TLDR Biotin supplements can improve certain skin disorders and hair loss when a deficiency is present.
The document from October 1, 2019, reviewed the role of biotin, a vitamin B, in treating common skin disorders associated with biotin deficiency. Biotin deficiency, which can be congenital or acquired due to conditions like inflammatory bowel disorders, a diet rich in avidin, magnesium deficiency, smoking, and certain treatments, can lead to skin disorders. The review found that biotin administration could improve hair loss treatment when a deficiency is detected through patient history, clinical examination, and serum biotin levels. Biotin was also found to be effective in treating seborrheic dermatitis and comedonal acne, especially when used with topical retinoids for acne, as it helps control flaking and irritation. The document emphasized that biotin has excellent tolerability and no risk of hypervitaminosis, even with high doses, but its administration should be controlled by physicians and follow a medical diagnosis and prescription.
134 citations,
December 2018 in “Dermatology and Therapy” Some vitamins and minerals like vitamin D and iron can help with certain types of hair loss, but more research is needed for others.
16 citations,
February 2017 in “Dermatology and Therapy” The new visual scale is a quick and effective way to measure hair loss in women.
78 citations,
January 2017 in “Skin appendage disorders” Biotin supplements may improve hair and nail growth in people with certain deficiencies or conditions, but there's not enough evidence to recommend it for healthy individuals.
71 citations,
January 2016 in “International Journal of Trichology” Biotin deficiency is not a major cause of hair loss in women, so biotin supplements are not likely to be an effective hair loss treatment.
32 citations,
April 2015 in “British Journal of Dermatology” The hair shedding scale accurately identifies abnormal hair shedding in women with long hair, with grades 5 and 6 indicating excessive shedding.
70 citations,
June 2010 in “Clinics in Dermatology” Certain groups may need vitamin supplements to improve hair health and prevent other health problems.
40 citations,
May 2010 in “Australasian Journal of Dermatology” Chronic hair shedding may be caused by less variation in hair growth times and might stop on its own after several years.
22 citations,
September 2008 in “Brain & development” Biotin supplements increased biotin levels but did not significantly prevent hair loss in rats on valproic acid.
75 citations,
October 1996 in “Dermatologic Clinics” Chronic Telogen Effluvium is a hair loss condition in middle-aged women that usually doesn't lead to complete baldness.
November 2019 in “Harper's Textbook of Pediatric Dermatology” The document is a detailed medical reference on skin and genetic disorders.
14 citations,
April 2014 in “Medical Clinics of North America” The document concludes that quick referral and appropriate treatments are crucial for managing common skin conditions and preventing permanent damage.
January 2017 in “Springer eBooks” The document explains various skin conditions and their treatments.
4 citations,
January 2023 in “Frontiers in Medicine” Zinc is important for skin health, and supplements can help treat various skin and hair disorders, but more research is needed for conditions like psoriasis and vitiligo.
1 citations,
August 2013 in “Springer eBooks” Birth control pills and anti-androgen medications help manage hair growth, acne, and hair loss in women with PCOS.
