If you’re new to supplements but want to prioritize your health over 40 and find something that can be a great asset to your anti-aging beauty routine, look no further. We checked in with dermatologists, hair and skincare experts and asked them to detail what vitamin (in their opinion) is the most essential for healthier nails, skin and hair and why women over 40 should welcome it into their diet through specific foods and additional supplements. (Keep in mind that this supplement will only deliver these effects if you are already consuming a balanced diet, drinking enough water, exercising regularly and sticking to a consistent sleep schedule). Read on for tips and suggestions from Ghanima Abdullah, hair expert and cosmetologist at The Right Hairstyles and Ksenia Sobchak, dermatologist and skincare expert at Loxa Beauty.
The Importance of Vitamin B7 (Biotin) After 40
As we age, our body naturally produces less vitamin B7 (biotin) which is known to strengthen nails, provide moisture to skin and to the hair as well. Sobchak explains that her research established that a vitamin B7 deficiency could be one reason why you are noticing weaker nails, drier or duller skin and thinning or flatter hair.
“As a skincare expert, I discovered vitamin deficiencies are one of the health issues that are more likely to catch up with you when you turn 40,” she says. “My research established that the common deficiencies for this age group include Vitamin B7 (biotin), Vitamin D, Vitamin C, and iron.” When your vitamin B7 stores run low, she notes, your nail, hair, and skin health are more likely to be affected. “This shows vitamin B7 is the most important for women over 40 craving stronger nails, shinier hair, and clear skin,” she stresses.
“Let's now look at the impact of vitamin B7 on the nails, hair, and skin,” Sobchak continues. Biotin, she says, is often heralded as the “best cure” for broken nails since the vitamin improves nail strength, preventing splitting and breaking. As for hair, she says that a biotin deficiency can cause hair loss, which shows how powerful it is for healthier locks. “Since people over 40 are more likely to become biotin deficient, taking the vitamin from foods or supplements is a sure way of achieving healthy hair,” she says. Apart from these supplements, B7 or biotin is often found in egg yolks, legumes, nuts, seeds, etc.
In terms of skin health, a vitamin B7 deficiency can cause red, scaly rashes, Sobchak points out. “Integrating the vitamin into your daily life rebuilds the mucous membranes of your skin, alleviating the aforementioned skin issue.” Abdullah agrees, and adds that biotin is “a building block for keratin,” which is also used by the hair, skin and nails. “Having sufficient biotin in the body contributes to longer, stronger, shinier hair and nails and better skin elasticity,” she concludes.
