In your forties, the natural aging process may show itself through thin, weak hair. You’re in luck because biotin can benefit your hair by promoting growth and increasing thickness. It is commonly known as the “hair, skin, and nails” vitamin. Continue reading for the breakdown on why you should incorporate biotin in your hair routine to fortify strong, healthy hair over forty.
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What is Biotin?
Biotin, part of the B-vitamins family, is also called vitamin H for “hair and skin”. The vitamin is essential in helping your body convert food into energy and to the function of the nervous system. Biotin is not stored by the body, so the vitamin must be absorbed from your diet or a supplement. It is understood that biotin supports stronger, thicker hair growth.
Furthermore, research shows that a biotin deficiency can lead to hair loss. A biotin deficiency can be caused by gastrointestinal conditions, alcohol dependency, smoking, chronic malnutrition, or a lack of biotin in parental diet during pregnancy.
Benefits of Biotin for Hair Over 40
Builds Strong, Thick Hair
Keratin is a fibrous structural protein that makes up your hair, skin and nails. Keratin forms a shield around your hair shaft, which helps your strands maintain moisture and elasticity. Biotin stimulates keratin production in hair. A healthy supply of keratin will contribute to stronger, thicker hair growth. This strength will better allow your hair to withstand damage from hot environmental conditions and heat styling.
Promotes Hair Growth
Biotin is often recommended for those struggling with slow hair growth and thin hair. Additionally, it can be found in many product formulas aimed at increasing hair growth. As you age, your hair-growth process becomes slower. Research finds that biotin can help strands grow stronger, thus they are less prone to falling out.
Used for Hair Disorders
Biotin is commonly prescribed for those struggling with hair disorders, like alopecia. Alopecia, also known as pattern-baldness, is a condition that causes hair to fall out in patches. Some studies report biotin as a vital nutrient to preserve hair strength and appearance. The vitamins association with hair growth supports its use as a hair loss prescription.
How to Incorporate Biotin into your Diet
Biotin can be added to your diet through natural food sources. Biotin is found in foods like egg yolks, wheat germ, spinach, pork, nuts, and white mushrooms. Another way to introduce biotin into your diet is through a supplement. For example, a multi-vitamin, like the one from Better Not Younger, includes biotin along with several other key nutrients for hair health.
Be mindful that an improper dosage of biotin can lead to several side effects. It is important to consult your healthcare team about your recommended intake of biotin.
Conclusion
In your 40’s a complex hair-care routine can be a drag. Not only is biotin a powerful micro-nutrient for hair health, but it is easy to work into your diet. The benefits of biotin are worth understanding as the micro-nutrient can promote hair growth and build thicker tresses.
