The term beauty vitamin refers to both vitamin C and biotin due to their effective roles in enhancing skin radiance and the health of hair and nails.
What is the beauty vitamin and its components?
This term does not refer to a single element, but rather describes a group of vitamins for glowing skin and overall health:
- Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid): A water-soluble antioxidant that helps produce collagen—essential for skin elasticity and bone growth—and protects cells from damage.
- Biotin (Vitamin B7): Part of the B-vitamin group, it contributes to the synthesis of the protein keratin and supports metabolic processes that convert food into energy.
Vitamin C benefits for face and skin
Vitamin C improves the appearance of the skin through several mechanisms:
- Evening Skin Tone: It reduces the secretion of melanin pigment, which lightens dark spots.
- Anti-Aging: It reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and prevents skin sagging.
- Hydration and Protection: It maintains skin moisture, reduces dark circles, and protects against sun damage.
- Repair: It accelerates wound healing and reduces scars.
Regarding hair, it helps maintain natural or dyed color and reduces breakage thanks to its role in collagen production and iron absorption.
The impact of biotin on health and beauty
Biotin contributes to improving aesthetic and health aspects as follows:
- Hair and Nails: It treats nail brittleness and breakage, and helps promote hair growth in those suffering from loss due to a deficiency in this vitamin.
- Skin: It may help treat skin inflammations and scaly red rashes around the nose, mouth, and eyes.
- General Health: It helps regulate blood sugar for people with diabetes, supports fetal growth during pregnancy, and contributes to the production of the protective myelin sheath for nerves in patients with multiple sclerosis at doses up to 300 mg daily.
How to use a beauty vitamin serum for skin
When using a vitamin C serum topically, consider the following:
- Concentration: It is preferable to range between 10% and 20%, as higher percentages may cause skin irritation.
- Sensitivity Test: Apply a small amount to a hidden area, such as the forearm, for 24 hours before using it on the face.
- Application Method: Wash the face thoroughly, then apply the serum (once or twice daily, or every 8 hours according to some recommendations), followed by a moisturizer.
Nutritional sources and causes of vitamin deficiency
Natural Sources
- Vitamin C: Found in citrus fruits, oranges, kiwi, mango, strawberries, broccoli, spinach, and parsley.
- Biotin: Found in egg yolks, nuts, liver, kidneys, whole grains, bananas, and mushrooms.
Causes of vitamin deficiency and prevention
Deficiencies result from poor nutrition, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, or during periods of pregnancy and breastfeeding.
- Symptoms of Vitamin C deficiency: These include fatigue, general weakness, and scurvy, which causes bleeding gums and joint pain.
- Symptoms of Biotin deficiency: These may appear as a skin rash or an abnormal distribution of fat on the face.
FAQ
What is known as beauty vitamin and why?
Vitamin C and biotin are often called the beauty vitamin because they directly support the structural proteins of the skin, hair, and nails. Vitamin C also helps hydrate the area around the eyes, reducing dark circles.
Does biotin fill in hair?
Yes, it can help promote hair growth if the cause of loss or thinning is a biotin deficiency in the body.
What is the daily required amount of vitamin C?
Men require 90 mg daily, while women require 75 mg daily.
When to visit a doctor?
Consult a specialist in the following cases:
- Appearance of redness or skin irritation when using topical products.
- Feeling extreme fatigue or the appearance of scurvy symptoms.
- The desire to take biotin supplements during pregnancy to avoid high doses that may harm the fetus.
- When seeking treatment for hair loss to determine the exact cause before starting supplements.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice.
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Illustration: AI-generated
approved by: Medica Health team