Silica

The mechanism of the positive effect of silica on hair and nails is largely unexplained, but is thought to be due to the increase in hydroxyproline in the dermis caused by oral silicon administration (silicon supplements).

Silica is traditionally used to improve "skin, nails, and hair." It is also believed to have long-term cosmetic benefits.

The term silica is derived from "diatoms", which have a silicon-containing cell envelope that is preserved after their death and thus forms the basic material of silica. As a homeopathic remedy, silica is also known as Silicea terra, while silicic acid is known as Acidum silicium.

Chemically, silica is a silicic anhydride, i.e. silicon dioxide and not silicic acid. Occasionally, aluminosilicates (alumosilicates) such as kaolins are also called silica. They contain SiO2 and Al2O3.

1. Gehring W (2010) Effect of oral administration of silica on hair quality. Akt Dermatol 36: 414-417
2. Wickett RR (2007) Effect of oral intake of choline-stabilized orthosilicate on hair tensile strength and morphology in women with fine hair. Arch Dermatol Res 299: 499–505
3. Lassus A. (1993) Colloidal silicic acid for oral and topical treatment of aged skin, fragile hair, and brittle nails in women. J Int Med Res;21(4):209–15. doi: 10.1177/030006059302100406. PMID: 8112478.
4. Wickett RR et al. (2007) Effect of oral intake of choline-stabilized orthosilicic acid on hair tensile strength and morphology in women with fine hair. Arch Dermatol Res;299(10):499-505. doi: 10.1007/s00403-007-0796-z. Epub 2007 Oct 25. PMID: 17960402.