Sometimes, diet alone isn’t enough to provide your skin, hair, and nails with the nourishment they need. These vitamins can help fill any nutritional gaps and boost their health.
If you’re trying to grow your hair or nails, or looking for a way to achieve healthy, glowing skin, vitamins might not be your first thought. However, providing your body with extra nutrients can significantly impact the health and appearance of your hair, skin, and nails. Without the necessary nutrients and vitamins to promote healthy growth and cell regeneration, you risk developing deficiencies, leaving parts of your body feeling weaker and more susceptible to damage.
Vitamins and supplements are a convenient way to get these essential nutrients into your system—whether it’s Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, or minerals and proteins like iron and collagen. Supplements can be an effective alternative if you’re finding it difficult to obtain these key vitamins through your diet.
Navigating the world of supplements can be confusing, especially since there is no standardized measurement system. Vitamins can be measured in milligrams or micrograms, with a significant difference between the two: one milligram equals 1,000 micrograms, just as one gram equals 1,000 milligrams.
We’ve reviewed scientific research to identify the best vitamin supplements for hair, skin, and nails to save you the trouble of figuring out where to start.
What are the best overall vitamins for hair, skin, and nails?
Many multivitamins claim to improve hair, skin, and nails, but it’s essential to pay attention to the ingredients. The best vitamins for overall hair, skin, and nail health include vitamin B7 (biotin), collagen, vitamin C, and omega-3s.
Vitamin B7 is crucial for the health of your hair, skin, and nails, but it’s not something you can “stock up on.” Taking excessive amounts of biotin does not enhance its benefits. Collagen is a protein that forms connective tissue. As we age, collagen production decreases, causing the once-tight fibers to loosen, which results in wrinkles. Collagen supplements can help improve skin elasticity and reduce wrinkles. Vitamin C offers various health benefits, including boosting collagen production in the body. Finally, Omega-3s help maintain the cholesterol-derived layer of skin cells, contributing to hair shine and scalp health. Studies have also shown that omega-3s can help alleviate symptoms of inflammatory skin conditions.