Acne, a bane to many of our existence, has been around since we first started going through puberty some odd years ago. We were told by our parents that eventually with the passage of time our pimples will fade, and for some that’s true, but for others it doesn’t go away. In fact, because of how our body’s chemistry changes, the methods we used to treat acne may not be as effective as we age. Therein lies the question, what can we do about ever-persistent acne that seems to stick around no matter what we do?
We look towards outward solutions, scouring the internet, seeking answers on Reddit forums; and with that you may have seen the name biotin come up. If you’re at all familiar with biotin, the supplement that’s known to promote healthy hair, nails, and skin, you may have heard it can be used to treat acne. But is that really the case? Does biotin help with acne? We’re here to breakdown:
- What is biotin?
- Does biotin help with acne?
- The benefits and possible downsides of taking biotin
- Additional ways to help your acne
Dr. Emil knows that everyone’s body is different, what works for some, may not work for others. It’s all about finding the right balance for you. So keep that in mind as you read on about biotin and its effects on acne-prone skin.
Recap: What is Biotin?
Biotin, also called vitamin B7 or H, is a vitamin that’s most commonly found in foods like fish, nuts, bananas, certain veggies like sweet potatoes and mushrooms, and eggs. Biotin effectively helps your body break down fats and carbohydrates, amongst other metabolic bodily processes. It’s a small but mighty resource for creating glucose and fatty acids which in turn makes energy for you to get up, work, exercise, and spend time with family and friends.
Most individuals will get their body's needed “dose” of biotin just through everyday meals, as it is only really needed in small amounts; and although uncommon, there are some reported cases of biotin deficiency, often discovered through red rashes on the face, fatigue, a “burning” pain in the hands and feet, thinning hair, and more. The best way to see if you are dealing with a biotin deficiency is talking to your doctor about your symptoms to see if taking the biotin supplement is right for you.
Though some say they notice an improvement in their own hair, skin, and nails taking biotin supplements and it is conclusive that as long as you don’t exceed your daily dosage of the vitamin you can take it to possibly improve your hair, skin, and nail’s strength.
If you’re on TikTok or Instagram reels then there’s a good chance you’ve seen biotin being used as a supplement to help prevent hair loss, and while in that specific case there is not enough evidence, to prove that fact, many look to biotin’s other main draw: improving skin health.
Does Biotin Help with Acne?
The short answer: No, there is not enough studies and proven evidence to link biotin to helping acne.
The longer answer you’re looking for: As of right now there is little scientific evidence to prove that biotin helps with acne. The “benefit” has much more to do with pantothenic acid (also known as vitamin B5). Pantothenic acid plays a key part in the formation of your epidermal skin barrier which is the outermost layer of your skin which is one of the biggest fighting forces of acne on the skin.
But why? Well, fun fact, the pathway vitamin B5 takes through your body is the same path biotin takes which means it might interfere with the other causing inefficiency, possibly leading to more acne breakouts. Think of it like trying to squeeze on the same bus seat with someone that has a big guitar seat next to them, you can still sit down, your butt just might not be totally on the seat which makes for a bumpy ride.
Although there is no general consensus as to if biotin helps or hinders acne due to the lack of case studies, there is still some research out there that proves biotin can help with specific types of acne.
Acne comes in all different shapes and sizes, you’ll know from waking up in the morning and looking in the mirror what kind of skin week this will be when you see specific types of acne say hello from the reflection. The small groups of evidence we have for biotin helping lessen/get rid of acne is for comedonal acne. Comedonal acne is the skin-colored bumps that come in batches usually most commonly found on the forehead or the chin:
Comedonal acne is caused when there is excess sebum production, sebum is an oily substance made from your sebaceous glands. Most of the time it protects your skin and keeps it from drying out, but sometimes your body can make too much of it and it can get jumbled up in small central areas on your face which leads to it getting trapped, creating comedonal acne.
Acne Fact: Comedonal acne may most commonly look like the above picture, but there are many different types of comedonal acne, you may get them as white or blackheads, it may not always be “skin colored” bumps.
There was a study done where adult participants who have acne took biotin orally and topically as a cream and saw improvements in their acne after 12 weeks. But not only biotin was used in this study, other vitamins and supplements were used in addition to, so if you’re looking to biotin as a cure-all for your comedonal acne then you may need to pair it with other recommended supplements to really see a change. It’s also good to know that taking biotin with a meal and water is recommended so you see the full effects it has on the body.
The Benefits and Potential Downsides of Taking Biotin
As we said towards the top of this post, all bodies are different, and we know from the numerous cases online and from family and friends in-person you might experience the intended bonuses to taking biotin that others may not.
The benefits:
Biotin itself is an essential part to your metabolic process, so having it in your routine either through foods or through an extra source like a supplement is paramount to maintaining a healthy digestive and nervous system.
Many swear to its powers of hair growth, skin, and nail care, but as we’ve learned that is not exactly conclusive with any formative scientific studies as of right now, so take those accounts with a skeptical eye before solely relying on the possible strengthening powers.
The downsides:
Those who are taking certain medications, are pregnant or nursing, under 18, or have specific medical conditions should not take a biotin supplement. For those who none of this applies to there are no reports of any adverse side effects taking up to 10 milligrams a day.
But you can take too much biotin and those side effects can look like the following:
- Digestive issues like nausea, cramping, or diarrhea
- Allergic reactions like a rash
- A sudden increase in acne that’s unusual to your monthly cycles
If you find yourself with a biotin deficiency or wanting to see if you are amongst those that reap the benefits of supporting hair growth, skin, and nail health then you’ll want to get it through a reputable vendor.
Many seem to stop taking supplements because they “aren’t working fast enough” and in the day and age, impatience has run rampant which means the faster something works for someone, the more likely they are to continue using it to improve their overall health.
This dietary supplement has vitamin D which aids calcium absorption and the capsules make it so you’ll see if those case-positives are conclusive to your own body. Biotin and collagen together are a super-blend for a brighter and more youthful appearance. While vitamin D and collagen are a powerful combination for our overall strength and mobility.
It is important for anyone who’s considering taking any kind of supplement or vitamin, not just biotin, to talk to your doctor or a trusted healthcare professional. Even more so if you are already taking a medication that could directly influence said supplement. By consulting a professional they can take in account current or future blood tests and give you the best advice on dosages tailored to your specific needs.
Additional Ways to Help Your Acne
Skin is tricky, everyone reacts to products and formulas differently, so although there may be popular products that work for a specific subsection of the population; you may find yourself in the minority where that product doesn’t necessarily work for you.
If we can impart you with any wisdom when it comes to building up a formidable repertoire against acne, we’d tell you to treat specific types of acne differently. There are so many kinds of acne, we saw from talking briefly about comedonal acne, that it can look and feel wildly different person to person, or even on the same face.
- For whiteheads, irritated, and open pimples your best bet to getting that gunk out of there without inflaming the area further is to use a pimple patch. You can find them online or at your local pharmacy/retailer. Putting them on as instructed on the box can lead to faster healing, with less of a chance for scars.
- For acne nodules, cystic, and closed pimples you’ll want to clean your hands, use Salicylic Acid wipes, and break out your Benzoyl Peroxide and Adapalene creams that you can get over the counter. Making sure to clean the pimple before putting on creams is key to battling it efficiently. Touching your face with dirty hands excessively is the easiest way to hinder your healing process. This type of acne doesn’t need pimple patches.
General Tips and Tricks:
- Drink water, it’s a cliche but it’s a cliche for a reason and that’s because it works. Water helps by keeping your skin hydrated which prevents excess oil through excessive dryness. It reduces inflammation and speeds up the healing process.
- Eat certain foods, funnily enough those biotin-rich foods we mentioned when we went over what biotin is are foods great for cleaner skin. Eating clean and avoiding dairy, chocolate, and fried food can really improve your skin's health.
- Wash your face every morning and night, by keeping your skin clean with cleanser that works for your skin type you’ll reduce acne risk.
- Use products that are non-comedogenic and won’t clog pores, makeup, skins, and other skin-care products can contain harmful ingredients that can cause irritation and dryness which in turn leads to breakouts. Get products that have good, clean ingredients so your skin can breathe.
Conclusion: Does Biotin Help with Acne?
Although there is no scientific evidence to prove biotin helps with acne, there are many cases out there from bloggers and posters alike that have seen positive benefits to their hair, nails, and skin. It may not help with acne, but it could offer some support in other areas.
