Why Biotin is important for Skin, Hair, and Nails?
Biotin, also known as vitamin B7 or vitamin H, is a B complex vitamin and cofactor for enzymes involved in metabolic pathways for energy generation and function in hair root cells[1].
It is a water-soluble vitamin, and when deficient results in problems of hair, skin and nails. Signs of biotin deficiency include hair loss, skin rashes, and brittle nails[2]. Taking a higher dosage of biotin is needed to recover from the deficiency and is not problematic because this vitamin is neither produced nor stored by the body.
It majorly functions by promoting keratin synthesis.
Structure of hair, skin, and nails: Keratinocytes (cells that produce Keratin) are present everywhere
Hair: Keratin is one of the most abundant proteins in the skin and the hair, and contains high amounts of L-Cys as building blocks[3]. It is the main ingredient of the hair shaft and hair shield, and is produced in cells called keratinocytes.
The spirally twisted keratin fibers, present in the inside of hair shaft (cortex of hair shaft), are responsible for hair elasticity. Keratin found in the hair shield gives them continuity and shine, so with its lack in hair shows tendency to divide into two parts[4].
Skin: The skin is differentiated into the epidermis, dermis and subcutaneous layer. The external epidermis consists of differentiating keratinocytes. The dermal layer gives shape, firmness, sensation and nourishment to the skin. The subcutaneous layer consists mostly of adipose tissue, acting primarily as a heat insulator and a mechanical cushion[5].
Nails: The nail is a specialized keratinous appendage. Nail keratinocytes contribute to nail cornification through the production of hard keratins, and hardness of the nail plate is due to a high concentration of sulfur matrix protein.
Why is Biotin important?
Keratins are a group of tough, fibrous proteins that form the structural framework of cells that line the surfaces and cavities of the body. These cells make up tissues such as the hair, skin, and nails. Keratins are best known for providing strength and resilience to cells that form the hair, skin, and nails.
Another important protein is collagen that helps the skin appear healthy.
Increasing age and external factors like exposure to environmental pollution, toxins, and UV rays, increases the concentration of enzymes & free radicals that degrade these proteins & damage cells resulting in faulty development of hair, skin and nails. Thus, to prevent hair loss, brittle nails, and skin breakouts, and to promote hair regrowth, strong-lustrous hair, healthy glowing skin and strong nails, it is essential to supply the body with specific nutrients.
Unived’s Biotin Gold HSN product contains the ingredients that not only fight free radical damage but are essential for keratin synthesis.
Am I deficient of biotin or other nutrients?
Without a biochemical analysis at the lab, one cannot be sure about their vitamin levels. However, we must pay close attention when our body is trying to talk to us by showing signs. If you are someone who has noticed one or all of the following then certainly you are borderline or deficient or you just need an extra support to help maintain your hair, skin and nails healthy.
Hair
- Hair becomes brittle, thin and limp
- Loss of strength and shine
- Telogenic Effluvium – temporary hair loss due to stress/shock/trauma
- Diffuse Alopecia – loss of hair density overall
- Uncombable hair syndrome
- Loss of hair shape and volume
- Premature hair graying and no new growth overtime
Skin
- Loss of firmness, elasticity, strength and structure of healthy skin
- Early signs of wrinkle formation
- Photodamage and damage from free radicals that destroy healthy skin cells and prevent regeneration
- Reduced healing action
- Reduced collagen production
- Hyperpigmentation
- Rough, dull and dehydrated skin
Nails
- Weak and brittle nail
- Unable to reach desired growth
- Unhealthy looking, underdeveloped and breaks easily
What can be done to prevent all the above problems?
Eating a balanced diet will decrease the likelihood of deficiency of any nutrients that play a role in maintaining healthy cells of hair, skin and nails. However, due to our busy schedules and other factors, we tend to lack the daily intake of all necessary nutrients, minerals, and vitamins. Hence, the importance of supplementation becomes crucial.
Unived’s Biotin Gold HSN is a scientific formulation with nutraceutical and natural ingredients that work synergistically to protect, proliferate, stimulate, hydrate and maintain healthy hair, skin and nails.
Biotin Gold HSN supplement features a blend of & organic whole foods, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals: cysteine & lysine, 10,000mcg organic whole food plant based Biotin, natural vitamins A, D3 and E, silica and hyaluronic acid as well as glutathione, vitamin C, B9 and B12.
Benefits:
- Helps enhance keratin synthesis
- Helps reduce hair fall and promote hair regrowth. May also help reverse hair graying caused due to nutrient deficiency
- Helps provide tensile strength to hair and improves structure of hair fibre
- Promotes stimulation and proliferation of hair follicles
- Helps reduce acne and hyperpigmentation
- Helps slow down wrinkle formation
- Helps protect from photo induced skin problems
- Promotes hydration of skin and helps to improve skin elasticity
- Helps prevent oxidative damage and repair cells
- Helps prevent nail brittleness. Promotes strong nails development
- Contains ingredients that helps maintain healthy nails as they are natural constituents of the nails and help increase keratin production
Unived’s Biotin Gold HSN is different from other biotin products because along with 10,000mcg Biotin it contains a required amount of specific amino acids which will help rebuild structure of hair and nail fibres and strength of skin. It also includes glutathione, folate and vitamin B12 for hyperpigmentation of skin and premature graying of hair and hyaluronic acid and silica for hydration and maintenance of all cells, particularly important for skin hydration.
Biotin Gold HSN is a holistic product that looks after your hair, skin and nails, while you can focus on managing other priorities in your busy life.
References:
[1] Anna-Marie Hosking, et. al., “Complementary and Alternative Treatments for Alopecia: A Comprehensive Review”, 2018 S. Karger AG, Basel
[2] Hind M. Almohanna, et. al., “The Role of Vitamins and Minerals in Hair Loss: A Review”, Dermatol Ther (Heidelb) (2019) 9:51–70
[3] Noelia Clemente Plaza, et. al., “Effects of the Usage of L-Cysteine (L-Cys) on Human Health”, Espinosa Molecules 2018, 23, 575
[4] Zuzanna Sabina Goluch-Koniuszy, “Nutrition of women with hair loss problem during the period of menopause”, Menopause Review/Przegląd Menopauzalny 15(1) 2016
[5] Gadi Borkow , “Using Copper to Improve the Well-Being of the Skin”, Current Chemical Biology, 2014, 8, 89-102