Many supplements have side effects, so it’s important to understand what you are taking and how it may impact your body.
That said, certain side effects from vitamins are merely claims without much scientific evidence pointing to an increased risk or association.
But, what about the concern that biotin causes acne? Is this a myth or a real risk?
Keep reading to find out.
What Is Biotin?
Biotin is also known as vitamin B7. Like the other vitamins in the B complex, biotin plays a key role in helping convert carbohydrates, protein, and fat into energy.
Additionally, biotin has been found to support liver function and maintain the health of the skin, hair, and nails.
Biotin is a water-soluble vitamin, which means that the body cannot store it; any excess biotin consumed in the diet or supplement form is excreted in the urine.
It also means that it’s important to consume biotin-rich foods or take supplements containing biotin on a regular basis.
Examples of foods high in biotin include egg yolks, lentils, beans, sweet potatoes, salmon, yeast, nuts and seeds, bananas, and liver.
The Acne Connection: Does Biotin Trigger Breakouts?
Some people have concerns that biotin can trigger breakouts.
There are anecdotal accounts of people getting acne after starting various supplements that are supposed to help the skin and hair, including supplements containing biotin.
However, to date, no scientific evidence demonstrates a link between biotin and acne.
Rather, the confusion—and potential risk of acne breakouts from vitamin supplements—-stems from the possible association of vitamin B5 and acne.
As mentioned, biotin is vitamin B7.
A different B vitamin, known as pantothenic acid (vitamin B5), also impacts the skin, and may potentially increase the risk of acne.
Pantothenic acid can soften the skin because this vitamin plays a key role in the function of the outermost layer of the skin (known as the epidermis).
While this softening can be beneficial, it may also impact oil production, pores, and the beneficial bacteria that live on the epidermis and help combat acne-producing bacteria.
Biotin and pantothenic acid are often taken together in B complexes, so biotin can get “blamed” for the effects of vitamin B5.
Another reason that biotin gets implicated in acne breakouts is that biotin may impact the absorption of pantothenic acid since both B vitamins are absorbed via the same pathway.
Ultimately, the good news is that some studies suggest that biotin may actually be effective in treating certain types of acne.
Who Might Be at Risk for Biotin-Related Acne?
There is insufficient evidence associating biotin supplements with the development of acne.
However, if you take very high doses of biotin with high doses of vitamin B5 and you have sensitive or acne-prone skin, you might be at risk for acne from biotin supplements.
Therefore, if you have oily skin or are prone to acne, talk with your dermatologist before adding biotin supplements to your routine.
How to Safely Use Biotin Without Worrying About Acne
If you have concerns about getting acne from biotin supplements, consider starting with a lower dose of biotin, or adding more biotin-rich foods to your diet rather than taking high doses of biotin supplements.
Start with lower doses of biotin and assess how your skin reacts before increasing the dosage.
Once you have established a skincare routine that works for your needs, do your best to follow it consistently.
This should help optimize the effects of your skincare products and supplements and minimize irritation to your skin.
Additionally, to reduce the risk of acne, choose clean biotin supplements that do not contain vitamin B5, or take B5 and biotin at different times.
Conclusion
Incorporating biotin-rich foods or biotin supplements into your diet can help improve the health of your hair, skin, and nails.
Although there are claims that biotin can cause acne, there is little to no evidence to date that demonstrates this connection. In contrast, biotin may be used to treat severe forms of acne.
If you have concerns about your supplements and your skin, consider working with a dermatologist or other healthcare provider.