What Are Common Hair, Skin, And Nail Supplements?

Quite a few over-the-counter supplements seem to contain ingredients that may improve skin, hair, and nail health. This may be why individuals take supplements to try and improve acne, reduce nail breakage, or make their hair grow faster. Studies do appear to show that some vitamins and minerals are helpful. However, patients may still want to ask their doctor before taking any oral vitamins. This may be because high doses of certain supplements may trigger side effects. Of course, when taking supplements, patients should remember to monitor their symptoms and report potential side effects to their doctor.

Individuals may want to take specific skin supplements for skin issues like acne. Nail supplements seem to help with brittle nails and as a treatment for other nail problems. In certain cases, specific vitamin supplements can help. An example appears to be collagen tablets. However, individuals should still learn about ingredients and the options for the best hair growth supplements, vitamins for nail strength, and vitamins for acne first.

Zinc 

Research seems to show that taking zinc may help improve hair follicle health. Zinc should help decrease hair shedding and strengthen hair strands. It may also increase hair volume. Some individuals may experience faster hair growth when they take zinc supplements. However, it appears that research studies have not confirmed this. Zinc supplements seem to assist in treating scalp fungal infections, such as dandruff. Patients who want to take zinc for their hair should not take more than fifteen milligrams daily. In addition, most patients may be limited to taking these supplements for up to three months. Unfortunately, it seems as if taking higher doses or taking them for longer can trigger side effects.

A lack of zinc may cause white spots to appear on an individual's nails. However, patients may be able to correct the deficiency and make these white spots disappear if they take zinc supplements. Additionally, some individuals may notice a reduction in acne when they take zinc. The supplements seem to help with psoriasis and skin ulcers too.

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Collagen 

It seems like the body makes less collagen, a protein made of nineteen amino acids, as individuals age. Unfortunately, evidence indicates that this may contribute to wrinkles, a loss of skin elasticity, and fine lines. Thankfully, it appears that collagen supplements may be able to improve skin texture and reduce the signs of skin aging. Some individuals may notice an increase in hair growth if they take collagen supplements. This may be because collagen seems to fight free radicals in the body. Their hair may look thicker as well. Individuals may also see reduced nail breakage with these supplements. Collagen may help prevent brittle nails too.

A 2017 study looked at twenty-five individuals taking collagen over twenty-four weeks. They all appeared to take 2.5 grams daily of a particular collagen supplement. The end of the study seemed to find that the average nail growth rate increased by twelve percent. It also appeared to note that nail breakage frequency reduced by twenty-four percent. However, this study did not seem to have a control group. Thus, more research is likely needed to examine how beneficial collagen supplements are for nail health. Topical collagen may help with skin issues, though oral supplements seem to remain quite popular too.

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Biotin

Biotin, which may also be referred to as vitamin B7, is a coenzyme. It appears to be used in the metabolism of amino acids, glucose, and fatty acids. Studies seem to indicate that biotin may boost hair health and growth. Specific studies appear to claim that, after at least three months, individuals taking daily biotin can see improvements in hair volume, thickness, and scalp coverage. The same studies say that they may notice their hair is shinier after six months. Biotin may be able to reduce hair loss. In addition, it seems to be a brittle nail treatment. Biotin supplements may be helpful in the treatment and prevention of acne, fungal skin infections, rashes, and dry or cracked skin.

Biotin may be available topically, though experts claim that it seems to be most effective when taken orally. However, individuals may want to ask their doctor first. In many cases, the maximum dose appears to be three thousand micrograms daily. Extra biotin may help individuals with deficiencies too. Risk factors for such a deficiency appear to include taking certain antibiotics and seizure medications, as well as celiac disease.

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Vitamin B12 

Vitamin B12 deficiencies appear to be linked to skin lesions and hyperpigmentation. In addition, individuals with low vitamin B12 may notice premature graying and hair loss. Patients also appear to experience ridges in their fingernails. A deficiency may mean the white half-moon at the cuticles will be absent too. Research seems to indicate that vitamin B12 supplements can help boost hair, nail, and skin health.  Skin lesions may disappear entirely when individuals manage to return their vitamin B12 levels to a healthy range.

A simple blood test can help individuals check their vitamin B12 levels. A severe deficiency seems to require vitamin B12 injections. High-dose supplements for a few weeks appear to be a common recommendation for some patients. Supplements do seem to help patients with a deficiency quite significantly. However, vitamin B12 supplements do not appear to benefit patients with healthy levels nearly as much.

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Pantothenic Acid 

Pantothenic acid, vitamin B5, appears to be a common part of many hair, skin, and nail health products. It seems to be listed as panthenol in many cosmetics. Other ways it can be listed may include dexpanthenol, provitamin B5, or butanamide. Pantothenic acid should be helpful in improving skin suppleness and hydration. It may also protect the skin from damage due to pollution and other toxins from the environment. Studies claim that it may also treat skin lesions. It appears that taking pantothenic acid supplements for a minimum of twelve weeks can reduce lesions on the face by up to sixty-seven percent. Thus, this vitamin may be helpful in treating acne. Some individuals say that it can also heal bug bites, minor cuts, and skin redness. It may improve hair strength, softness, and shine as well.

Information seems to indicate that vitamin B5 may improve the appearance of thinning hair and reduce the rate of hair loss. It also appears to improve moisture retention. Thus, vitamin B5 may help prevent damage from flat irons or curling irons. There also seems to be evidence that topical panthenol can improve nail hydration and reduce nail breakage. Thankfully, side effects like contact dermatitis appear to be low. However, doctors recommend staying with products that have a five percent concentration of panthenol or less.