Unived Biotin Gold – Hair, Skin & Nails

Keratins are a group of tough, fibrous proteins that form the structural framework of epithelial cells, which are cells that line the surfaces and cavities of the body. Epithelial cells make up tissues such as the hair, skin, and nails. Keratins are best known for providing strength and resilience to cells that form the hair, skin, and nails. Another important protein is collagen that helps the skin appear healthy.

With increasing age and other factors like exposure to environmental pollution, toxin, UV rays etc increases the concentration of enzymes & free radicals that degrade these proteins & damage cells resulting in faulty development of hair, skin and nails. Thus, to prevent hair loss, brittle nails and skin breakouts and to promote hair regrowth, strong-lustrous hair, healthy glowing skin and strong nails, it is essential to supply the body with specific nutrients.

Unived’s Biotin Gold Hair, Skin, Nail (HSN) supplement is formulated to fight free radical damage and promote keratin synthesis.

HAIR

Keratin, the main ingredient of hair shaft and hair shield, is produced in cells called keratinocytes in basic and horny layer of epidermis. Whereas spirally twisted keratin fibers, present in the inside of hair shaft (cortex of hair shaft), are responsible for hair elasticity. Keratin found in the hair shield gives them continuity and shine, so with its lack hair show tendency to divide into two parts[i]. Keratin is one of the most abundant proteins in the skin and the hair, and contains high amounts of L-Cys as building blocks[ii].

SKIN

The skin is differentiated into the epidermis, dermis and subcutaneous layer. The external non-vascularized layer, the epidermis, consists of differentiating keratinocytes that overlay a basement membrane, melanocytes and langerhans cells, and serves as the main semi-permeable protective barrier.

The dermis, below the basement membrane, consists of fibroblasts nerves, hair follicles, sebaceous glands, sweat glands, lymphatic and blood vessels. The dermal layer gives shape, firmness, sensation and nourishment to the skin. Finally, the subcutaneous layer consists mostly of adipose tissue, acting primarily as a heat insulator and a mechanical cushion[i]. Oxidative stress, produced for example by irradiation with UV-light or by other environmental hazards, can damage the fibroblasts of the skin, which may contribute to premature skin ageing and the development of furrows and wrinkles. It is known that antioxidant substances in the skin provide protection against free radicals and ROS[ii].

NAILS: The nail is a specialized keratinous appendage produced by a germinative epithelium just as basal epidermal cells produce the stratum corneum of the skin. Nail keratinocytes contribute to nail cornification through the production of hard keratins, and hardness of the nail plate is due to a high concentration of sulfur matrix protein. The nail plate is not considered as one of the four anatomic structures that comprise the nail unit[i]

• Nail Bed
• Hyponychium
• Proximal Nail Fold
• Matrix

AMINO ACIDS

A variety of amino acids have been studied for the treatment of hair loss. Most notably, cystine and lysine have been evaluated in human[1]

Lysine: Lysine is classified as an essential amino acid; meaning the human body cannot synthesize it[ii].

• Of the many biological functions requiring lysine, some notable applications include synthesis of connective tissues such as bone, skin, collagen, and elastin; synthesis of carnitine and resultant conversion of fatty acids to energy7.
• In patients with chronic TE (telogen effluvium) supplementation with L-lysine, iron, vitamin B12, vitamin C, biotin, and selenium resulted in a significant 39% reduction in hair shedding after 6 months6.
• With insufficient supply of lysine in food, hair becomes brittle, thin and limp1.
• Once lysine is bound to a polypeptide structure, biosynthesis of carnitine is initiated by methylation of one of lysine’s amine groups. Transformation of this same amine group is also involved in the biosynthesis of collagen and elastin.
• It also helps with skin problems like herpes and strengthens the skin7.
• Irreplaceable having impact on keeping hair in skin integument is exogenous L-lysine, mainly present in the inner part of hair root is responsible for hair shape and volume

Cysteine: a non-essential amino acid synthesized from methionine which is essential amino acid thus, either of the two needs to be supplemented as cysteine is a precursor for keratin protein synthesis1.

• The rate of growth, hair diameter and protein synthesis depend on cysteine1.
• Cysteine, as keratin ingredient occurs in hair in the highest amount1.
• Oral L-cystine in combination with retinol was evaluated for the treatment of diffuse alopecia, with increases seen in both hair density and anagen rate6.
• It is a powerful antioxidant useful for treating several disorders that result from the generation of free oxygen radicals2.
• Blends fortified with L-Cys help to strengthen hair2.
• L-Cys forms disulfide bridges, which provide strength and rigidity to keratin2.

KEY VITAMINS

Vitamin C: Normal skin contains high concentrations of vitamin C, with levels comparable to other body tissues[iii]. Ascorbate is a cofactor for the enzymes catalyzing the synthesis of collagen[iv]^,[v]. In addition to its role in collagen synthesis, vitamin C acts as a powerful antioxidant by neutralizing deleterious reactive oxygen species10^,[vi].

• Protein synthesis: The synthesis of collagen and noncollagen proteins was stimulated by ascorbate9.
• Wound healing: Vitamin C has an essential role in connective tissue healing10 that vitamin C increases proliferation and migration of dermal fibroblasts functions vital for effective wound healing8^{, 10}
• Vitamin C uptake from the plasma and transport across the skin layers is mediated by specific sodium-dependent vitamin C transporters (SVCTs) that are present throughout the body8.
• Keratin synthesis: In vitro studies clearly show that vitamin C can play a role in the differentiation of keratinocytes8^,10
• Photoprotection: it improved resistance to UVA, decreased MDA and TBA levels, increased GSH levels, decreased IL-1 and IL-6 levels8^,10.
• Protects cells: it prevents lipid peroxidation in cultured keratinocytes following UV exposure and also protects the keratinocyte from apoptosis and increases cell survival8^,10.
• Wrinkle formation: vitamin C status could protect against wrinkle formation8.

Biotin (B7): Biotin, also known as vitamin B7 or vitamin H, is a B complex vitamin and cofactor for carboxylase enzymes involved in fatty acid synthesis, amino acid catabolism, gluconeogenesis, and mitochondrial function in hair root cells6.

• Deficiency causes problems: Biotin deficiency was reported in patients complaining of hair loss6. Biotin was an effective supplementation for hair regrowth6.
• Signs of biotin deficiency include hair loss, skin rashes, and brittle nails[vii]
• Keratin synthesis: Biotin’s function in protein synthesis and more specifically, in keratin production, explains its contribution to healthy nail and hair growth12^,6.
• Hair loss brittle nails: 18 reported cases of biotin use for hair and nail changes. In all cases, patients had an underlying pathology for poor hair or nail growth. All cases showed evidence of clinical improvement after receiving biotin[viii],12.
• Finally, 3 cases of brittle nail syndrome treated with biotin were found in the literature and each case showed improvement of nail strength12.
• Biotin supplementation is also effective on alopecia, uncombable hair syndrome & brittle nail syndrome12.
• Because it contains Sulphur it influences the state of skin integument lowering sebum secretion and activates hair growth[ix].

Folic acid (B9): Folate is another water-soluble B vitamin; Folate is a coenzyme in the synthesis of nucleic acids and in amino acid metabolism12. Folate deficiency can cause hair, skin, and nail changes12.

• Rebuilding hair follicle: Folate takes part in producing red blood cells and hemoglobin, its role is to transport oxygen, among others, to tissues building hair14.
• The role of folate and vitamin B12 in nucleic acid production suggest that they might play a role in the highly proliferative hair follicle12.
• Low levels more hair loss: Folate levels were found to be significantly lower in patients with alopecia totalis/alopecia universalis12.
• Prevent graying: Folate is responsible for stimulating of rebuilding of hair follicle cells, prevent hair graying and falling out and regulate sebum glands functioning14.

Methylcobalamin (B12): Vitamin B12 is not synthesized in the human body and should be obtained from external sources. It mostly plays a role through cell division by DNA synthesis. It acts as a co-factor in the body for many reactions[x].

• Hyperpigmentation and atrophic glossitis (Hunter’s glossitis) are findings frequently observed in patients with vitamin B12 deficiency15.
• In vitamin B12 deficiency, skin and hair pigmentation changes and oral and perioral lesions may be observed15.
• Pigmentation changes on the skin in patients with vitamin B12 deficiency have been reported mostly in adults. It is mostly seen on the joint surfaces of the fingers and toes, axillary and genital regions15.
• Reduce glutathione levels: The level of glutathione is said to decrease in vitamin B12 deficiency15. This leads to increase in tyrosinase enzymes which stimulate melanocyte to secrete melanin. Increase in pigmentation is observed due to excessive melanocyte stimulation15.
• Hyperpigmentation was reduced with vitamin B12 supplementation15.
• Brittle hair: Treatment of vitamin B12 deficiency may render improvement from hair brittleness and color changes within 2–3 month15. 92.3% of patients reported improvement in hair problems by the end of the third month15.

Vitamin A: Carotenoids are widely used as skin protectants. Considerable amounts of micronutrients such as antioxidant vitamins and carotenoids are present in the skin and are suggested to contribute to the maintenance of skin health.

• Photoprotection: It has been shown that carotenoids, vitamin C and E prevent sunburn-associated erythema following UV exposure[xi].
• Vitamins E and C as well as carotenoids, like beta-carotene and lycopene are used as nutritional supplements and photoprotective effects have been assigned to these compounds16.
• Improved skin surface: Their efficacy in preventing UV-induced erythema has been shown in several intervention studies. Also skin surface parameters including scaling and roughness are improved upon supplementation16.

Vitamin E:

• Prevention of oxidative stress: Vitamin E is a potent chain-breaking antioxidant that inhibits the production of reactive oxygen species molecules[xii]. It has been found that alpha- tocopherol mainly inhibits the production of new free radicals17.
• Protection of cell membrane: Vitamin E increases the orderliness of the membrane lipid packaging, thus allowing for a tighter packing of the membrane and, in turn, greater stability to the cell, in order to promote the repair, an antioxidant must associate with the membranes, as alpha-tocopherol does17.
• Immunity: It has now been proven that vitamin E stimulates the body’s defences, enhances humoral and cell immune responses17.

Vitamin D: Vitamin D is actually a fat-soluble prohormone steroid that has endocrine, paracrine and autocrine functions[xiii]. Vitamin D receptors are intracellular receptors expressed in hair follicles, essential for normal hair cycle and differentiation of the interfollicular epidermis6. Both 1,25(OH)₂D and its receptor (VDR) play essential roles in the skin18.

• Vitamin D serum levels compared to healthy controls reported that Androgenic Alopecia patients have a higher prevalence of vitamin D deficiency6,14.
• Protects the skin: vitamin D and its receptor regulate the processing of the long chain glycosylceramides that are critical for the skin barrier formation which is crucial in defending the skin18.
• Hair follicle cycling: VDR (vitamin D receptor) may play a vital role in the postnatal maintenance of the hair follicle18^,14.
• VDR is associated with decreased proliferation and increased differentiation of the keratinocytes. These changes are thought to promote the progression of the hair cycle18^,14. VDR activation plays an important role in the hair follicle cycle, specifically anagen initiation18^,14.
• Vitamin D modulates growth and differentiation of keratinocytes through binding to the nuclear vitamin D receptor (VDR) 14.
• Photoprotection: Photodamage refers to skin damage induced by ultraviolet (UV) light. It has also been postulated that non-genomic actions of vitamin D contribute to the photoprotection18.
• Wound healing: Vitamin D3 regulates the expression of cathelicidin, an antimicrobial protein that appears to mediate innate immunity in skin by promoting wound healing and tissue repair18.
• Acne: sebocytes were identified as 1,25OH₂D responsive target cells, indicating that vitamin D analogs may be effective in the treatment of acne18.

MINERAL

Silica: Silicon (Si) was suggested to have an important function in the formation and maintenance of connective tissue[xiv].

• Maintains structure of hair & skin layers: Nutritional Si deficiency was found to decrease both the collagen synthesis and the formation of glycosaminoglycans in bone and cartilage19.
• It also has a minor role in collagen synthesis and plays a structural role of Si in the cross-linking of glycosaminoglycans in connective tissue19.
• Improve the glycosaminoglycan structure in the dermis and the keratin structure in hair and nails19.
• Deficiencies of silicon led to skeletal deformities[xv].
• Reduce skin roughness: Skin roughness parameters increased in the placebo group but decreased in the silica supplemented group significantly19. Both skin microrelief and mechanical properties improved19.
• Strength & elasticity: On the skin, it is suggested that silicon is important for optimal collagen synthesis, improving skin strength and elasticity20.
• Nail & hair brittleness: VAS scores for nail and hair brittleness were significantly lower after supplementation with silica compared to baseline scores19.
• Silicon levels affect nail developments as it is the predominant mineral in their composition20.
• Less hair loss: Regarding hair benefits, it was suggested that a higher silicon content in the hair results in a lower rate of hair loss and increased brightness20.
• As it prevented the loss of hair tensile strength it is suggested that it has a structural effect on hair fibers20.

GLUTATHIONE

Glutathione is an antioxidant present in almost every cell in the body[xvi]. Formed by three amino acids – glutamate, cysteine and glycine[xvii]. It is one of the most active antioxidant systems in human physiology with additional anti-melanogenic properties and has recently become the most popular “systemic skin lightening molecule”22 Its antimelanogenic properties result from a variety of mechanisms including stimulation of pheomelanin synthesis rather than darker eumelanin21.

• Antiaging: Glutathione also possesses certain antiaging properties21.
• Glutathione helps slowdown wrinkle formation21.
• Skin elasticity: It also increases skin elasticity21.
• Alters melanin synthesis: The mechanisms that contribute to its antimelanogenic properties, inhibition of tyrosinase enzyme, skewing of melanogenesis, and scavenging of free radicals seem to be the most important22.
• Fights UV-induced hyperpigmentation22.

HYALURONIC ACID

The key molecule involved in skin moisture is hyaluronic acid (HA) that has unique capacity in retaining water[xviii]. It is the predominant content of the skin ECM (extra cellular matrix)23. Progressive reduction of the size of the HA polymers in skin as a result of aging has also been reported23. Thus, the epidermis loses the principle molecule responsible for binding and retaining water molecules, resulting in loss of skin moisture23.

• Hydration: It has various functions like hydration, lubrication of joints, a space filling capacity, and the framework through which cells migrate23.
• Maintains skin moisture content23^,[xix]
• Cell repair: The synthesis of HA increases during tissue injury and wound healing23^,24.
• HA regulates several aspects of tissue repair, the response to injury of fibroblasts and epithelial cells23.
• Helps repair fibroblast cells which produce collagen23.
• Structure & stability: Hyaluronan-binding proteins are constituents of the extracellular matrix and stabilize its integrity.
• This glycosaminoglycan has protective effects on cartilage24.

AMINO ACIDS (LYS–CYS) these are natural components of hair, skin & nails.

• Hair – L-lysine mainly present in the inner part of hair root is responsible for hair shape and volume. L-Cys forms disulfide bridges, which provide strength and rigidity to keratin.
• Skin – They also help fight free radical damage and skin related problems.
• Nails – Deficiency of these amino acids result in hair fall, brittle nails and damaged skin.

VITAMINS

Vitamin C naturally skin contains high vitamin C, besides it role in collagen synthesis it also has other functions that has beneficial effects on hair, skin & nails.

• Skin: helps in non-collagen protein synthesis, protects from photo-damage. Promotes wound healing, reduces wrinkle formation, promotes proliferation repair of cells, protects keratinocytes and increases keratin production.
• Hair & Nails: the fact that vitamin C increases collagen and keratin synthesis plays a role in maintaining healthy hair & nails.

Biotin (B7)

• Hair: people with excessive hair loss often are biotin deficient. Biotin supplementation reduces hair fall as it is involved in keratin biosynthesis. It alters sebum secretion and increases hair growth.
• Nails: Biotin deficiency also causes weak and brittle nail development, supplementation reduces brittleness.

Folic acid (B9)

• Hair: low serum levels of folate can cause hair fall. It helps rebuild hair follicles and is responsible for stimulating hair follicle cells, prevent hair graying and falling out.
• Skin & Naisl: folic acid is involved in nucleic acid and amino acid metabolism thus its deficiency will have an effect on skin & nails formation.

Methylcobalmin (B12)

• • Hair: vitamin B12 deficiency can also change hair pigment and result in brittle hair.
  • Skin: deficiency leads to hyperpigmentation as low vitamin B12 levels reduce glutathione levels.

Vitamin A

• Skin: it is an antioxidant and protects the skin from photo-damage and helps improve skin surface parameters like scaling and roughness.

Vitamin E

• Skin: it is an antioxidant vitamin it also protects the cell from free radical damage and improves immunity.

Vitamin D receptor (VDR) plays a major role in hair, skin & nails.

• Hair: VDR activation plays an important role in the hair follicle cycle, as it increases growth & differentiation of keratinocytes thus increasing keratin production.
• Skin: helps protect the skin by regulating the process of glucosaminoglycan which helps to form skin barrier. Improves immunity of skin by producing anti microbial protein. Also contributes to photoprotection of skin and reduce acne.
• Nails: increased keratin also helps in maintenance of nails.

MINERAL

Silica:

• Hair: higher silicon levels lowers hair loss and increases brightness. It provides tensile strength to fiber hair improving structure of hair.
• Skin: helps maintain structure, strength & elasticity of skin. Reduces skin roughness.
• Nails: it is the predominant mineral of nails and its deficiency will result if brittle nails.

GLUTATHIONE

• Skin: influences melanin production by lowering the production of darker melanin and increasing the yellow red melanin production which helps to reduce hyperpigmentation and makes the skin glow. Also increases skin elasticity & slows down wrinkle development.

HYALURONIC ACID

• Hair, Skin & Nails: acts as a hydrating agent for the skin by retaining water. It is also responsible for the shape of the dermis which means it helps the skin appear plump and smooth; it also helps repair cells.