Benefits of Biotin for Hair, Skin, and Nails

by Vorst Canada November 22, 2021

Biotin for hair

DISCLAIMER: This article has been written for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

If you want to enhance your personal beauty, healthier-lusting hair, glowing skin, and strong-shaped nails matter a lot. Biotin, also known as vitamin B7 or vitamin H, is a key nutrient in human health for achieving this goal.

In this article, we’ll cover everything related to the benefits of biotin for hair, skin, and nails according to scientific studies and expert opinions on the subject.

Table of contents

What is biotin?
Functions of biotin in the human body
Benefits of biotin
Biotin for Hair
Biotin for Skin
Biotin for Nails
Other health benefits of biotin
How to intake biotin
How long does it take to show results?
Precautions and side effects
Final words
Disclaimer

What is biotin?

Biotin, also known as vitamin B7 or vitamin H, is a vital nutrient in the human body with a wide range of health benefits including metabolizing foods to produce energy and promoting healthy hair, skin, and nails.

Functions of biotin in the human body

Biotin plays numerous crucial roles in the human body. It helps enzymes to break down fats, carbohydrates, and the building blocks of protein, amino acids. With its significant effects on human metabolism, it helps the body transform foods into micronutrients and carry them throughout the body to produce energy. Therefore, biotin promotes cell growth and regrowth and is often recommended for reinforcing hair, skin, and nails.

Biotin is involved in a number of metabolic processes, particularly in –

Fatty acid synthesis – in this essential cellular process biotin assists certain enzymes such as 3-ketoacyl-ACP synthase in synthesizing building blocks of fat molecules, fatty acids.

Gluconeogenesis - in this process human body produces energy by breaking down non-carbohydrate carbon substrates.

Amino acid synthesis - in this essential biochemical process biotin assists enzymes to break down various amino acids such as leucine.

Benefits of biotin for hair, skin, and nails

Biotin for Hair

Hair loss is closely linked with biotin deficiency. Health conditions that increase the risk of developing biotin-deficiency hair loss may include pregnancy, liver disorder, and conditions with difficulty absorbing nutrients like Crohn’s disease.

Biotin plays a vital role in producing natural oils in the scalp, thus, may promote follicle growth and help grow healthier hair. It also stimulates keratin production and helps to strengthen hair health and add shine to it.

Intaking adequate amounts of biotin is widely recommended to prevent and treat various scalp and hair issues such as scalp itchiness, dandruff, and particularly hair loss.

Studies have found that biotin supplementation can improve hair growth in people who have uncombable hair syndrome or hair loss.

Biotin for Skin

Biotin supports the synthesis of fatty acids in the body and helps to maintain mucus membranes of the skin. People with biotin deficiency often experience various skin issues such as red and scaly rashes on the skin.

Supplementing with biotin can help increase fatty acid synthesis that is essential for nourishing the skin and improving the functionality of oil glands. Biotin is also believed to have beneficial effects in improving psoriasis.

Biotin for Nails

Brittle nails are also very common in people who have a biotin deficiency. Biotin has been found to be effective in improving nail health and strength. Regular consumption of biotin can help people get rid of underlying conditions that cause weak nails such as brittle nail syndrome.

According to scientific reviews, supplementing 2.5 mg biotin daily for up to 6 months improved nail thickness by 25 percent. Therefore, biotin is widely used to reduce nail breaking and splitting into people who have weak and fragile nails.

Other health benefits of biotin

Apart from beneficial effects on hair, skin, and nails, biotin shows many different benefits in the body.

Here’re some of the most important benefits of biotin in the body –

Protects the heart by decreasing the low-density lipoprotein and improving blood flow.
Promotes brain functions by improving myelin sheath in the brain.
Boosts immune response by promoting the production of white blood cells.
Helps control diabetes through managing blood sugar levels.
Helps in breastfeeding and pregnancy and may reduce birth defects.
Reduces allergic conditions and suppresses inflammation with its anti-inflammatory properties.
May help reduce muscle cramps in patients who are under dialysis.
Helps repair tissues and muscles.
Promotes natural weight loss by improving metabolism.
Supports multiple sclerosis (MS) treatments by protecting coverings of nerve fibers.

How to take biotin

According to Marisa Garshick, MD, a New York-based Board-certified dermatologist, the usual dose of biotin supplement used is 2500 mcg to 3000 mcg per day. But this dose hasn’t been extensively reviewed. However, it is recommended to follow the directions of use on the specific biotin product you purchase.

Biotin often comes with other associated ingredients that are helpful in hair, skin, and nails. A dose of 1000 mcg of biotin with other essential ingredients such as pantothenic acid, zinc, and iron is a great option to start.

How long does it take to show results?

Since biotin is a water-soluble vitamin of the B family and the body can’t store it, one won’t see any noticeable difference until he or she continues biotin intaking for several months. Though reviews are limited, studies suggest that benefits might be seen at least in 3 months.

Precautions and side effects

Biotin is considered safe and doesn’t carry any known risks or interactions. As a water-soluble vitamin, extra biotin will flush out through urination.

Very rare side effects are reported only after extremely higher doses. They may include digestive upset, skin rashes, and insulin release.

However, prior to using a biotin supplement, always check with your healthcare professional to confirm whether it is right for you.

Final words

Biotin has been found significantly effective in treating hair loss, skin issues, and brittle nails. But shampoos and cosmetics that claim certain biotin benefits, there is no profound scientific evidence that topical uses work. According to studies, only consuming biotin-rich foods or supplements can help improve the overall health of hair, skin, and nails.

Check out Vorst’s Hair Growth Formula with Biotin here.

Disclaimer – The information of this article is intended to educate people; hence, any part of this article can be used only under the supervision of a qualified medical professional.

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