Can I Take Hair, Skin and Nail Vitamins While Pregnant?
Nothing beats the glowy skin and thicker, healthier hair that comes with pregnancy! As our bodies change and our hormones fluctuate, the increased estrogen and blood flow nourish the scalp, supporting healthy hair growth and optimal sebum production. (All this while growing a baby—aren't our bodies just incredible?)
Many of us see this gorgeous skin and hair and wonder if there's a way to support healthy hair, skin and nails even more while pregnant? What about taking biotin during pregnancy or a dedicated hair, skin and nail vitamin? Read on to learn more about taking hair, skin and nail vitamins while pregnant, what to watch out for, and some hair, skin and nail supplement options we love!
What Are Hair, Skin and Nail Supplements?
As the name suggests, hair, skin and nail vitamins are supplements that specifically target our hair, skin and nails. Prenatal vitamins and hair, skin and nail supplements have many of the same ingredients, but they aren't identical! You'll need to compare the ingredients in your prenatal vitamin and your hair, skin and nails supplement to ensure you're not getting too much of any single nutrient. And be sure to let your doctor know about any supplements you're taking so they can advise you!
Ingredients can vary by brand and formulation, but most hair, skin and nail supplements will have some combination of these vitamins and minerals to specifically target and support healthy hair, skin and nails:
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is fat-soluble and comes in two primary forms: retinol and beta carotene. It's a powerful antioxidant that supports healthy cells and may even help fight acne!
Vitamin B Complex with Biotin and Folic Acid
The B vitamins are water-soluble and help with energy and maintaining healthy brain and nerve cells. According to Harvard Health, biotin (B7) deficiency is linked to hair loss, brittle nails and scaly skin rashes. And we know that folic acid (B9), known for promoting healthier-looking skin, is a key ingredient in prenatal vitamins because it helps fight birth defects like spina bifida.
Vitamin C
Water-soluble vitamin C is a key building block of collagen, and it supports the development of essential amino acids and healthy collagen synthesis. (For an easy way to add collagen on the go, check out our Power Within Skin & Scalp Collagen Gummies to boost wellness and improve joint and tissue health!) Vitamin C also has antioxidant properties and helps fight free radicals at the cellular level.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that helps our bodies retain calcium, vitamin K and phosphate to protect our bones, and it also supports healthy skin by reducing inflammation. Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to alopecia.
Vitamin E
Our bodies use the alpha-tocopherol version of fat-soluble vitamin E to fight free radicals and support healthy cell turnover. Researchers have found that supplementing with vitamin E may help with eczema and psoriasis due to its regenerative properties.
Zinc
Zinc is a mineral that helps with tissue and skin health, including the follicles and oil glands on the scalp. It also helps prevent nail dystrophy in our fingernails and toenails. Zinc deficiency is linked to hair loss and reduced immune function.
Iron
Iron is essential for our red blood cells to function properly. Women tend to be more deficient in iron than men, and iron deficiency is linked to hair loss, fatigue, brittle nails and weakness.
Is It Safe to Take Hair, Skin and Nail Vitamins While Pregnant?
The short answer is yes, as long as your doctor approves the particular hair, skin and nails vitamin you plan to take! Your doctor can also order bloodwork to see if you're deficient in any vitamins. Vitamin D and vitamin B12 are common deficiencies, along with iron in pre-menopausal women.
It's important to avoid overdoing it on vitamin and mineral supplementation while pregnant. Extremely high vitamin A intake (25,000 IU), for example, can cause birth defects and liver issues, while too much iron can cause problems like GI upset, constipation and diarrhea. Supplementing iron during pregnancy is only needed if you're anemic or your physician specifically recommends upping your iron.
If you've gotten doctor approval and are looking for a hair, skin and nail vitamin to add while pregnant, we love our easy-to-take Significant Other Hair, Skin & Nails Supplement. These strawberry-flavored gummies are formulated with essential nutrients, like biotin and vitamins A and B, to support stronger, healthier-looking hair while improving nail and skin health!
Another option to support your skin while pregnant is to add a probiotic supplement. If you've got vitamins covered with your prenatal multivitamin but still want more support, try our You Glow Girl Probiotic Skin Supplement. It's packed with healthy probiotics for gut health and our proprietary You Glow Girl Blend, hyaluronic acid and vitamin C to fight everyday oxidative stress and help with glowy, brighter-looking skin!
What About Biotin During Pregnancy?
If you're looking into a hair, skin and nails supplement, chances are you've heard about biotin. Research shows that biotin (vitamin B7) helps reduce hair fall and supports healthy hair growth. It's safe to take biotin during pregnancy in small amounts if you aren't getting enough biotin naturally through your diet. Try our Significant Other gummy for an easy biotin boost, along with natural sources like eggs, meat, sweet potatoes, mushrooms and avocado.
Tell us: Are you planning to take, or have you taken, a hair, skin and nails vitamin while pregnant? Share in the comments below!
Like what you read and want more hair-care content delivered directly to your inbox? Sign up to receive our weekly newsletters for the latest hair intel and exclusive promotions for your aging hair needs!
Better Not Younger has all the supplements you need to look and feel your best, whether you're pregnant, postpartum or beyond! Our Significant Other Hair, Skin & Nails Supplement is an excellent option for supporting the healthy skin and hair growth pregnancy brings. And our Power Within collagen gummy and You Glow Girl probiotic help boost inner health and wellness along with healthy-looking skin!