If you’ve been on social media, you’ve likely seen gummies, tonics, and capsules touting biotin as the secret to a healthy complexion, stronger nails, and hair. What is this seemingly-miracle beauty ingredient exactly, and is it the key to leveling up your beauty regimen? Before you consider supplements, find out about their efficacy and whether it's worth trying. 

What Is biotin?

Biotin, also known as vitamin B-7, is an essential nutrient that is most often found naturally in food. Biotin-rich foods include fish, eggs, meat, dairy, nuts, seeds, wheat, oats, and vegetables like spinach and mushrooms. So, what role does biotin play in the body, and why is it so important? It helps to process sugars, fats, and proteins and convert them into energy for the body. 

Benefits of biotin for hair

Increased biotin levels are known to have incredible results and have been used to boost the appearance of healthy hair for generations.

♦ Biotin is known for supporting stronger, thicker strands.

♦ While biotin strengthens hair, it’s also less likely to break and split at the ends, promoting and protecting length.

♦ Increased biotin intake can improve overall hair health, including density and shine.

♦ Promotes the natural production of keratin, a basic protein that makes up hair, skin, and nails and supports the follicles.

Benefits of biotin for skin

Biotin promotes a healthy complexion too! It’s important for moisture and sebum production, and it supports the formation of fatty acids that nourish the skin and help maintain firmness. It also pairs well with a collagen supplement. Your entire beauty and wellness routine can benefit from taking this essential B vitamin that will keep you glowing and your hair lustrous.

Potential side effects of biotin

More research is needed regarding the benefits of biotin, but also to unpack whether an excess of biotin could cause skin issues in someone who is prone to occasional breakouts. Increased breakouts from taking biotin could be related to an imbalance of other vitamins. It’s always a good thing to ask your dermatologist or doctor if you’re noticing any side effects, and before adding a new supplement to your routine. 

Biotin may interfere with laboratory tests for thyroid levels. Always remember to disclose all medications, including supplements, when visiting your doctor.

How to use biotin

A balanced diet of fresh whole foods is best for your overall health. You can maintain a healthy biotin level by eating meat, eggs, fish, seeds, nuts, and some vegetables like spinach, broccoli, and sweet potatoes.

However, if you don’t get all the nutrients from your diet, consider supplements. It’s easy to incorporate oral supplements into your daily routine. The general recommended dosage of biotin supplementation is 2.5 to 3 mg (2500 to 3000 mcg) a day and should be taken with food to avoid an upset stomach.

Of course, we’ve made it easy for you to get all of the nutrients your hair needs to support bounce and shine. Hair La Vie's Clinical Hair Vitamins are packed with saw palmetto, collagen, flaxseed, and biotin. Clinical Formula is a supplement that works using the power of total body nutrition to help achieve the gorgeous volume, incredible shine, and rejuvenated health that your hair deserves. 

Other forms of biotin

Biotin is often added into topical formulations of shampoos, conditioners, and creams for its thickening properties. Topically applied products absorb into the follicle and hair shaft and help with the appearance of healthy hair. If you're looking for the appearance of stronger, thicker hair, you may find topical biotin to be helpful.

Your eyebrows and eyelashes can also benefit from topically applied biotin right to the lash line! Try Hair La Vie's Lash24™, a lash-enhancing serum and growth-boosting primer — in one. It's packed with vitamin B5, keratin, and silk amino acid for silky soft and full lashes.

Final thoughts

Now that we’ve shed light on this buzzy B vitamin, hopefully, it’s given you food for thought on its multiple benefits. You can see why it’s a cornerstone ingredient in rejuvenating the health of hair, skin, and nails for so many. The bottom line? If you’re noticing brittle nails and hair and dull skin, consider if biotin is right for you. It just may be the key ingredient your body is missing to supercharge your hair's health, density, and luster. As with anything, consistency is key, so give it time to work its magic on your mane.