3 Surprising Ways This Powder Helped My Brain, Skin, and Sanity

I used to think creatine was just for people who could bench press a small car.

Like, unless you were grunting in a tank top and chugging protein shakes out of a gallon jug, it probably wasn’t for you.

Spoiler alert: I was wrong.

I’m not a bodybuilder. I don’t even like gyms that much.

But I started taking creatine earlier this year on a friend’s recommendation—she’s a mom of two, works full-time, and said it helped her think clearer and feel better.

That caught my attention.

So I did a little research, found a product with good reviews (and zero scary ingredients), and decided to try it out.

What happened over the next few weeks was kind of shocking—not because I suddenly turned into a fitness model, but because of what changed outside the gym.

Here are three unexpected things I noticed after adding creatine to my daily routine—and why I think almost anyone could benefit from it, even if the only thing you’re lifting is emotional baggage.

1. Brain Fog? Gone. Like, Poof.

Let’s be honest: I thought brain fog was just a part of being an adult.

Wake up tired, drink coffee, forget why you walked into the kitchen—repeat.

But about two weeks into taking creatine, I realized something weird was happening… I was finishing sentences. On the first try.

There’s actually science behind this.

Creatine helps your brain cells make and use energy more efficiently.

It’s like giving your brain a little more gas in the tank—especially on those days when your to-do list feels like a scroll from Harry Potter.

I’ve been using Optimum Nutrition Micronized Creatine Monohydrate and love how easy it is to mix into my morning smoothie.

No taste, no weird texture, no bloating.

Just a little mental clarity that makes me feel less like a confused goldfish.

If you’re someone who’s juggling work, kids, deadlines, and still trying to remember where you parked the car, give this stuff a shot.

You’ll notice it in the little things—like actually remembering your friend’s birthday beforeFacebook reminds you.

2. My Skin? Suspiciously Glowy.

Now, I didn’t start creatine for skincare reasons. But about a month in, a coworker casually asked what I was “doing different.”

I thought she meant my hair, but nope—she was talking about my face.

Turns out creatine may help your skin cells regenerate faster and stay hydrated longer.

Some studies have even shown it can reduce signs of aging like fine lines and dullness.

I know, it sounds like a stretch, but I swear my skin looks brighter. Like I actually slept 8 hours (even though I didn’t).

Of course, I’m still using my usual skincare stuff—my beloved CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser and EltaMD Tinted Sunscreen—but creatine felt like the invisible sidekick I didn’t know I needed.

It’s like inner hydration that shows up on your face.

Kind of like drinking water… but more efficient.

3. Mood Swings? Not Today, Satan.

Okay, this one was the most surprising of all.

I have days when my mood just tanks for no real reason.

I’m talking about those “don’t-talk-to-me-but-also-why-is-no-one-checking-on-me” kind of days.

The rollercoaster of emotions, paired with fatigue and irritation, was something I just accepted as normal.

But after about a month on creatine, I noticed that I felt… more even.

Like the volume on my anxiety had been turned down a few notches.

I wasn’t waking up feeling instantly overwhelmed. I wasn’t crying over almond milk commercials. I was just steadier.

There’s research suggesting creatine may help balance brain chemicals like dopamine and serotonin.

Some scientists are even studying its potential for depression and anxiety.

All I know is, it felt like my mental state got a little more grounded—without needing to add another cup of coffee or a pep talk from YouTube.

I use Klean Athlete Creatine when I’m feeling fancy—it’s NSF Certified for Sport and super high quality.

Honestly, both brands I’ve mentioned worked well for me. Just pick the one that fits your budget and vibe.

So… Should You Try Creatine?

If you’re reading this thinking, “Okay, but I don’t even own gym shoes,” I get it.

You don’t need to be lifting weights or training for a marathon to benefit from creatine.

If you work hard, feel tired, want better focus, smoother skin, or a little emotional support that doesn’t come in a $14 smoothie—creatine might be worth trying.

And here’s the best part: it’s cheap.

Like, “skip one Starbucks and cover your creatine for the month” cheap.

You don’t need a fancy stack of supplements. Just one little scoop a day.

I keep it simple—just add a scoop to my BlenderBottle, mix it with water, and boom. Done.

No pills. No aftertaste. No stress.

Final Thoughts From Your Creatine-Curious Friend

I never thought I’d be someone who writes a blog post about creatine.

But I also never thought I’d feel this good without changing a million things in my routine.

It’s easy to overlook stuff like this because it doesn’t come with dramatic before-and-after photos or a celebrity endorsement.

But sometimes, the smallest habits give you the biggest return.

And honestly, it feels really nice to feel like myself again—but sharper, calmer, and with slightly glowier skin.

A Little Note Before You Go 😊

Thanks for hanging out with me on this blog!

Just a heads-up: some of the links I included above are affiliate links. That means if you buy something through them, I might earn a small commission—at no extra cost to you.

There’s absolutely no pressure, but if you found this post helpful and feel like trying any of these products, using my links is a sweet way to support this little corner of the internet I’m building.

It helps me keep writing, researching, and sharing honest, real-life stuff with you. And I appreciate it more than you know. 💛

Here’s to health that makes sense outside of the gym,

– Me, your creatine-convert friend who still can’t do a pull-up

If you’re into real talk about life’s messier moments, loneliness, starting over, and figuring it all out. I host a podcast called Alone-ish where I get into all that and more. It’s basically me, some unfiltered thoughts, and a reminder that you’re not the only one feeling a little… alone-ish. 

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