Collagen vs. biotin for the skin and hair
Collagen is a protein and component in connective tissue in the body, while biotin is a vitamin. Both play important roles in the health of the skin and hair.
Biotin (Vitamin B7) vitamin H
Biotin supports your skin, hair, and eye health, as well as plays a role in other body functions and pregnancy.
Also known as vitamin H, biotin is one of the B complex vitamins that help the body convert food into energy.
The word “biotin” comes from the ancient Greek word “biotos,” which means “life” or “sustenance.” B vitamins, and specifically biotin, help keep your skin, hair, eyes, liver, and nervous system healthy. Biotin is also a crucial nutrientTrusted Source during pregnancy, as it’s important for embryonic growth.
Most people get the biotin they need from eating a healthy diet, but there have been many claims that getting more biotin can regulate your blood sugar, promote healthy hair, skin, and nails, and help pregnant moms have healthier babies.
Because it’s water-soluble, extra biotin will simply pass through your body when you urinate. While most people can handle biotin supplements, some people report mild side effects like nausea and digestive issues. There are no known toxicity symptoms associated with too much biotin.
Many foods contain some biotin. Foods that contain the most biotin include organ meats, eggs, fish, meat, seeds, nuts, and certain vegetables (such as sweet potatoes) The biotin content of food can vary; for example, plant variety and season can affect the biotin content of cereal grains, and certain processing techniques (e.g., canning) can reduce the biotin content of foods.
Biotin (Vitamin B7)
Benefits for Hair, Nails & Skin:
Hair: Helps strengthen hair, reduces hair fall, and promotes growth.
Nails: Prevents brittleness, making nails stronger and less prone to breaking.
Skin: Supports hydration, prevents dryness, and may help manage acne.
Collagen
is a protein that helps form the extracellular matrix. This matrix gives skin its shape and structure. The body naturally makes its own collagen, but as a person ages, production slows down. Collagen in the skin begins to break down at a faster rate than the body can produce it.
This can result in the skin losing elasticity and firmness. Loss of collagen plays a role in the development of thinner skin and wrinkles.
One of the key of biotin deficiency is hair loss.
Supplementing with biotin may reduce hair loss in people with this condition.
Biotin may also work to help regrow hair.
For example, in a small 2021 study of 156 females who had weight loss surgery, 72% reported hair loss. 22 people had biotin deficiency and took 1,000 micrograms (mcg) of biotin per day for 3 months. Of these, five people (23%) reported a significant decline in hair loss.
An additional 29 people without biotin deficiency chose to take 1,000 mcg of biotin per day. Of this group, 11 people (38%) reported significant declines in hair loss.
If a person has a biotin deficiency, taking biotin may improve the health of their skin. Otherwise, collagen can be a better option as there is more evidence to suggest it helps improve the skin’s appearance.
A 2019 systematic reviewTrusted Source of prior studies on oral collagen supplements supports the idea that collagen may improve skin health. The review included 11 studies with 805 participants.
In eight studies of collagen hydrolysate, researchers found evidence that collagen might improve skin aging, cellulite, skin dryness, and ulcers.
Is it okay to take both biotin and collagen?
Yes. For people who want to improve the health of the skin and hair, taking both may be the best option.
