If you’re one of the many Nigerian women looking for natural ways to achieve healthy, glowing skin, you must have heard about Biotin, also known as the “beauty vitamin.” It’s become a popular ingredient in beauty supplements. Information about it from skincare professionals on Instagram to wellness influencers on TikTok, it has been talked about almost everywhere.
Let’s break it down in simple, relatable terms so you can decide if biotin is worth adding to your daily lifestyle as a Nigerian.
What Is Biotin?
Biotin, also known as Vitamin B7, is one of the key vitamins your body needs for healthy skin, hair, and nails. It might sound like one of those complicated health terms, but it’s just a type of vitamin. Specifically, it’s vitamin B7, and your body needs it to help break down the food you eat into energy. and helps in maintaining the health of your skin cells.
And if your body is lacking biotin, you may notice:
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- Dry, flaky skin
- Dull or uneven complexion
- Increased breakouts
- Redness or irritation
Benefits of Biotin
Improves and Promotes Healthy Skin
Biotin keeps the skin soft and moisturized. It supports how your body processes fats (called lipids), which your skin needs to stay hydrated and balanced. If you are experiencing dry, itchy, or dull skin, biotin might help improve it when added to your routine. When you add biotin to your nutrition, it strengthens the skin barrier, retains moisture, and makes the skin feel more balanced.
Promotes Healthy Hair Growth
Biotin supports the production of keratin. Keratin gives your hair its strength and smoothness. When your body produces enough keratin, your hair tends to be stronger and less likely to break. Biotin won’t magically lead to hair growth, but it can support thicker, stronger strands and reduce hair breakage.
Promotes Stronger Nails
Research has shown that biotin supplements improve nail thickness and strength over a few months. We also explained how biotin supports the production of keratin, and your nails are made almost entirely of keratin. It keeps them strong, hard, and flexible, so they don’t break easily. When keratin levels are low, nails can become weak or brittle.
Supports Energy Production
Biotin helps your body convert food, especially carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, into energy. This process keeps you feeling more energized throughout the day. If you often feel sluggish or tired, an insufficient biotin might be the issue.
Do you need Biotin for Healthier Skin?
Let’s take some time to discuss what biotin does for your skin.
Your skin needs natural oils to stay soft and hydrated. Biotin helps your body break down fats, which play a big role in producing those oils. That’s why when your biotin levels are low, your skin can become dry, flaky, or irritated.
Your skin barrier is like a wall that protects you from dryness, germs, and irritation. Biotin supports the renewal of skin cells, helping your skin repair itself faster and stay strong against environmental stress (like sun, heat, and harsh weather, especially in Nigeria). A strong skin barrier ensures fewer breakouts, less irritation, and better protection.
When your body doesn’t get enough biotin, it shows up as rashes, redness, scaly patches, or itchiness, especially around the face. These symptoms are often signs that your skin needs more support from within.
How can you add Biotin to your Nutrition?
You can get it from two main sources: the food you eat and biotin supplements. Let’s explore both options so you can choose what works best for your lifestyle.
Natural Food Sources of Biotin
Biotin is found in foods that are rich in protein and healthy fats. If you eat a balanced diet, you might already be getting some biotin without even realizing it.
Here are some biotin-rich foods to include in your meals:
Egg yolks – One of the best natural sources is cooked eggs.
Nuts and seeds – Almonds, peanuts, sunflower seeds, and walnuts are all good sources.
Fatty fish – Salmon and sardines are not only high in healthy fats but also contain biotin.
Sweet potatoes – Rich in biotin and also great for skin because of their antioxidant content.
Broccoli and spinach – These leafy greens give a small but steady amount of biotin.
Bananas and avocados – Easy to add to smoothies or breakfast, and contain helpful amounts of biotin.
Milk, cheese, and yogurt – Dairy products contribute small amounts of biotin along with other essential nutrients.
Quick tip: Cooking can reduce the biotin content in some foods. To get the most from your meals, try to mix raw or lightly cooked options with your regular diet.
Biotin Supplements
Even with a healthy diet, some people still don’t get enough biotin, especially those with certain health conditions, dietary restrictions (vegan or keto diets), or increased needs (e.g., pregnancy, skin issues, or hair loss). With Biotin Supplements like Maiden of the Tower and Hairway to Beauty, you get the same amount every day, which makes it easier to see results, and the best part is that it is very convenient for busy people in Nigeria who don’t always have time to plan perfect meals.
So, What’s Best for You?
You can start with biotin-rich foods; they’re natural and packed with other nutrients your body loves. If you’re not getting enough through meals alone, or your skin needs extra support, Purna Gummies can fill the gap. Either way, the goal is the same: give your body what it needs to feel and look its best always.