The water-soluble vitamin biotin (vitamin B7) is found in
various foods: bananas, soy, yeast, cauliflower, liver, and salmon, to name a
few. In addition, our bodies also produce this vitamin. Interestingly, biotin is added to various cosmetic products to enhance the
appearance of nails, skin, and hair. However, what is so special about biotin, and how does it enhance the appearance of skin, hair, and nails?
What is special about biotin? Biotin acts as a coenzyme.
It metabolizes fatty acids, glucose, and amino acids. Vitamin B7 is needed to
convert these food elements to energy, which our body uses to function optimally.
However, this vitamin also offers the benefits of a more youthful appearance,
amplified by strong-looking hair, healthy-looking skin, and strong nails.
Biotin can make your nails stronger.
Researchers have found that biotin can help to strengthen
and heal damaged nails. For those suffering from thin, brittle nails, biotin
assists in growing stronger and thicker fingers and toenails.
Biotin can promote hair growth.
A lack of biotin will make hair brittle and could lead to hair loss. Consuming more biotin cannot regrow hair, but it can offer the optimal chance of hair growth. Stronger and faster growing hair is the benefit of this vitamin. Some studies have shown that, within 90 days, the overall hair volume, thickness, and scalp coverage can increase. After 180-days, the hair will start to shine.
Furthermore, vitamin B7 helps to keep the scalp healthy.
It does this by keeping the scalp free of dry skin flakes. When the hair
follicles are free of skin flakes, hair growth is no longer impeded. For this
reason, many shampoos and other scalp products introduce biotin into their
formulas. Taking 300 mcg of biotin daily can help to speed up hair growth.
Biotin can improve skin disorders.
Infants may be born with a biotin deficiency. A biotin deficiency can lead to dermatitis, leaving the skin dry and irritated. Those
sufferers under the age of 10 could take 10 to 30 mcg biotin daily as a
supplement to overcome this problem. Biotin can also help treat cradle cap,
which affects infants, causing yellow-white patches on the head, eyebrows,
scalp, and the areas behind the ears. Another benefit of biotin for
the skin is treating acne, rashes, fungal infections, and severely
cracking or dry skin. Taking biotin over several months can increase the
moisture retention in the skin, encouraging smoothness.
Take away
When your hair becomes brittle, your nails break, and your
skin is dry, there is a good chance that you may have a biotin deficiency. This deficiency is rare since you should absorb sufficient
biotin from your food and its production within the gut. However, certain
circumstances, such as the taking of
antibiotics, may lead to a biotin deficiency. Taking a vitamin B7 supplement can
help, although there is still a lack of solid scientific evidence to support
this advice.

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