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We’ve all heard about eating an apple a day to keep the doctor away. But what about taking vitamins every day to keep split ends at bay? Do hair, skin and nail vitamins work?
From Vitamin A to L-Glutamine, there are hundreds of supplements out there. But no matter your health goal, research is key when choosing a supplement. Since they are not FDA-approved, promised results might be murky or false.
However, that doesn’t mean vitamins are proven useless—certain ones can possibly benefit your hair, skin, and nail health. Let’s dive into how vitamins and supplements could boost your beauty transformation.
Which Vitamins Are Best for Hair, Skin, and Nails?
First, let’s discuss the difference between vitamins and supplements.
Vitamins are natural, organic compounds found in foods and living creatures. There are only 13 types, and they are necessary for optimal human health.
Supplements, however, are any compound that people consume for health reasons. This can include vitamins, as well as amino acids, herbs, minerals, and more.
To help you narrow down your research, we’re going to explore both options for potential hair, skin, and nail benefits.
Vitamins
Vitamins come in two varieties—water-soluble & fat-soluble. Water-soluble vitamins are flushed out of the body via hydration, often needing replenishment. They include:
- Vitamin B varieties (B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9, B12)
- Vitamin C
On the flipside, fat-soluble vitamins build up in the liver and fatty tissues, more easily (although rarely), leading to overdose or toxicity. They include:
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin D
- Vitamin E
- Vitamin K
The average person can reach their essential vitamin needs with food pretty easily. But if you want a little extra support, certain hair supplements and vitamins are known to assist the hair growth and overall health of hair, skin, and nails.
For adding inches to your locks, here are a few vitamins to consider:
Biotin (B7) – Sometimes called biotin, vitamin B7 is the most well-known supplement for hair, skin, and nail health. A Biotin supplement breaks down and uses nutrients from fats and carbs to reinforce hair and nail growth. In one particular study, biotin was “shown to increase nail plate thickness by 25% in patients.”
Vitamin E – This vitamin is prime for skincare health. As a natural antioxidant, vitamin E can potentially ward off skin aging by preventing elastin and collagen breakdown. This supplement also provides natural immune system support and lowers blood clot risk.
Vitamin A – Another fat-soluble vitamin, vitamin A is often used for skin health in topical form as retinol products. If low on vitamin A, you may experience problems running from dry skin to acne to hair loss.An additional supplement may add more shine, whether topical or ingested.
Supplements
Don’t be afraid to go beyond the 13 vitamins. We have some of the best minerals, oils, and other supplements to keep your appearance fresh and glowing.
Here are a few supplement picks for adding thickness and shine to your hair, skin, and nails:
Fish Oil – Fat is the beauty key to moisture and youth. Without it, our skin can look dry, tired-looking, and aged. Outside of fats from foods, consider adding a fish oil supplement to your regimen. The oil’s omega-3 fatty acids are known to lower skin inflammation and promote healthy skin cells. They also boost your overall health, particularly supporting your heart and liver.
Zinc – An essential mineral, zinc is best known as a cold symptom treatment. But this supplement is also useful for its anti-inflammatory qualities. A 2014 review found that zinc helped “reduce the amount of acne-causing bacteria in the skin and treat inflamed acne.”
Collagen – Think of collagen as a building block for skin, nails, and hair. As we age, we start to lose our collagen, leading to a more wrinkled or withered look. Taking collagen supplements may help slow down the aging process, leading to a more filled and youthful look.
Luckily, there are many compounds now that combine these healthy hair, skin, and nail ingredients. If you want to simplify your daily regimen, check out RebateKey’s exclusive deals with eVitamins.
Are Hair, Skin, and Nail Supplements Dangerous?
The real answer? In extreme cases, yes. Since supplements are not FDA-approved, their dosage and availability is wide open. This can lead to greater misuse and potential toxicity.
However, the average person won’t overdose on vitamin C. With caution, care, and common sense,; you will most likely avoid any sort of health issues with vitamin or supplements.
Let’s go over a few steps to take before starting a supplement routine:
Do Your Research – Step one for any supplement decision: Do. Your. Research. Look up all potential benefits and harms of any supplement that you consider. Check for potential interactions with other drugs or supplements that you may already be taking. And always take your medical background and conditions into account.
Check the Dose – No matter the supplement, always check the proper dosage. Stick with the daily value amount listed, and adjust for any personal health factors if necessary.
Consider Water-Soluble vs. Fat-Soluble – As stated above, certain vitamins are more toxicity-prone than others. If taking a fat-soluble vitamin, such as vitamin A or vitamin K, be more cautious with your dosage and frequency.
Consult Your Doctor – If you want to consider a long-term supplement regimen, it’s best to consult your medical providers. They have the expertise and medical history to provide the best guidance for your personal health.
Are Vitamins the Cure-All?
Wouldn’t it be nice if one pill could transform your body? Sadly, that is not the case.
However, research continues to grow with hair, skin, and nail vitamins—and in some cases, the results look positive. Adding supplements with fortifying ingredients, like the ones listed above, may give the extra shine you’ve been aching for.
The Beauty of Saving with RebateKey
RebateKey has the discounts to save money on your health & wellness journey. Take a look at our eVitamin options and shop smartly for shinier hair, skin, and nails.
Sources:
https://www.britannica.com/science/vitamin
https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/fda-101-dietary-supplements
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322836#_noHeaderPrefixedContent
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/vitamin-a-deficiency-symptoms#TOC_TITLE_HDR_2
https://www.everydayhealth.com/products/reviews/best-vitamins-hair-skin-nails/
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/collagen-benefits
https://www.webmd.com/diet/guide/effects-of-taking-too-many-vitamins
