Have you heard of biotin? It is well worth getting to know this B vitamin, essential for keeping your nails healthy, as well as your skin and hair. What makes biotin so special among vitamins for nails? What happens if you are lacking it? How can you ensure the right intake and maximize its benefits? We answer all these questions to help you better understand the role of biotin in nail beauty.
Why biotin is essential for nails
What is biotin?
Also known as vitamin B8 or vitamin H in some countries, biotin is one of the essential vitamins your body needs to function properly. It contributes to the body’s energy metabolism and supports the following functions:
🔥It helps with energy production needed for cell activity by synthesizing amino acids, lipids, carbohydrates and proteins.
🧠It regulates the nervous system.
💅It promotes the synthesis of keratin, the protein that makes up most of the structure of nails and hair. This is why it is often called the nail and hair vitamin, with a major influence on nail growth.
The role of biotin in keratin production
Biotin B8 is what is known as a coenzyme that supports the metabolism of amino acids needed to produce two key proteins for nails:
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natural keratin, which makes up 90 percent of the nail structure and ensures its strength and resilience.
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collagen, less essential but still helpful in maintaining cell cohesion within the nail and contributing to its strength.
Biotin therefore has a direct impact on nail growth mechanisms and keratin quality. Thanks to it, nails can grow steadily and remain strong and smooth. This makes it a star ingredient in nail supplements and strengthening treatments.
Biotin, an essential vitamin for strong and healthy nails.
Biotin deficiency, what effects on nails?
The effects of a lack of biotin are most visible on nails and hair. Here are the warning signs to look out for:
Slower growth
Lower intake of vitamin B8 disrupts the proper functioning of the nail matrix, leading to slower nail growth. Without enough fuel, nails cannot grow as they should. The keratin produced is weaker and the layers do not bind together as well. The result is a weakened keratin structure that can lead to unwanted side effects.
Soft, brittle or splitting nails
When keratin is compromised, nails gradually lose their strength, bend, break more easily or split at the free edge. Soft, brittle or splitting nails can be frustrating, especially as they affect how well your favorite polish lasts, often chipping within days. However, the effects of a biotin deficiency are not inevitable. Simple solutions exist to restore strong, radiant nails. With a little patience and a good care routine, your nails can recover beautifully.
When lacking biotin, nails become soft, thin and brittle.
How to ensure sufficient biotin intake?
Foods rich in biotin
The main source of biotin is your diet. Like other vitamins and minerals, a balanced diet helps ensure your body gets everything it needs to function properly. Foods rich in biotin include:
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Cooked eggs, especially the yolk, liver and organ meats, and oily fish are excellent sources of vitamin B8, provided they are cooked gently to preserve nutrients.
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Nuts such as almonds, walnuts and hazelnuts, legumes like lentils, chickpeas and beans, as well as brewer’s yeast and whole grains such as oats, spelt and buckwheat are good alternatives, though less concentrated in biotin.
There is plenty of variety to suit most dietary preferences. However, certain conditions such as pregnancy, hormonal imbalance or prolonged stress can increase needs or reduce absorption of vitamin B8. In these cases, supplements can be a helpful solution to avoid deficiency.
Add biotin to your plate with cooked eggs, whole grains and nuts.
(@njyac)
Supplement courses
When diet alone is not enough, biotin rich supplements can help restore weakened nails. Our supplements Nail Boost have been formulated specifically for this purpose.
Enriched with vitamin A, B vitamins and vitamin C, as well as minerals such as zinc, copper, magnesium and selenium, brewer’s yeast, plant based keratin and blueberry extract, they work from within to support growth and strengthen the keratin structure. You can tailor your course depending on your needs:
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For an intensive treatment on soft or damaged nails: 2 capsules per day for 3 months.
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For daily maintenance and to boost nail vitality: 1 capsule per day for 2 months.
Nail Boost supplements, perfect for restoring biotin levels and regenerating nails from within.
Practical tips to maximize the benefits of biotin on nails
Once you have supported your body from within, it is time to act on the outside to repair damage caused by deficiency and enhance your nail care routine.
Repair your nails with targeted strengthening care
Soft nails or brittle nails, unsure which applies to you? A quick diagnosis can help. Find out in just a few clicks with our online diagnosis and discover the right routine for your needs:
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With the Starter Soft Nails routine, strengthen your nails in just 2 weeks with a treatment combining a hardening care product, the Nail Strengthening Serum, a nourishing oil, the Nourishing Cuticle Oil, and a treatment base, the Strengthening Base.
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The Starter Brittle and Splitting Nails routine helps repair and regenerate damaged nails. The ideal combination is a 2 week course using Nail Strengthening Serum, Nourishing Cuticle Oil and the S.O.S. Mask for intensive hydration.
For lasting and visible results, combine supplements with revitalizing nail care.
Hydrate and protect your nails from daily stress
To maintain strong and healthy nails, we recommend adopting a few simple habits alongside a balanced diet:
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Moisturize your cuticles regularly. These small areas of skin protect the nail matrix. Take care of them by massaging a few drops of Nourishing Cuticle Oil every day. A small step with big benefits.
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Wear gloves for household tasks when exposing your nails to hot water or chemicals, as keratin does not respond well to these.
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Adopt a gentle and long lasting manicure routine. Choose plant based nail polish formulas such as Green™ polish and Green Flash™ which can be removed gently, without filing or acetone, to avoid damaging the nail plate.
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Schedule a care break between manicures. Give your nails time to recover with nourishing treatments that help maintain their natural balance. Active™ treatment polishes are perfect for strengthening and enhancing your nails at the same time.
Hydration, protection and gentle manicures are key to keeping your nails looking their best.
As you can see, biotin is not something to overlook. This vitamin B8 plays a key role in keratin production, allowing nails to grow steadily and become more resilient. Whether through a varied diet or with the help of supplements, the health and beauty of your nails depend on your biotin intake. Combined with a consistent care routine and protective habits, the benefits of biotin build over time for results that are both lasting and visible ✨🧬
