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It’s time to get real about beauty supplements.
There are a lot of pills and powders you can take that will, supposedly, give you the thick, shiny hair, clear and radiant skin, and steel-strong nails of your dreams. Some of these pills cost a pretty penny, too.
But before you go spending three paychecks on supplements, it’s really important to remember this isn’t a business that is regulated well. You may wind up purchasing a jar of lovely plant extracts that won’t harm you, but won’t do very much to improve the health of your hair, skin, or nails, either. And there’s another problem that many experts say we’re ignoring: unless you actually have a vitamin or mineral deficiency, there’s no proof that taking more of a supplement than your body needs will actually work.
Despite all of this, there is one mineral that continues to pop up on every dermatologist and health expert’s radar when it comes to hair, skin, and nails: biotin.
“If nothing shows up after appropriate testing, because we don’t have a good blood test to detect biotin deficiency, it might be worthwhile to try a supplement for three months,” says Marvin M. Lipman, M.D., Consumer Reports’ chief medical adviser. “Since biotin supplements can interfere with thyroid testing, make your doctor aware.”
We’re not saying there aren’t plenty of natural extracts and oils that may help promote healthier hair, skin, and nails, but since biotin continues to prove the leading star in this category of supplements, here are four of the most popular hair, skin, and nails supplements that contain biotin.
Nature's Bounty Extra Strength Hair, Skin & Nails ($9.89)
With a potent 5,000 mcg of biotin, as well as hydrating hyaluronic acid and free radical-destroying antioxidants like vitamin C and E, this hair, skin, and nails supplement is one of the most popular on the market. These pills are even infused with argan oil for additional moisturizing benefits. Many reviewers swear that these supplements help impart shine and strength in dry, brittle hair and nails and that their parched skin seems more hydrated.
Sports Research Biotin ($14.95)
This biotin supplement stands out from the rest and has become a best-seller with more than 7,000 reviews. This non-GMO supplement contains 5000 mcg of biotin formulated in cold-pressed coconut oil for easier and more effective absorption.
Vitafusion Gorgeous Hair, Skin & Nails Multivitamin ($9.00-$39.40)
More than just a biotin supplement, these multivitamin gummies contain extra biotin for healthy hair, skin, and nails, but they also have vitamins A, C, D, B6, and B12. This is the ideal supplement for anyone who wants to take one all-inclusive vitamin that promotes gorgeous skin, hair, and nails and good health.
Nature's Truth Hair, Skin & Nails ($12.30)
This hair, skin, and nails supplement is packed with 5000 mcg of biotin, but also contains a wealth of moisturizing ingredients like argan oil, coconut oil, and even collagen, which is said to repair skin and keep it firm and healthy. Reviewers say they noticed considerable changes in their hair, skin, and especially nails after taking this supplement for several weeks. Some even posted impressive before and after photos of their brittle-turned-strong-and-long nails. But be patient: it can take up to three months to notice any changes.
For more tips on supplements, check out 4 Vitamins you should be taking for clear skin and 4 Supplements you should take for thinning hair on SHEFinds.com.
