Nowadays, you can create a skincare program tailored to your specific needs. Regardless of whether your skincare products are designed for sensitive skin types, extreme hydration, or anti-inflammatory effects, a variety of active substances work hard to maintain the health of your skin barrier and keep your skin smooth and soft. 

Beauty begins from within and Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B5) as well as Biotin (Vitamin B7) are powerful ingredients that have been shown to help retain moisture, treat acne, and have anti-aging effects. These B-complex vitamins work together to strengthen your hair, nourish your skin, and give you that natural glow. Let’s break down how they work their magic.

What is Biotin?

Biotin, also known as the “beauty vitamin,” is a water-soluble vitamin essential for converting food into energy. But it’s best known for its role in supporting hair growth, skin health, and strong nails. It is also responsible for promoting the creation of keratin, a protein that forms the structure of your hair. Foods including eggs, nuts, seeds, and some vegetables naturally contain biotin. (1)

The Role of Biotin in Skin and Hair Health

• Promotes Hair Growth and Strength

Biotin supports the production of keratin, the protein that forms the structure of hair strands. It may help prolong the anagen phase, which is the longest growing phase of the hair growth cycle. Biotin is essential for the proper functioning of sebaceous glands, which produce natural oils that keep the skin hydrated and healthy; in essence, adequate biotin levels help regulate oil production by these glands, preventing excessive dryness or oiliness on the skin. Biotin plays a key role in supporting hair health, it may help improve growth, reduce thinning, and strengthen brittle hair, making it less prone to breakage. (2 & 3)

• Nourishes Dry, Flaky Skin

Biotin deficiency can lead to dry, irritated, and flaky skin. Biotin creates fatty acids that nourish the skin to keep a clear complexion, much like it does for your hair. Dry and dehydrated skin can appear when the skin’s outermost layer is out of balance. Biotin promotes the growth of new cells and the healthy operation of oil glands, which keeps the skin in good condition. In this way, by supporting fatty acid metabolism, biotin helps keep your skin hydrated, soft, and supple. (1 & 4)

• Boosts Nail Health

Though not directly related to skin and hair, biotin is also known for strengthening brittle nails, which is often a sign of overall nutrient deficiency. Nails grow from the nail matrix, which is a section of the nail bed where new cells proliferate and push the current nail plate forward. Biotin helps the nails grow longer and healthier by promoting keratin synthesis. Sufficient amounts of biotin provide the best possible generation of keratin, which serves as the building block for nails. As a result, nails become stronger and more resilient and are less likely to break or get damaged. (5)

What is Pantothenic Acid?

Pantothenic acid is a provitamin and also part of the B-vitamin family, and is commonly known as Vitamin B5. It helps your body produce energy by breaking down fats and carbohydrates and plays a significant role in the synthesis of coenzyme A (CoA), which is critical for healthy skin barrier function and hair strength. Coenzyme A plays a crucial role in numerous metabolic processes that support life. Additionally, the biological activity of a number of proteins, notably the acyl-carrier protein involved in fatty acid synthesis, depends on the phosphopantetheine moiety of coenzyme A.

Pantothenic acid is ubiquitous and is widely present in a large variety of foods, both plant and animal, making it readily available in most diets. Therefore, a deficiency is rare unless there is severe malnutrition. (6)

The Role of Pantothenic Acid in Skin and Hair Health

• Supports a Healthy Skin Barrier

A good skin barrier is one of the most important prerequisites for having clear, radiant, and problem-free skin. However, a compromised skin barrier is less effective in protecting your skin from free radicals brought on by several environmental pollutants. Furthermore, a compromised skin barrier leaves your skin more susceptible to harm, which in turn leads to acne. Pantothenic acid helps maintain your skin’s protective barrier by supporting the production of coenzyme A. It also works as a humectant and reduces the amount of moisture lost from the skin into the environment. Because well-hydrated skin is synonymous with healthy, problem-free skin, pantothenic acid is also very effective at reducing acne. (7)

• Reduces Acne and Blemishes

Vitamin B5 helps regulate sebum (oil) production in the skin. Although the primary component of Pantothen is pantothenic acid, several additional vitamins may also play a role in a synergistic mode of action. This could contain L-carnitine, which has been demonstrated lately to decrease sebum output in a human sebaceous cell line, and/or the B-complex vitamins. Since excessive sebum is a primary factor in acne formation, reducing sebum production can help lessen the appearance of acne scars by preventing fresh outbreaks that could potentially lead to further scarring while improving overall skin texture. (8 & 9)

• Strengthens Hair Follicles

Deficiency of Vitamin B5 can lead to hair fall and greying of hair. Pantothenic acid promotes the release of cells that are involved in the hair growth cycle, resulting in increased hair growth. By improving blood circulation and nutrient absorption in the scalp, pantothenic acid helps strengthen hair follicles, promoting healthier, shinier hair. (10)

Biotin and Pantothenic Acid: A Power Duo

When combined, biotin and pantothenic acid offer comprehensive support for skin and hair health. While biotin improves keratin production and hydration, pantothenic acid reduces acne and strengthens the skin barrier. Together, they ensure that your hair grows stronger and your skin glows brighter.

Biotin and pantothenic acid are essential for growth. They facilitate the body’s digestion and utilization of meals, which we refer to as metabolism. They are both necessary to produce fatty acids.

Additionally, pantothenic acid is involved in the synthesis of cholesterol and hormones. It also aids in the conversion of pyruvate, a material necessary for numerous bodily metabolic processes.

Ways to Incorporate Biotin and Pantothenic Acid in Your Diet

You can get these vitamins through a balanced diet that includes:

• Foods rich in biotin: Eggs, almonds, sweet potatoes, spinach, and avocados.
• Foods rich in pantothenic acid: Whole grains, mushrooms, chicken, lentils, and broccoli.

For those struggling to get enough from food alone, supplementation is a convenient option.