Biotin for Hair and Nail Growth: Does It Really Work?

If you take biotin for hair or nail health, you’re not alone. Almost 20% of Americans consume some type of biotin, and they don’t always tell their healthcare providers. Biotin is found in many health and beauty products, and even some physicians recommend it. 

With all this marketing and hype, many people assume that biotin works to improve hair and nail health. But is this actually true? It turns out there’s not much science to back up these claims. 

What is biotin?

Biotin (vitamin B7) is a B vitamin that’s found in many foods — like fish, meat, seeds, and some vegetables (like sweet potatoes). Some bacteria in the intestines also make biotin, which is then absorbed into the body. 

So what is biotin good for? Biotin is needed for your cells to work correctly. It helps cells break down fat, glucose (sugar), and protein. It also helps regulate your genes and how cells communicate with each other.

What does biotin do for hair and nails?

If you walk down the supplement aisle, you may notice that biotin seems to be everywhere. There’s biotin for hair loss and biotin for nails, and it’s often combined with other vitamins. But does it really work?

It turns out that there’s not much research to back up the claim that biotin works for hair or nail growth. Let’s take a look at each one separately. 

Does biotin work for hair loss?

There’s no evidence that it does. Several studies have looked at the effect of biotin on hair growth. Based on the results, it’s not possible to prove that taking biotin helps hair grow. There are a few reasons for this:

• The studies were not of good enough quality to prove that it works. None of the studies were randomized controlled trials, the strongest type of study. 
• Many people in the studies had low levels of biotin caused by inherited health conditions. Most people don’t have low levels of biotin, so we can’t apply the results of these studies to the general population. 
• Many studies didn’t describe in detail the type of hair loss being treated. It’s possible that hair would have regrown even without the biotin. 

So far, biotin only seems to help people who have low biotin levels. This may be the case for some people with hair loss. One recent study found that almost 40% of women with hair loss had low biotin levels. In this situation, taking biotin may help if there isn’t another reason for hair loss. 

Does biotin work to strengthen nails?

Biotin may help some people with brittle nails. Studies show that taking 2.5 mg (2,500 mcg) biotin daily may improve nail firmness, hardness, and thickness. In one study, over half of the people taking biotin 2.5 mg a day had a 25% increase in thickness of their nails. 

So far, the studies evaluating biotin and nails have been small and not of the highest quality. This is why more research needs to be done to prove that biotin really helps strengthen nails. 

Biotin is a vitamin that helps your body do many important things, like turn your food into energy. Most people get enough biotin through their diet with things like fish and seeds. Many people take extra biotin for their hair and nail health. 

Studies show that biotin only helps hair grow if you have low biotin levels. But some people with brittle nails may benefit from extra biotin. Taking biotin is pretty safe, but keep in mind that it can interfere with the accuracy of certain lab tests. Source

Nail Art For Halloween

 

Here are some cute halloween nail art designs to try at home! Get into the spooky season spirit with these simple nail designs!

 

Cold weather And Your Skin

Cold winter weather can wreak havoc on our bodies. Due to the drop in temperature and lack of humidity, our skin can have a difficult time retaining moisture, leading to itchy, dry skin and cracked lips. A board-certified dermatologist shares essential tips to help keep your skin moisturized and healthy during the colder months.

“Keeping our hands, feet and face protected from the cold weather is an essential part of preventing dry skin as well as stopping it from worsening,” said Elizabeth Kiracofe, MD, FAAD, who is in private practice in Chicago. “We can’t hibernate inside all winter, so when you’re out and about, make sure that as little skin as possible is exposed to the elements and you protect your lips by wearing lip balm.”

The weather changes year-round so it’s important to make sure your skin care routine fits with the season. What works well in the summer might not work as well when the humidity drops. In addition to causing dry, itchy skin, dry, cold air can make fine lines and wrinkles more noticeable.

“You don’t need to change every product you use, but you should switch to heavier creams when it’s cold,” said Dr. Kiracofe. “I recommend that my patients cut back on products that have alpha hydroxy acid or beta hydroxy acid, which can reduce the signs of aging by smoothing fine lines and wrinkles. In the winter months, these products can be irritating for the skin even when combined with moisturizing creams.”

When the weather gets colder, the humidity drops outside and inside our homes. Turning up the furnace or lighting the fireplace creates dry heat and takes moisture out of the air, causing your skin to become dry and irritated. Dr. Kiracofe recommends that people bundle up by wearing warmer clothes and blankets when indoors rather than increasing the heat or using a fireplace. Adding moisture to the air also can prevent your skin from getting rough and cracked.

“Adequate sleep is such an essential component to maintaining healthy skin, and that uninterrupted time in the night is the perfect opportunity for the skin to recover,” said Dr. Kiracofe. “This is why, in winter, I recommend patients consider adding a filtered, cool-mist humidifier in their bedrooms. Not only can this help treat dryness, but it can be an effective tool for prevention. You don’t need to wait until you get irritated or cracked skin to make an improvement to your environment.”

If your skin does become very dry or raw, clothes and laundry detergent can be irritating. Consider wearing soft fiber fabrics that won’t cause irritation, such as cotton or silk, and using a laundry detergent labeled “fragrance free.”

There are many ways to relieve dry skin, but keeping it hydrated is essential. Dr. Kiracofe and the American Academy of Dermatology recommend the following tips:

• Apply moisturizer immediately after washing, which traps existing moisture in your skin.

• Use an ointment or cream because they are more effective and less irritating than lotions.

• Use warm water instead of hot water during baths and showers to prevent dry skin from worsening.

• Use only gentle, fragrance-free skin care products. Some skin care products, such as antibacterial, deodorant, or scented soaps, are too harsh for dry, sensitive skin. Source

Your Skin Is a Superhero: How to Support Your Body’s Biggest Organ

When you think of organs, your heart, lungs, and kidneys may be first to come to mind. But you might be overlooking your body’s largest and most visible organ: the skin. Far from simply looking pretty, the skin plays a crucial role in protecting your body from harmful organisms and regulating body temperature. It’s much more than something you see in the mirror every day. Good skin health can lead to better overall health.

What does the skin actually do?

The skin accounts for about 15 percent of your body weight, says Barry Goldman, MD, a New York-based private dermatologist affiliated with Cornell Medical Center.

It also serves multiple purposes.

“It’s part of a team of organs that work together,” Goldman says.

“You can’t view the skin as simply something that wraps or covers up the body,” says Kemunto Mokaya (“Dr. Kemmy”), MD, a board certified dermatologist and author of “Live and Look Younger.” “It’s an important and essential organ system that’s complex and has many roles.”

The skin is a superhero organ for its ability to:

• provide immunity
• cover and protect internal body parts and functions
• release sweat
• synthesize vitamin D
• make melanin
• allow us to differentiate between textures, temperatures, and more via touch

Protects us from invaders

The top layer of the skin, or the epidermis, is the front line — literally — when it comes to defending our bodies against harmful external forces, like viruses.

“Intact skin can prevent pathogens from gaining a foothold,” says Goldman. “A disrupted skin barrier allows bacteria and viruses to penetrate deeper into the skin and cause infection.”

But even if pathogens penetrate the skin, this superhero organ will keep on fighting. According to a 2020 review, skin cells team up and organize immune signals to help the body protect against and attack pathogens. “White blood cells from the body constantly circulate through the skin, conducting immune surveillance,” Goldman says. The skin also contains epidermal keratinocytesTrusted Source, cells that create proteins and peptides with antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties. The sebaceous glands also secrete oil that adds another layer of protection against foreign substances. As a bonus, it keeps the skin soft.

How to care for your superhero skin;

Skin care products are a dime a dozen. Looking at a list of the latest so-called “must-have” products can be overwhelming. But experts say there are simple ways to care for your skin. It may come as a surprise that you might want to look outside the beauty aisle.

Care from the inside out

Some dermatologists say there’s truth to the adage, “You are what you eat,” at least when it comes to skin care.

Mokaya recommends foods rich in:

• antioxidants, including dark, leafy greens, spinach, kale, and berries to counteract free radicals and environmental damage
• monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, like salmon, walnuts, and chia seeds to strengthen the skin’s lipid barrier
• probiotics, like yogurt, and prebiotics, found in high fiber items like fruit and vegetables to enhance the skin’s barrier
• Mokaya suggested limiting highly processed and sugary foods when possible.

Research suggestsTrusted Source a link between high-sugar diets and acne, and a 2021 study indicatedTrusted Source that eating processed food is associated with atopic dermatitis. Source

Blue Fall Nails Will Make You Ditch The Neutrals

Blue is here to crash the autumn party, and it's bringing the mood. From dark, moody navy to fun patterns that give major sweater weather vibes, these blue nail designs are anything but basic. Get ready to ditch the pumpkin and the neutral palette—this season, fall nails are all about those blue hues.

• Navy blue: A classic fall color that's elegant and tranquil, and pairs well with other fall colors. You can try a deep navy polish with flecks of blue that looks almost black, or a rich, deep navy blue that's vibrant and sophisticated. 

• Celestial blue: A dark manicure option that's inspired by the fall midnight sky. 

• Dark indigo blue: A dark nail polish with red undertones. 

• Dark blue-reds: A deep blue-red that looks great on many skin tones. 

• Moody blues: A deep blue that's chic without being spooky.

Other fall nail colors include: warm brown, rusty orange, burgundy red, and earthy green. Source

How Often Should You Clip Your Nails?

How often should you clip your fingernails? According to the Canadian Dermatology Association, fingernails grow about 2.5 millimeters each month. If you injure your fingernail and it falls off, it takes about 6 months to grow back. If you want to keep your nails a certain length, trim them once every week or two.

Here are some tips for trimming your nails:

• Soften your nails by taking a bath or shower, or soaking them in lukewarm water.
• Use a nail clipper or nail scissors for your fingernails, and a toenail clipper for your toenails.
• Disinfect your tools monthly.
• Cut almost straight across the nail. 

If you don't trim your nails, dirt and germs can get under them, causing infections. Long nails can also break more easily, and can lead to hangnails, tears, or fungal infections. Source

The Health Benefits of Cocoa Butter

“Cocoa butter” sounds luscious, doesn’t it? And it actually is quite a treat — for both your taste buds and your skin. “You can find cocoa butter in many skin products, and it gives chocolate its decadent creaminess,” says dermatologist Alok Vij, MD. “You can also buy pure cocoa butter on its own.”

But what exactly is this magical-sounding substance, and what makes it so good for your skin? Dr. Vij discusses what cocoa butter is, how to use it and the risks and benefits involved.

What is cocoa butter?

Cocoa butter comes from the beans of the cacao plant, which grows in hot, tropical areas. Processed cacao beans produce a fatty substance. After further heat treatment, it becomes cocoa butter. The rest of the bean becomes cocoa powder. Pure cocoa butter is solid at room temperature and smells mildly of chocolate.

What is the difference between cocoa butter and cacao butter?

Product manufacturers often use “cocoa butter” and “cacao butter” interchangeably, but some people argue they’re not quite the same. They claim that cacao butter is the true raw form of the butter while cocoa butter is a refined version.

Cacao gets processed at a low temperature, which is why some people consider it “unrefined.” But cocoa butter gets refined at a high temperature. While some people see them as distinct from each other, you can use them in the same ways, and they offer similar benefits.

Cocoa butter benefits for skin

Cocoa butter provides some excellent skin care benefits. According to Dr. Vij, cocoa butter may:

• Moisturize skin and lips. “Cocoa butter is excellent for dry skin and chapped lips,” says Dr. Vij. “It’s high in several different fatty acids, which help hold in water to keep your skin from drying out.”
• Protect against premature skin aging. Cocoa butter contains vitamin E. This antioxidant may help protect skin cells from damage that leads to signs of aging.
• Relieve eczema and itchy psoriasis plaques. “There’s not much research supporting using cocoa butter for itchy skin conditions such as eczema,” notes Dr. Vij. “But many cocoa butter products are specifically formulated for rashes and psoriasis, and you may find them helpful.”

So now, you might be wondering, is cocoa butter a miracle cure for scars or stretch marks? Not quite.

“There’s no solid evidence that cocoa butter vanishes pregnancy stretch marks or reduces scars, unfortunately,” cautions Dr. Vij. If you’re looking for stretch mark treatment that’s more likely to work, skip the cocoa butter and talk to a dermatologist instead.

What are the risks of cocoa butter?

Dr. Vij notes that there are a couple of potential risks that come with using cocoa butter on your skin:

• Acne. Cocoa butter can cause acne to flare up, especially if you’re prone to breakouts.
• Hormonal effects. A study using human breast cancer cells suggests that cocoa butter may have an anti-estrogenic effect. This means cocoa butter could potentially lower estrogen levels. If you’re concerned about products affecting your hormones, you may want to avoid cocoa butter.

Those risks aside, cocoa butter is generally safe, both to eat and use on your skin. If you’re eating it, just be sure to buy cocoa butter that’s labeled safe for consumption. If you’re using it on your skin, Dr. Vij encourages you to do a spot test first, just to make sure you don’t have an allergic reaction.

If you don’t like the smell or feel of cocoa butter on your skin but want natural skin care, try African black soap or shea butter instead. Like cocoa butter, shea butter is in many skin care products. The two butters have similar moisturizing properties, but shea butter is odorless and softer at room temperature. Source

Your Nails Help Diagnose Nutrient Deficiencies

 

Find out what your nails can tell you about your health. In this video Dr. Eric Berg DC tells us what to look for on our nails for clues of different nutritional deficiencies. The outside of the body gives you a lot of clues as to what’s going on inside. 

 

Do You Really Need a Nail Hardener?

What Is Nail Hardener?

Not to be confused with nail softeners or nail strengtheners (more on those below), “nail hardeners are short-term treatments that work to harden your nail plate — the visible part of the nail — to prevent them from splitting and breaking,” says Queenie Nguyen. Queenie Nguyen is a nail expert. Yashi Shrestha is a cosmetic chemist and the director of science and research at Novi Connect. 

How Do Nail Hardeners Work?

Keratin is a type of protein that is found in everything from your nails to your hair to your skin. “Nail hardeners work by binding the keratin protein in your nails more tightly and hardening your nail plates, making them less flexible,” says Nguyen.

Keep in mind that they're rarely considered clean. “They typically contain ingredients such as formaldehyde, toluene, calcium, and various proteins, which work to reinforce and fortify the nail bed,” says Yashi Shrestha. Ethyl acetate and methylene glycol are other bonding agents commonly found in nail hardeners. 

Who Should Be Using a Nail Hardener?

Nail hardeners are designed for those who need a quick fix to strengthen their soft, bendy nails. “Hardeners are for those who are having extreme difficulty growing out their nails, and the nail breakages are causing pain,” says Nguyen. On the other hand, nail softeners (or conditioners) are for those lacking nail moisture.

Nail strengtheners, meanwhile, are “great for someone who already has nails that are in good shape and wants to prevent brittle or unhealthy nails," she says. "Strengtheners contain ingredients like keratin, which penetrates between the nail layers to help strengthen the nail plate over a period of time."

How to Use a Nail Hardener

Using a nail hardener is pretty straightforward — they’re usually transparent or translucent and are applied just like any nail polish. “Start with clean nails, then use a nail hardener as a base coat underneath your nail polish, or it can be used alone," says Shrestha. "You can also use them with other nourishing nail care products, such as cuticle oil and moisturizer."

While you're repairing your nails, you might want to skip the polish. “Typically, you apply nail hardener once a week to encourage healthy nail growth,” adds Nguyen. 

How Long Does It Take to Work?

Consistency is key, but you don’t want to remain dependent on nail hardeners forever. “The time it takes to see the benefits of a nail hardener can vary depending on the individual and the product being used," Shrestha says. "In general, you may start to see some improvement in the strength and resilience of your nails within a few weeks of using a nail hardener regularly."

However, for long-term results, it pays to be consistent. Also, take time to scope out your nails between manicures. “I suggest looking at your nails closely to feel the difference in nail strength before slowing down the usage of the nail hardener," Nguyen says. "Use nail hardener as a short-term treatment to grow out your nails. Once they grow out, switch over to a nail strengthener to maintain and protect your nails over a longer period of time." Source

The Perfect Fall Nail Polishes For Every Skin Tone- O.P.I

Fall is calling and we’ve got every shade you need to nail sweater weather. Fall in loveeee with the top trending shades of the szn—from bold and transitional to sweet and spicy. We’re talkin’ ripe berry hues, pumpkin spice everything, and super shiny shades that give the summer sun a run for its money. 

When it comes to expressing yourself through color, there are no rules! We believe nail care is for every BODY, but if you’re looking for tips to enhance your natural skin tone, look no further. Whether you have warm, cool, or neutral undertones, this guide will help you find the perfect fall colors for every shade of hue.

Warm Skin Tones

-Intentions are Rose Gold: An iridescent pale pink that shiiiiines with positive vibes. Natural origin. Vegan ingredients. Up to 7 days of wear. -My Italian is a Little Rusty: Rust, but make it fashion! A rich earthy chestnut in our original nail polish formula. -2000 Karats: Your golden ticket to long-lasting nail polish. This metallic gold Infinite Shine hue is totally amped up. Shiniest shiiine ever. Gel-like formula. Up to 11 days of wear.

Cool Skin Tones

-Got the Blues for Red: You’ll never have the blues in this classic blue-based deep red in our best-selling Nail Lacquer formula. -Lincoln Park After Dark: xPRESS your dark side in these enchanting midnight purple pressies. A year-round best-seller you can wear again and again and again. Short, classic length. Up to 14 days of wear. -Less is Norse: A deeeep n’ sultry sea blue in our long-lasting Infinite Shine formula. It’s a true norse of nature. Shiniest shiiine ever. Gel-like formula. Up to 11 days of wear.

Neutral Skin Tones

-Tickle My France-y: Naughty-ish, but always nice. Make a mauve they’ll never forget in these iconic mauve pressies from OPI On Point. Chic squoval shape. Reusable. Up to 14 days of wear. -Leaf by Example: All goes according to plant thanks to this earthy evergreen crème. Natural origin. Vegan ingredients. Up to 7 days of wear. -MillenniYUM: Infinite Shiiiiiiine like the millennium in this turquoise metallic hue that’s soOo 2000s. Shiniest shiiine ever. Gel-like formula. Up to 11 days of wear. Source