It’s time to stop trusting product testimonials.
At least, trust them a little less. While small-scale studies suggest that Biotin, everybody’s “tried-and-tested” miracle vitamin H, is good for strengthening nails, there are no existing studies that say it actually grows out your hair.
But it might cause something else to rise out the surface: your acne.
While the recommended dosage of Biotin is 2.5 mg, the correct dosage for full effect is still a debatable matter.
In a story for Into the Gloss, Dr. Jessica Weiser, a board-certified dermatologist for the New York Dermatology Group, spills the beans on how too much vitamin H can cause an imbalance in vitamins in your body.
On how Biotin is broken down by our system: “Both biotin and pantothenic acid-vitamin B5—are absorbed from the intestines via the same receptors,” she says. “When taking biotin supplements, the amount of biotin in the gut far outweighs the quantity of vitamin B5, thereby leading to a relative vitamin B5 deficiency.”
“Pantothenic acid is thought to regulate the barrier function of the surface layer on skin, and can reduce acne lesions. Therefore, a deficiency of pantothenic acid—or excess of biotin—could lead to acne flares.”
Simply put, too much biotin to go with too little vitamin B5 could cause your skin to panic in cystic fashion.
For those who want to try out other alternatives, collagen supplements seem to have a better rating. Making up 30% of your body, collagen might just provide you the amino acids and protein you need to grow that hair.
Either way, the same old rule applies even to over-the-counter remedies: ask your doctor before taking anything. They’re there for a reason, aren’t they?
Photo courtesy of Into The Gloss
