5 Vitamin Remedies for Acne

Many teenagers know firsthand what it is like to deal with an acne outbreak. It compromises appearance and confidence sometimes making for a difficult, emotional challenge just to simply leave the home. 

Conventional remedies for acne can range from over-the-counter (OTC) chemical washes, toners, creams, oils and abrasives to strong topical or oral pharmaceutical drugs. Now, in addition to some other natural approaches to reducing acne outbreaks, research shows how some vitamin deficiencies and boosters may offer a link toward clearer skin.

Whether you struggle with an occasional pimple or a chronic outbreak, these 5 vitamin remedies for acne may help.

Get Your “A” Game On

Vitamin A has been linked to healthy skin for centuries. In fact, it is often found in many conventional acne treatments such as Retinol and Accutane, however these drugs come with potential side effects. Some researchers believe that a deficiency in vitamin A may be a cause of acne for some people.

A study done at the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Jordan University of Science and Technology, School of Medicine, Irbid, Jordan concluded that,

“We found that plasma vitamin A concentrations in patients with acne were significantly lower than those of the control group…In addition, we found that there is a strong relationship between decrease in plasma vitamin A levels and increase in the severity of acne condition.”

Vitamin A can be found in foods such as: sweet potatoes, black-eyed peas, carrots, mango, cantaloupe, sweet red pepper, broccoli and spinach. The supplement dosage of vitamin A varies, depending on age. According to the National Institutes of Health,

“The amount of vitamin A you need depends on your age and reproductive status. Recommended intakes for vitamin A for people aged 14 years and older range between 700 and 900 micrograms (mcg) [] per day. Recommended intakes for women who are nursing range between 1,200 and 1,300 RAE. Lower values are recommended for infants and children younger than 14.”

Super Skin Saving C

One of the most popular vitamin supplements to date is vitamin C. This vitamin has been linked to treating everything from colds to yeast infections and many conditions in-between including acne. A study by researchers at the Department of Pathology, University of Otago, Christchurch, P.O. Box 4345, Christchurch 8140, New Zealand; 

“Skin fibroblasts have an absolute dependence on vitamin C for the synthesis of collagen, and for the regulation of the collagen/elastin balance in the dermis…The provision of vitamin C to the skin greatly assists wound healing and minimizes raised scar formation. This has been demonstrated in numerous clinical studies in humans and animals.”

Check with your healthcare practitioner for the proper dose of vitamin C for you. Usually, the recommended daily allowance is between 500-100 mg per day. Meanwhile, eat more foods high in vitamin C such as kiwis, papayas, berries, melons and also peppers.

Stay “E”ven

The first signs of a vitamin E deficiency is dry, brittle skin. Topically applying vitamin E to your skin could perpetuate healing mechanisms, this is especially found when directly applied to acne.

According to Vitagene,

“Vitamin E oil is absorbed into the skin quickly because it is fat-soluble. This leads to faster healing of acne and acne scars. It controls the production of collagen and elastin in the skin.

The collagen strengthens the skin and may help with the skin’s elasticity and hydration. It can reduce skin wrinkles and dryness as well.”

Try one dab of vitamin E (easily extracted from a ruptured supplement capsule) on one acne pimple or scar two times a day for one week. If you see improvement and no allergic reaction continue to other outbreaks. 

Oh-K

Acne can really inflame the skin. This inflammation may be controlled by trying different supplements. Vitamin K is one. This vitamin cannot be made by the body and is found in foods such as kale, edamame (soybeans), collard greens, asparagus, cabbage and spinach. 

According to Examine,

“Application of 2% phylloquinone epoxide [vitamin K] to persons undergoing laser therapy (due to bilateral facial telangiectasia) was effective in reducing reddening of the skin over 10 days or so. The study was a double blind and split face study.”

Think Zinc

Zinc is an essential mineral associated with various systemic functions. When it comes to acne, maintaining a good zinc level could enhance healthier skin. Note: Never take zinc on an empty stomach and be sure to check with your doctor before taking as zinc may interfere with certain medications. 

Examine also reported that, 

“Supplementation of 600mg zinc sulphate daily (132mg elemental zinc) over the course of six months appears to be associated with a modest but significantly greater reduction in acne than does placebo…Supplementation of 200mg zinc gluconate (30mg elemental zinc) appears to be more effective than placebo in reducing symptoms of inflammatory acne.”

In addition to clean eating, plenty of water consumption, and a good exercise program, try these 5 vitamin remedies for acne to see if they help clear your skin.