• Hair and nail problems are common, with 1 in 3 women experiencing hair loss and about 20% of people complaining of brittle nails, often due to factors like stress, hormonal changes, or nutrient imbalances.
  • Some hair, skin, and nail changes may reflect underlying nutrient imbalances, including low levels of essential nutrients like biotin and zinc.
  • Ingredients such as biotin, zinc, horsetail extract, grape seed extract, and antioxidants have been studied for their potential to support healthy aging and structural integrity.
  • While there’s no one-size-fits-all solution, targeted nutritional support may help maintain the natural strength and resilience of your hair, skin, and nails

Dull skin, lifeless hair, and brittle nails may be more than a beauty faux pas — they can be a signal that your body isn’t getting the nutrients it needs.¹ Hair and nail problems are common, with about 1 in 3 women experiencing hair loss at some point in their lives.² About 20% of people complain of thin or brittle nails.³ These problems are often linked to stress, hormonal shifts, or nutrient imbalances.², While other factors can play a role, your hair, skin, and nails often reflect what’s happening inside your body, including your nutrition.

Key vitamins and minerals help support the structure, growth, and resilience of your hair, skin, and nails.¹,If you’re shedding hair or your nails keep breaking, it may be time to look below the surface and explore how targeted nutritional support may help maintain their natural strength.

Ingredients Studied for Healthy Hair, Skin, and Nails

Researchers have studied several ingredients to support healthy hair, skin, and nails.

Biotin

Biotin — also known as vitamin B7 — is an essential nutrient that helps convert food into energy. Although rare, having abnormally low levels of biotin is associated with hair, skin, and nail problems.

Biotin can help support healthy hair and nail growth and structure., In one small study, participants who took a biotin supplement for several months reported enhanced nail thickness.

Zinc gluconate

Zinc is an essential mineral that supports the immune system and contributes to the body’s structural building blocks.¹⁰ Up to 6% of all zinc in the body is found in the skin, highlighting its role in skin health.11 Similar to biotin, having abnormally low levels of zinc is associated with hair and nail problems.

Horsetail Extract

Horsetail extract has a high silica content that’s believed to contribute to the structural integrity of hair, skin, and nails. The silica in horsetail extract can help support healthy skin aging and promote optimal hair growth.¹²

download (43)
download (43)

Antioxidants

Antioxidants are compounds that can help minimize oxidative stress, which is associated with hair loss and advanced signs of skin aging.¹,¹³ Examples of nutrients with antioxidant activity include:¹,¹⁴

  • Zinc
  • Vitamin A
  • Several B vitamins, including thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, and folic acid
  • Vitamin C
  • Vitamin D
  • Vitamin E

Grape Seed Extract

Similar to the vitamins and minerals listed above, grape seed extract also has antioxidant activity that may promote healthy skin aging.¹⁵

What the Experts Say

Experts at the Linus Pauling Institute's Micronutrient Information Center emphasize that micronutrients, such as vitamins and minerals, are important for maintaining healthy hair, skin, and nails. However, it’s important to know that many health issues can result in thinning hair, skin problems, and nail changes.¹⁶

Dermatologists at the American Academy of Dermatology say there isn’t one solution that can address hair loss and nail problems for everyone.16 It’s important to talk to your dermatologist or healthcare provider about your concerns.

Support Health Hair, Skin, and Nails

Not only can dull hair, brittle nails, and dry skin affect your confidence, but they can also be a sign of other health problems, such as a nutrient imbalance. Having low levels of key nutrients — including biotin and zinc — can promote unwelcome hair, skin, and nail changes. Other ingredients with antioxidant properties can address hair and skin issues caused by oxidative stress.¹

Looking to support the health of your hair, skin, and nails from within? Explore Nano Singapore’s Hair Skin & Nails Extreme for hair health, glowing skin, and stronger nails. This supplement contains a blend of 27 all-natural ingredients designed to help nourish your beauty from the inside out.

References:

  1. Guo EL, Katta R. Diet and hair loss: effects of nutrient deficiency and supplement use. *Dermatol Pract Concept*. 2017;7(1):1-10. Published 2017 Jan 31. doi:10.5826/dpc.0701a01
  2. Treating female pattern hair loss. Harvard Health Publishing website. Published April 8, 2024. Accessed April 30, 2025.
  3. Chessa MA, Iorizzo M, Richert B, et al. Pathogenesis, clinical signs and treatment recommendations in brittle nails: A review. *Dermatol Ther* (Heidelb). 2020;10(1):15-27. doi:10.1007/s13555-019-00338-x
  4. Hair loss: Who gets and causes. American Academy of Dermatology Association website. Accessed April 30, 2025.
  5. Skin health. Linus Pauling Institute's Micronutrient Information Center website. Accessed April 30, 2025.
  6. Wong CY, Chu DH. Cutaneous signs of nutritional disorders. *Int J Womens Dermatol*. 2021;7(5Part A):647-652. doi:10.1016/j.ijwd.2021.09.003
  7. Biotin: Fact sheet for health professionals. National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. Updated January 10, 2022. Accessed April 30, 2025.
  8. Yelich A, Jenkins H, Holt S, Miller R. Biotin for hair loss: Teasing out the evidence. *J Clin Aesthet Dermatol.* 2024;17(8):56-61.
  9. Colombo VE, Gerber F, Bronhofer M, Floersheim GL. Treatment of brittle fingernails and onychoschizia with biotin: scanning electron microscopy. *J Am Acad Dermato*l. 1990;23(6 Pt 1):1127-1132. doi:10.1016/0190-9622(90)70345-i
  10. Zinc: Fact sheet for health professionals. National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. Updated September 28, 2022. Accessed April 30, 2022.
  11. Minerals and skin health. Linus Pauling Institute's Micronutrient Information Center website. Accessed April 30, 2025.
  12. Thammarat P, Jiaranaikulwanitch J, Phongpradist R, et al. Cosmeceutical potentials of *Equisetum debile* Roxb. ex Vaucher extracts. *Appl Sci*. 2023;13(3):1336. doi:10.3390/app13031336
  13. Rinnerthaler M, Bischof J, Streubel MK, Trost A, Richter K. Oxidative stress in aging human skin. *Biomolecules*. 2015;5(2):545-589. doi:10.3390/biom5020545
  14. Higashi-Okai K, Nagino H, Yamada K, Okai Y. Antioxidant and prooxidant activities of B group vitamins in lipid peroxidation. *J UOEH*. 2006;28(4):359-368. doi:10.7888/juoeh.28.359
  15. Gupta M, Dey S, Marbaniang D, Pal P, Ray S, Mazumder B. Grape seed extract: having a potential health benefits. *J Food Sci Technol*. 2020;57(4):1205-1215. doi:10.1007/s13197-019-04113-w
  16. Hair loss: Diagnosis and treatment. American Academy of Dermatology Association website. Accessed April 30, 2025.