adult years learning about supplements and all my research has found that supplements really do work," he says.

"They help the skin and body from the inside out, and the doses of active ingredients they deliver can achieve very powerful results when taken correctly."

But before you go tucking into that Big Mac or dash down the pub to celebrate, it's important to note supplements do only as they say on the tub: 'Supplement' a healthy lifestyle.

Our experts reveal if the edible supplements for skin, hair, and nails are miracle cures or just pretty placebos.

Skin

If you take the science of skincare seriously but you're not seeing results from your beauty cabinet, it might be time to look into plumping and moisturising your face from the inside out.

"Nutritional supplements have come a long way from the minimal, 'one-a-day' multivitamins of the past," Dr Perricone explains.

He's a believer in a 'synergistic' approach, combining healthy diet, supplements and topical skincare together to boost your beauty and anti-ageing plight.

"Now we have highly targeted antioxidants, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals that can do everything from repairing cells to increasing muscle tone," he says.

"Many of these super antioxidants penetrate right into the cell where they combat free radicals and decrease inflammation. Because of this, the right supplements can keep us much younger than our chronological years."

Try: Perricone MD Omega 3, £30 for 30 day supply ( www.perriconemd.co.uk ); Vitabiotics Perfectil Platinum Skin Radiance, £38.65 for 60 tablets (Boots); Pure-Col Pure Collagen Capsules, £59.97 for three month supply ( www.purecolcollagen.com ).

Hair

We've all seen Cheryl Cole's 'because we're worth it' advert but supplements may be able to help you achieve a thicker, healthier mane of hair - minus the extensions. Although you might be in for a wait...

"Unlike miracle shampoo claims, a supplement is going to take a lot longer to notice differences," warns trichologist Philip Kingsley.

"With hair-specific supplements, it takes at least two months for the hair follicles to benefit, and as hair grows only a half inch a month, it takes about four months to see changes."

Beware of one-stop-shop beauty supplements - Dr Kingsley advises generic supplements may not benefit your locks unless they specifically state on the label they will.

Try: Philip Kingsley PK4Hair, £21 for 120 capsules ( www.philipkingsley.com ); Kerastase Nutrients Densitive Daily Hair Redensifying Food Supplement, £25.30 for one month supply (0800 316 4400); Holland & Barrett Hair Food, £9.99 for 100 tablets (0870 606 6605/ www.hollandandbarrett.com ).

Nails

Hands up if you have brittle nails that snap the moment you go on a growing mission. Forget the falsies, it may be that you're lacking in the vitamins needed to strengthen them.

"I have seen stunning results from beauty supplements taken for the health of the nail," says Jessica Hoffman, official manicurist for Sally Hansen, who recommends getting out the magnifying glass and checking the ingredient list.

"There are many brands of supplements specified for nails out there and they all work on basically the same ingredients.

"Look out for Biotin, which is a B-complex vitamin necessary for cell growth. MSM is commonly included because it's an organic compound for healthy joints and nails, and Silica is also popular because it builds collagen and keratin."

Try: VIE Skin Hair & Nails, £14 for 30 capsules (0845 300 8022/ www.vieathome.com ); Holland & Barrett Super Nails Formula, £6.15 for 60 tablets (0870 606 6605/ www.hollandandbarrett.com ); Wassen Silica-OK Tablets, £6.99 for 30 tablets (Boots).

Supplement suggestions

The business of supplements isn't a case of one gulp with water and your beauty insecurities are over. Perseverance and dedication is key if you want to see visible results.

Get the most from your supplements with our advice:

- Combine supplements with a balanced diet

- Seek advice from an expert such as a doctor, dermatologist or nutritionist before you start taking supplements so you only take what you need rather than what you think you need.

- Buy the best quality supplement you can afford as the likelihood is the ingredients will be superior giving better results.

- Make sure you follow the recommended dosage. Some beauty supplements might be most effective with meals, some before bed, and others may need to be taken more than once a day.

- Results will differ from person to person but allow at least four to eight weeks to observe the benefits.