As of 2021, the global beauty industry was valued at $511 billion dollars and is projected to grow to over $600 billion by the end of 2022. People are always looking for ways to maintain their youth, enhance their beauty and seek out ways to have flawless skin and healthy hair. Hair and skin vitamins are amongst the top-selling beauty vitamins, with collagen and biotin being amongst the main ingredients. In this article, we will dig deeper into this dynamic duo and discover its benefits and how we can incorporate it into our daily lives.
What is Collagen?
Collagen is naturally occurring and the most abundant protein in the body. It’s a major building block of our bones, muscles, teeth, skin, and joints as its fiber-like structure is used to make connective tissue. Collagen is what gives the body structure and acts like a “glue”, holding things together. As we age, our collagen production decreases, which first becomes visible in the skin, where it becomes less supple and firm. Our bones can also become weaker, causing joint pain. There are many types of Collagen in the body, types 1-5 being the most common and each serving its own unique purpose and function. Collagen supplements have become very popular over time for its many benefits and have been coined the fountain of youth.
What is Biotin?
Biotin is a water-soluble B-vitamin that is also naturally occurring in the body. It is known as Vitamin-H or Vitamin B-7 and is manufactured in the intestinal tract. Like most B vitamins, Biotin helps to convert food into energy and is an important part of the enzymes that metabolize carbohydrates and fat. Thinning hair and scaly skin rashes can be a sign of biotin deficiency, which has made biotin vitamins a top-selling supplement for healthy hair and skin.
Benefits of Biotin
Biotin vitamins are the go-to for strong, healthy hair and nails. Many studies have been conducted on the use of Biotin for hair loss and the results have been positive, revealing a significant improvement in hair and nail health. The health benefits of biotin for hair growth are amazing. It is the elasticity in your hair, which prevents it from breakage. It helps to increase thickness, which gives the hair a fuller and more lustrous look. It’s also involved in slowing the progression of greying hair as well as baldness. Biotin is also often used for dermatitis and eczema, helping to clear problem skin and restore its smooth texture. Other than the hair and skin, biotin plays a role in balancing blood sugar levels with those who suffer from diabetes and helps to support eye health.
Benefits of Collagen
A collagen supplement can be very beneficial in many ways. It’s not only a precursor in preventing fine lines and wrinkles but it’s also amazing for bone and joint health, helping to prevent osteoarthritis (a common cause of joint pain), bone loss, and a decrease in muscle mass. It is also used for wound healing, blood clotting, and protecting the nervous system. The benefits of collagen are endless, but it’s most popular is its “firming” action, keeping the skin tight and supple by maintaining the body’s connective tissue production. It preserves the skin’s structure with its anti-aging properties and is a great vitamin for healthy glowing skin. It can be found in an abundance of skincare products, medication, and in supplement form.
Dosage and Sources of Biotin
The recommended daily intake of Biotin is 150 – 300mcg per day, depending on how well we produce it on our own and the consumption of foods that contain this vitamin. Biotin is abundant in foods like organ meat, nuts, soybeans, whole grains, bananas, mushrooms, and egg yolks. Many of these foods only have trace amounts so supplementing with hair and skin gummies will guarantee recommended daily intake without the added calories from foods like eggs and organ meat. Beware of consuming too many raw eggs in the diet, as Avidin, a molecule in the egg, can decrease the absorption of biotin in the body. Biotin vitamins are safe and effective with no toxicity or side effects. It can be used as a preventative measure to maintain healthy hair and skin, or it can be used to restore brittle hair and nails, along with troubled skin. Check out the 10 best vitamins for hair growth.
Dosage and Sources of Collagen
Although collagen is abundant in the body at first, by age 40, we can lose up to 1% of collagen each year. Even though production slows down, a balanced diet with the right foods can stimulate your own body’s production of this nutrient. Foods like bone broth, chicken, eggs, dairy, and fish contain collagen and can also help your body produce it. Vitamin C, proline, glycine, and copper are staple nutrients that your body needs in order to help it produce its own collagen. In this case, citrus fruits, whole grains, seafood, and mushrooms are great precursors. There is no recommended daily intake for collagen, as the type of collagen, the reason you are taking it, and the person’s age all play a huge factor in dosing. Talk to your doctor about your needs and they will help you find exactly what you need.
Conclusion
All in all, the benefits of collagen and biotin go way beyond its positive effects on the hair, skin, and nails. This dynamic duo can be found in many hair and skin vitamins, cosmetics, and medications. They are both naturally occurring in the body with a plethora of external sources to prevent deficiency and production loss. People are always looking for ways to maintain beautiful skin and hair and these two nutrients are a safe and effective way to achieve these results.
