Side effects in medications are common. That is why reading the label and checking with your doctor or pharmacist is important. This can help you understand and prepare for any adverse effects.
Biotin is a supplement that provides our bodies vitamins such as Vitamin B7. However, you may have heard rumors that these vitamin supplements cause acne. So, does Biotin cause acne? Or is this another internet myth that isn’t based in reality?
The short answer is that Biotin doesn’t necessarily cause acne. There is no research or evidence to support this.
But let’s discuss this in detail below.
Does Biotin Cause Acne?
Biotin does not cause acne. Despite claims by some people that biotin supplements can cause acne, there is no scientific proof that links Biotin to acne. There is likely another underlying cause for someone’s acne if they take Biotin.
Contrary to the question at hand, some studies say that the supplement can help in providing treatment for acne. But before we get to the connection between acne and the supplement Biotin, let us first know what it is.
What is Biotin?
As stated, Biotin is Vitamin B7 that is good for optimal health. Unlike other vitamins, our bodies do not produce Biotin, making it important for us to consume it.
Biotin helps enzymes metabolize protein, fats, and carbohydrates that we get from consuming food or any consumables that offer it. It helps regulate signals that your cells send, and it plays a role in the activity of your genes.
To prevent Vitamin B7 deficiency, it is important to intake Biotin. Symptoms of B7 deficiency include the following:
- Thinning hair
- Body hair loss
- Red rashes in the openings such as the mouth, eyes, and nose
- Abnormal amount of acids found in the urine
- Eye infections
- Seizures
- Skin infections
- Hallucinations
- Depression
- Brittle nails
- Burning sensation in both hands and feet
For infants, symptoms also include:
- Delays in development
- Decrease in muscle tone
- Lethargy
However, there is no recommended daily allowance for Biotin. Women who are either pregnant or are breastfeeding are at higher risk of experiencing Biotin deficiency, so it is recommended that some take an adequate amount, approximately 35 mcg, every day.
As mentioned above, there is little evidence that Biotin causes acne. Any “Biotin-related” acne is most likely linked with Vitamin B5 or Pantothenic acid.
Pantothenic Acid And Acne
Pantothenic acid plays a role in how the epidermal skin barrier functions. The epidermal skin barrier is the outermost layer of our skin.
Products that have this supplement soften the skin, which causes acne. And because of it, some people think Biotin intake can cause acne by interfering with the absorption of pantothenic acid.
But no evidence proves that claim. On the contrary, supplements of both pantothenic acids and biotin can help treat acne.
Evidence shows that Biotin helps in treating comedonal acne. This acne is what causes us to have blackheads and whiteheads.
Additionally, a study has also shown that adults who used both topical creams and oral Biotin have shown improvement against mild to moderate acne.
For more information on how to best treat acne, check out our article “11 Acne Treatments That Really Work.”
