Biotin might be needed only in tiny amounts, but it has earned a big reputation in the beauty industry.
Found in everything from hair supplements to collagen drinks, this essential B vitamin is closely associated with healthy skin and hair.
However, its benefits go much further, helping your body process nutrients, release energy from food, and maintain normal nervous system function.
But what is biotin actually good for? Can it give your skin and hair the support they need, and should you take biotin or collagen?
Let’s look at why this small but mighty vitamin deserves a place in your daily wellness routine.
How Does Biotin Support the Body?
Biotin is a water-soluble B vitamin, also known as vitamin B7. Your body needs it in small amounts to function normally.
It helps enzymes process carbohydrates, fats and proteins from food, allowing your body to use these nutrients effectively.
Biotin also supports normal energy-yielding metabolism and normal nervous system function.
As a water-soluble vitamin, the body does not store biotin in large amounts. You can get it through your diet, from small amounts produced by bacteria in the bowel, or from a daily supplement.
Is Biotin Good For Skin?
The body relies on a range of vitamins, minerals, fats, proteins and other nutrients to keep the skin functioning as it should, and biotin forms part of this nutritional support by helping your body process the macronutrients it receives from food.
Low biotin levels can sometimes affect the skin, causing symptoms such as a dry or scaly rash.
Deficiency is uncommon, but getting enough biotin helps the body maintain healthy skin.
What Are the Benefits of Biotin for Hair?
Biotin helps maintain normal hair health, which is why it has become such a popular ingredient in hair supplements.
A biotin deficiency can cause thinning hair or hair loss, so correcting an identified deficiency can make an important difference to normal hair health.
However, hair changes aren't always caused by a lack of biotin, so it’s important to understand the cause.
Hormonal changes, menopause, stress, age, genetics, fast weight loss, illness and other nutritional deficiencies can all affect the condition and growth of your hair.
Taking additional biotin isn't guaranteed to make hair grow faster, especially if you already get enough, but its recognised role is supporting normal hair maintenance, making it a useful part of a balanced hair and wellness routine.
Does Biotin Support Your Nails?
Biotin is commonly found in supplements designed for the hair, skin and nails - including ours!
Some studies have linked biotin supplementation with improvements in brittle or splitting nails, although the available research remains limited.
Nail strength can also be influenced by your diet, health, environment and the products you use on your hands.
What Is Biotin Good For Beyond the Skin, Hair and Nails?
Although biotin is often promoted for its beauty benefits, it also plays other important roles in the body.
Supporting Normal Energy Metabolism
Biotin contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism. It helps the body process nutrients from food so they can be used in normal energy-producing processes.
This doesn’t mean that biotin acts like a stimulant or provides an instant burst of energy; instead, it works behind the scenes, supporting the reactions your body carries out every day.
Helping the Body Process Macronutrients
Carbohydrates, proteins and fats are known as macronutrients. Your body needs to break them down before it can use them for energy, growth and normal tissue maintenance.
Biotin contributes to normal macronutrient metabolism, helping the body process these key nutrients effectively.
Supporting the Nervous System
Biotin supports normal nervous system function, which carries messages between the brain and the rest of the body.
It also contributes to normal psychological function. These recognised benefits show that biotin’s role reaches beyond the hair and skin.
Supporting the Mucous Membranes
Biotin contributes to the maintenance of normal mucous membranes. These protective layers line areas including the mouth, nose and digestive system.
This may not be the benefit most commonly associated with beauty supplements, but it is another important part of biotin’s role in the body.
Which Foods Contain Biotin?
Biotin is naturally present in a varied range of foods. These include eggs, fish, meat, nuts, seeds, legumes, soya beans, mushrooms, sweet potatoes, broccoli, avocado and some fortified cereals
A supplement can provide a convenient way to include a consistent amount of biotin alongside other complementary nutrients.
Should I Take Biotin or Collagen?
Biotin and collagen have different roles, which is why we’ve included both in Arella Collagen.
Biotin is a vitamin that helps maintain normal skin and hair. It also supports normal metabolism, nervous system function and more.
Collagen is a structural protein found throughout the body, including in the skin, bones and connective tissues. Your body produces collagen using amino acids, but this natural production changes as you age.
If you want to maintain normal hair and skin, biotin can support these areas. If you also want to support your body’s collagen production, a collagen supplement provides a different type of nutritional support.
With Arella, you don’t have to choose - you’ll get collagen, biotin, and other essential nutrients in one daily shot.
Support Your Skin and Hair With Arella Collagen
Why choose between biotin and collagen support when you can get both in one simple daily shot?
Arella Collagen combines VeCollal®, our plant-based collagen alternative, with biotin to help maintain normal skin, hair and nails.
You’ll also get vegan hyaluronic acid, Selenium, Panax ginseng and other complementary nutrients in every sweet Japanese plum-flavoured sachet.
Completely vegan and ready to enjoy without diluting, Arella Collagen makes it easy to support your skin, hair and overall wellbeing from within.
Shop Arella Collagen and make it part of your daily routine.
Don’t forget to take a look at our other wellbeing products here.
FAQs
Can You Take Biotin and Collagen Together?
Yes. Biotin and collagen have different functions and can be taken together. Arella Collagen combines biotin with VeCollal®, vitamin C, vegan hyaluronic acid and other complementary ingredients in one daily supplement.
Is Biotin Safe to Take Every Day?
You can take biotin daily when you follow the recommended serving instructions. Seek medical advice if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or managing a health condition.
What Should You Look for in a Biotin Supplement?
Look at the complete formula rather than focusing only on the amount of biotin. Choose a supplement that supports your goals, fits easily into your routine and meets your dietary requirements. If you follow a vegan diet, check that the finished product is vegan.
