You Want a Mane to Be Proud of but Does Biotin Cause Acne?

Recently biotin has been rising in popularity.

This is because the vitamin has gained a reputation as an excellent way to overcome hair loss and strengthen the nails.

It is an inexpensive over the counter vitamin but the question that many are asking is does biotin cause cancer?

Acne is an embarrassing condition where blackheads and blemishes appear on the skin.

It typically occurs when there is oily skin on the face, neck, and back.

A buildup of dead skin cells, dirt, and oil, can become infected by bacteria and lead to inflammation and acne.

Biotin is otherwise known as vitamin B7 and is part of the vitamin B complex which assists in energy creation and cell production.  

Insufficient biotin in the diet can lead to brittle nails, hair loss and dry skin. Because it is vital to healthy looking skin and hair, it is sometimes called vitamin H after the German words haar and haut which mean hair and skin.

Most skin hair products contain biotin even though the skin does not readily absorb it.

Unlike many other vitamins, Biotin is water soluble which is essential when it comes to processing biochemicals.

It also means that you can't overdose on the element as excesses are expelled in the urine.  

Biotin produces fatty acids that feed the skin and hair.

It works as a co-enzyme to metabolize carbohydrates, amino acids, and fats into energy. It promotes the growth of cells.

There has not been much research into benefits of vitamin B7 on hair and nail. A small research study proved that biotin did appear to strengthen nails (1). There is, however, no evidence that it encourages the growth of hair.

Biotin is essential for the manufacture of the white blood cells that keep us healthy, preventing illness (2).

Biotin occurs naturally in eggs, salmon, avocado, legumes, yeast, liver and whole grains and cereals amongst other foods. It is also produced in our intestines by pro-biotic bacteria (3).

There have been many claims of biotin causing acne, but medical research does not support this.

Vitamin B5 helps to regulate the skin’s surface, preventing outbreaks.

It works together with vitamin B7 to keep your skin healthy and bright (4).

These vitamins must be kept in balance if the skin is to look its best. The same receptors digest the two vitamins in the intestine.

If there are too much of one of these vitamins in the body, the other may become deficient as the receptors become overwhelmed by the addition of the other.

If you have too much biotin, there will be less vitamin B5 absorbed as the body cannot absorb the excess B7 and sufficient B5.

The acne is caused by the absence of B5 and not because of excess biotin.

Details

You should not take more than 2.5 grams of biotin per day unless you are pregnant in which case the doctor will prescribe a higher dosage.

You may also consider taking a simultaneous dose of vitamin B5 to offset your body’s reduced efficiency at producing this element. Alternatively, a multi-vitamin could help you to keep the vitamins in balance.

Multivitamins do contain ingredients such as iodine, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12 which have been linked to breakouts, so proceed with caution.

In the end, like most things it is the balance that counts so you should ensure that you achieve a balance between vitamins B7 and B5, supplementing B5 as well if necessary.

In truth, biotin is found in so many healthy foods that a simple change to your diet, including more of the biotin-rich foods could be all that you need to achieve a gorgeous hair and strong, healthy nails.

Naturally occurring vitamins are always better for you.

Some people are biotin deficient.

The side effects of biotin deficiency are hair loss, brittle nails, loss of energy and mild depression.

Conditions that can cause the biotin levels to slip

Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that does wonders for the skin.

Zinc has also been found to protect the skin from breakouts. You should ensure that you well hydrated throughout the day so that the nutrients can do their job and keep your skin looking healthy and smooth.

Steer clear of cigarettes and alcohol they can dehydrate you and interfere with skin’s balanced nutrition.

Because biotin is water soluble, you can't overdose on it (5).

All the excess biotin is flushed from the system.

This also means that you have to ensure that your daily meals include biotin.

Eat a balanced diet every day, and you should not have to take biotin supplements