Meticulous care for healthy hair and skin is a priority for most of us. In the maze of various products and methods to improve the condition of hair and skin, one solution stands out for its versatility and effectiveness. And that is biotin. This inconspicuous but extremely powerful substance, also known as vitamin B7 or vitamin H, plays a vital role in maintaining the healthy appearance of both hair and skin. What makes it so special? The secret lies in its structure, or more precisely in the sulfur content of its molecule. Thanks to this attribute, biotin is an effective solution to many hair problems, such as hair loss, brittleness or dullness. Learn more about biotin’s remarkable properties for hair and skin health. Also learn about the health-promoting effects of this vitamin.
Table of contents
- 1 What is biotin?
- 2 Sources of biotin in food
- 3 How do biotin deficiencies manifest themselves in the body?
- 4 Biotin for hair – a simple method to improve the condition of hairstyle
- 5 Biotin – a way to grow hair faster
- 6 Biotin tablets – a prescription for hair loss
- 7 Biotin supplementation a method for healthy looking skin
- 8 Biotin – health properties
- 9 Dietary supplements with biotin – which ones to choose?
- 10 How long should a biotin treatment last?
- 11 Biotin capsules and tablets – in what dosages should I take?
What is biotin?
Biotin is one of the most important vitamins for maintaining healthy skin, hair and nails. Its regular supplementation can reflect very positively on our beauty. The substance stimulates regeneration processes, giving excellent results in the problem of weakened and falling hair, brittle nails, acne and seborrhea, among others. And this is just the beginning of a long list of benefits of biotin. What is this compound and where does it occur?
Biotin, also known as vitamin B7 or vitamin H, is an extremely important substance, involved in many biochemical processes occurring in the body. It is a water-soluble vitamin, classified as a B vitamin. It is not stored in the body, but excreted with urine, so its regular consumption is essential if we want to avoid deficiencies. Biotin is found in both animal and plant organisms.
Very importantly, biotin contains sulfur, which plays an important role in the synthesis of keratin, the basic building block of hair, skin and nails. Sulfur also participates in the production of collagen and elastin – another arch-important component of skin and hair. Thanks to the presence of a sulfur atom in the biotin molecule, this vitamin definitely improves the condition of skin and hair, being a prescription for many beauty deficiencies we face every day.
Biotin’s functions in the body are very diverse. In addition to the already mentioned participation in the production of keratin, the vitamin plays an important role in the metabolism of fats, carbohydrates and proteins.
It helps maintain the normal condition of mucous membranes and participates in the synthesis of important compounds. It also affects blood clotting and thyroid function.
Most people interested in biotin pay attention primarily to its beneficial effects on the condition of hair and skin. However, it is worth remembering that biotin has a much broader spectrum of action and is essential for the proper functioning of the entire body. Therefore, regular consumption of biotin in the form of food and dietary supplements can bring many benefits to our body.
Sources of biotin in food
Biotin is found in a wide range of foods, including many of those that are part of our daily meals. Among others, eggs are an excellent source of biotin. Both egg white and egg yolk contain this valuable vitamin, making them an ideal addition to a diet that supports hair and skin health. Where else can biotin be found in food?
The foods richest in biotin are:
- liver, especially beef liver,
- eggs,
- brewer’s yeast,
- nuts, mainly walnuts,
- fish (e.g. herring, salmon, sardines),
- vegetables (including cauliflower, spinach, kale, botanicals),
- cottage cheese,
- mushrooms,
- bran,
- almonds.
Regular consumption of these foods can help maintain adequate biotin levels in the body. However, in some cases, especially when the hair or skin problem is severe, it is worth additionally reaching for biotin supplements.
How do biotin deficiencies manifest themselves in the body?
Biotin deficiency in the body can lead to a number of undesirable symptoms, both in the form of disorders of metabolic processes and organ work, deterioration of mood, as well as negative changes in the condition of the skin, hair and nails.
Symptoms of biotin deficiency:
- weakening of hair (hair becomes thinner, more brittle and prone to damage),
- hair loss,
- rapid greasiness of hair,
- premature graying,
- scalp problems,
- loss of hair elasticity,
- dullness of hair, loss of natural shine,
- dryness of the skin,
- itching of the skin,
- facial discoloration,
- gray, sallow complexion,
- frequent appearance of skin inflammation,
- increased sebaceous gland activity, excessive flaking of the skin,
- deterioration of nails, brittleness of nails, splitting of nails,
- fatigue,
- muscle weakness,
- sleep disturbances,
- decline in mood,
- problems with concentration and memory.
Biotin for hair – a simple method to improve the condition of hairstyle
Springy, strong, healthy, shiny hair is largely due to biotin. It provides the hair matrix with sulfur bonds that make hair cohesive along its length, strong and vital.
Influencing the process of keratin synthesis, biotin provides hair strands with an adequate amount of this important protein, which translates into increased strength and resistance of hair to damage. Thanks to its unique properties, biotin makes the scalp and hair regenerate faster, and the problem of brittle hair and split ends disappears.
Biotin also improves the condition of hair in other ways. Among other things, it enhances the production of collagen and elastin, proteins that, along with keratin, are important building materials of hair. Thanks to collagen and elastin, hair is thick, properly moisturized, flexible, soft and disciplined.
Biotin also has moisturizing and nourishing properties for the scalp. Thanks to them, it helps combat problems with dry, itchy scalp and dandruff. A moisturized and healthy scalp promotes healthy, rapid hair growth and reduced hair loss. Vitamin B7, taking part in the metabolism of fatty acids, takes care of the proper degree of lubrication of the hair, provides smoothness and shine, prevents dullness and brittleness.
Biotin – a way to grow hair faster
The thought of having thick and long hair accompanies many of us. However, in numerous cases, it seems very difficult to achieve this due to the slow growth rate of hair and its overall not very good condition, frail structure and high susceptibility to damage. However, daily biotin supplementation over an extended period of time and the use of hair cosmetics with biotin can make growing hair a much faster and more efficient process.
By regulating metabolic processes in the scalp, biotin strengthens hair roots and accelerates hair shaft growth, thus stimulating hair growth. It also activates cells to produce new hair, causing more and more baby hair to start appearing on our head, which promotes a thicker hairstyle. Biotin also stimulates the growth of keratin mass, making new hair thick and strong.
Biotin tablets – a prescription for hair loss
Excessive hair loss is a common problem. It is not infrequently caused by overloading the hair and using a lot of aggressive hair treatments, as well as an unhealthy lifestylelife, and often a poor diet leading to deficiencies of important nutrients. Worth remembering, biotin deficiency results in the weakening of hair follicles and a decrease in their ability to produce new, healthy hair. Hence, hair thinning often occurs as a result of a deficiency of this vitamin.
Treatment with biotin tablets is a way to replenish deficiencies of this important hair vitamin in the body and to comprehensively strengthen hair structures. The sulfur contained in biotin stimulates the production of collagen, which nourishes hair follicles and roots and improves the condition of the scalp. Thanks to biotin, hair is more firmly anchored and less prone to premature hair loss.
For optimal results, treatment with biotin tablets should be carried out for an extended period of time. Be sure to dose according to the product manufacturer’s instructions.
Biotin supplementation a method for healthy looking skin
In addition to the fact that biotin strengthens hair follicles, improves their condition, increases their elasticity, reduces the problem of brittleness and prevents hair loss, it also has an extremely beneficial effect on the condition of the skin.
Biotin is essential for the proper functioning of skin cells. It supports metabolic processes, regulates lipid metabolism and supports the synthesis of collagen and elastin, which are key to maintaining firm and elastic skin. Thus, regular use of biotin can help reduce wrinkles, improve skin firmness and slow the loss of skin density and sagging.
Biotin helps maintain skin health by reducing inflammation, soothing irritation and promoting skin healing. It also takes care of the proper functioning of the sebaceous glands. Therefore, people with problematic skin, such as acne-prone or oily skin, may notice an improvement in their skin condition after regular consumption of biotin. What’s more, biotin improves skin tone, helping to combat rashes, redness and any kind of discoloration, giving the skin a radiant and healthy appearance.
Biotin can also help combat dry skin problems. It acts as a moisturizer and maintains proper moisture levels in the skin, which prevents dryness and flaking. Regular consumption of biotin can therefore bring relief to those with dry and irritated skin, making it soft, smooth and well-moisturized.
It is also worth noting that biotin has a positive effect on nail health. It helps rebuild damaged nails, improves the condition of the nail plate, prevents splitting, reduces brittleness and fragility of nails. Provides nails with a healthier, prettier appearance.
Biotin – health properties
Biotin, known mainly for its beneficial properties for the skin and hair, also affects the functioning of organs and metabolic processes. It helps keep the body in balance and benefits many aspects of health.
Here are the important health properties of biotin:
- is essential for the proper conversion of nutrients into energy,
- Supports the immune system,
- is involved in the metabolism of fats, carbohydrates and proteins,
- supports the work of the pancreas,
- improves the work of the circulatory system, has a positive effect on the condition of blood vessels,
- helps maintain healthy skin and hair by regulating keratin production,
- participates in regulating blood clotting processes, thus preventing excessive bleeding and accelerating wound healing,
- supports joint and bone health,
- supports the thyroid gland by regulating the levels of its hormones,
- positively influences the condition of the nervous system, helps in the production of neurotransmitters, stabilizes mood, improves concentration, improves overall mental condition.
Dietary supplements with biotin – which ones to choose?
Choosing the right biotin dietary supplement can be crucial to achieving the desired skin care and health effects. Important criteria to consider when choosing biotin supplements are the amount of dosage per serving of the product and the quality of the product.
It is worth making sure that the supplement does not contain unnecessary additives, harmful substances, etc. Another important consideration is the form of the supplement. Biotin is available in a wide variety of forms, such as tablets, capsules, liquids to drink, and lozenges. It is worth choosing the form that best suits our preferences and needs.
Moreover, some biotin supplements may contain additional ingredients that can enhance their effectiveness or provide additional health benefits. For example, supplements containing biotin and collagen intensify beneficial results for skin and hair health.
If we are looking for a comprehensive and rapid improvement in the condition of our hair and skin, it is worth paying attention to biotin preparations equipped with such additional active ingredients as:
- vitamin B2, B3, B5, B6, B12,
- zinc and selenium,
- copper,
- iodine,
- thiamine and silica,
- amino acids,
- vitamin E,
- vitamin A,
- extracts from herbs such as field horsetail, bamboo, nettle.
A rich set of ingredients that strongly nourish, regenerate and improve the condition of both hair and skin can be found in the dietary supplement Locerin.
How long should a biotin treatment last?
The length of the optimal biotin treatment for each person may vary. Nevertheless, when it comes to improving the condition of hair, skin or nails, it is mostly recommended to use biotin regularly for at least 2-3 months.
The most important thing is to be guided by individual needs, possible doctor’s recommendations and your own body’s reactions to biotin supplementation. If you notice any unwanted side effects while using biotin or do not notice any positive effects, it is advisable to discontinue supplementation.
Should I take breaks during biotin treatment? There are no clear recommendations regarding the need to take breaks while taking biotin. However, many experts suggest that short breaks every few months can be beneficial.
Biotin capsules and tablets – in what dosages should I take?
Biotin dosage should be tailored to the individual needs of our body. Admittedly, the daily dose of biotin is between 30 and 100 micrograms for adults, but in many cases a higher daily intake is recommended. Undoubtedly, it is always necessary to stick to the recommendations of the manufacturer of a given preparation as to daily servings.
For people who are not deficient and want to maintain its levels, smaller servings of biotin are recommended. In contrast, higher doses of biotin supplements are necessary for those who want to correct deficiencies.
Also, those facing significant skin deterioration and those hoping for rapid and intensive results in stimulating hair growth, hair regeneration or reducing hair loss should consider higher doses of biotin.
Do not exceed the recommended daily serving of the product. If optimal results in improving the condition of hair or skin are to be achieved, biotin use should go hand in hand with a properly balanced diet. If skin and hair problems have a basis other than an ill-balanced diet and vitamin deficiencies, such as a disease or stress background, the supplement may not produce the expected results.