The Importance of Biotin for Hair, Skin and Nails

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Written by Jonathan Lane Associated Director of Research, Innovation, and Translational Science

At Aurelia, we place great value on ingredients that work from within to reveal your natural, deeper beauty. A key part of several of our formulas is Biotin – a nutrient that plays a foundational role in hair, skin and nail health. But what exactly makes biotin so essential, and how does it support your beauty at the cellular level? Let’s dive into the science behind biotin's action and explore its benefits.

What is Biotin?

Biotin, also known as Vitamin B7, is a water-soluble B-vitamin that plays a vital part in various metabolic processes, including the breakdown of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins for energy¹. More importantly for beauty, biotin supports keratin production, the core structural protein that gives strength to hair and nails².

A deficiency – though rare – can manifest in thinning hair, brittle nails, and even skin rashes, pointing to biotin’s significance in maintaining your body’s structural integrity¹.

The Science of Biotin and Hair/Nail Health

Biotin functions at a cellular level, acting as a coenzyme for carboxylase enzymes that contribute to keratin synthesis and energy metabolism². When you have sufficient biotin, it supports stronger keratin production, which translates into visible improvements:

Hair Health: Clinical observations suggest that appropriate biotin intake may reduce hair breakage, allowing strands to grow stronger, longer, and thicker. Particularly in cases of deficiency, supplementation has shown noticeable benefits².
Nail Health: Similarly, biotin helps counter brittle nail and enhances growth. Several small trials reported significant increases in nail thickness in individuals taking biotin supplements³.

Biotin Deficiency

While true biotin deficiency is uncommon, it is important to know the symptoms. Rare cases can present as thinning hair, nail brittleness, or facial dermatitis. In such instances, biotin supplementation may help correct the imbalance and support keratin health naturally, rather than masking issues superficially¹.

Complementary Ingredients & Enhanced Results

To promote well-rounded beauty, biotin can be synergistically paired with other ingredients:

Selenium & Zinc: Offer antioxidant defence and support protein synthesis – key for keratin formation and overall cellular protection⁴.
Vitamins D, A, C & E: Each plays a supporting role – Vitamin D aids hair follicle regulation, Vitamin A supports cell growth, Vitamin C supports collagen, and Vitamin E protects against oxidative stress.
Ceramosides: While not directly impacting nails, they help maintain skin hydration around the nail beds, fostering stronger and less brittle nails.
Ovoderm: This eggshell-derived complex provides collagen, hyaluronic acid, and elastin that nourish the skin and potentially support nail bed health for resilience and elasticity.

How to Incorporate Biotin into Your Routine

With Aurelia’s cellular beauty range, integrating biotin is easy and effective. Our formulations are designed to deliver biotin in a way that supports your body's natural beauty – no complex rituals necessary.

Beyond supplementation, a balanced diet rich in biotin – from sources like eggs, nuts, whole grains, and legumes – can support healthy levels naturally².