Hair, skin and nail supplements are in constant demand. Hair supplements support lustrous, healthy hair. Skin supplements maintain supple, smooth and clear skin. Nail supplements promote healthy finger and toenails.** These supplements are also known to:
- Encourage protein production in hair.**
- Specially formulated for those defiicient in Biotin.
- Optimize beauty and strength in nails.**
What are Hair Supplements?
Hair is made up of fibrous proteins, primarily keratin. Grown from follicles in the skin, hair has biological functions that include helping to keep the body warm and assisting in both protection and touch, most notably in the case of the eye's sensitive lashes. Hair is also a key indicator of optimal health, as well as attractive appearance in cultures around the world.**
Many nutrients can help with ideal hair growth and care. One of the most important nutrients for hair health is biotin (also known as vitamin B-7), with deficiencies of the coenzyme linked to various hair problems. Other hair-supporting nutrients include silica, a mineral that decreases in the body with aging, and vitamin C, which contains free-radical-fighting antioxidants and helps the production of proteins in the body. Collagen, a major component of skin, is also crucial to maintaining healthy hair follicles.**
What are Skin Supplements?
Covering our entire body, skin is actually the largest human organ, one that is deceptively complex. In addition to facilitating the sense of touch, skin protects the body from outside elements and assists in various functions, including heat regulation. The two major parts of the skin are the epidermis, the outer layer, and the dermis, the inner layer. Key components of the epidermis include keratin and melanin, while the dermis features collagen and elastin. As the skin ages, it tends to become wrinkled and less elastic. Like hair, skin wellness is associated with physical beauty and overall health.**
Scientists have connected skin aging with a decrease in collagen production and indicated that a lack of biotin is also linked to dermal problems, pointing to the potential benefits of supplementation with these important compounds. Additionally, studies show that hyaluronic acid, vitamin C and silica may encourage skin wellness, particularly in regards to the aging process. Recent research has associated the carotenoid lutein with healthy skin support, particularly under exposure to harmful ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun. In addition, antioxidants are popularly used to support skin health because they neutralize age-accelerating free radicals. CoQ10 is one antioxidant associated with skin health. Pycnogenol pine bark extract is another antioxidant that also boosts microcirculation to the skin and protects the skin from UV rays.**
What are Nail Supplements?
Like hair, fingernails and toenails largely consist of keratin, though in a much harder and more rigid form. Whereas hair originates from follicles, nails grow from a spot called the lunula, which gets its name from its whitish, moon-like shape. Nails primarily serve to protect the tips of fingers and toes from harm. Although nails are generally not a prominent aesthetic concern on the same level as skin and hair, nail health can still provide an indicator of overall wellness.**
Not surprisingly, scientists have found that many of the nutrients that promote hair health have similar effects on nails. Studies have shown that supplemental biotin can encourage optimal nail growth, particularly in those with thin, fragile nails. Research also indicates that silica helps to maintain healthy and sturdy nails.**
Hair, Skin and Nail Supplements
Hair, skin and nail supplements are available in a wide array of forms, both as individual and combined supplements. Some of the above nutrients have “across-the-board” benefits for hair, skin and nails. Supplements for hair, skin and nails are most commonly found together as capsules or tablets, although skin-supportive supplements are sometimes presented as topical creams or serums.** Most are specially formulated for those that are deficient in Biotin.
Hair, Skin and Nail Supplement Directions for Use
Talk to your health care professional before taking hair, skin and nail supplements or beginning any routine supplementation. Though there is no standard hair, skin and nail supplements dosage, products often include 500-3,000 mcg (micrograms) of biotin, 100-250 mg of vitamin C and/or 50 mg-3 g of silica.**
