Vitamins for Acne

Acne is the bane of teenagers’ social lives and school days. Yet as we age it becomes clear (or not so clear in terms of our skin) that blemishes on the face and body can plague both the young and old. For some people, acne is an annoyance that lasts long past the days of puberty and high school homeroom. Research shows acne affects more than 17 million people in the United States alone [1].

Causes of Adult Acne and Blemishes

The most frustrating part of adult acne is there are fewer places to lay the blame. As a teen, it is easy to point the finger at raging hormones. For people in their 20’s and 30’s this seems a less likely cause. However, even at this older age, hormones still play a part in breakouts [2]. Perhaps it is a temporary surge or depletion of estrogen due to monthly cycle for women or a sudden increase of testosterone in an adult man, but an abnormal or imbalanced release from the adrenal glands usually contributes to adult acne [2].

Another cause of acne is usually diet. If we binge on sugars, salty, or fatty foods it will surely lead to blemishes on our faces and bodies. These tempting foods increase the free radicals present in our organs and brains and lessen our ability to detoxify [2]. It is partly why after a weekend of crap food we start to feel and look like crap. Instead, we need foods filled with anti-oxidants.

Enter, vitamins for acne fighting.

Establishing a Relationship Between Acne Vitamins

When it comes to vitamins for acne fighting and skin clearing, scientists and dermatologists know more about people who are deficient in certain vitamins than those who consume vitamins in excess. This means most studies include at people who are deficient in certain vitamins and look for common health issues.

The information boils down to the following. People who are deficient in vitamins A, E, K, and zinc tend to have more acne, blemishes, and breakouts than those who obtain the recommended daily dosage of each vitamin [1]. From this fact research has determined how each of these vitamins may help in the fight against acne, at any age.

Vitamin A

The benefits of vitamin A should not be ignored when it comes to vitamins for acne warfare. The magic of vitamin A is in its ability to prevent skin cells from building up on the face, this keeps pores clear [2]. The result is fewer pimples.

Research has established the strongest link between vitamin A deficiency and breakouts or severe acne. There is so much medical and scientific report for the correlation between the deficiency and acne that an entire method of fighting acne was developed around vitamin A. These are retinoid creams, and are made specifically for eliminating blemishes and acne [3]. Retinoid creams that contain vitamin A are for more than angst-filled teenagers, women who experience hormonal acne have also seen clearer skin after regular application.

Vitamin E

Throughout the body vitamin E plays an important role. Regardless of the organ or body part, this role is essentially the same. Vitamin E, after it is digested and absorbed by the body acts as an awesome anti-oxidant. In this form, vitamin E is a strong fighter against free radicals that cause upheaval in the human body.

While there is concrete evidence that vitamin A battles blemishes and blackheads, scientists are less certain about vitamin E [1]. As discussed, it is easier for research to show what acne suffers lack, than what is common among people without acne. Many people with acne are deficient in vitamin E, as well as vitamin A and zinc [1]. Therefore, early information indicates that vitamin E could be another of the good vitamins for acne fighting.

Vitamin K

Similar to other vitamins for acne fighting, vitamin K can come in different forms. The first is through certain foods we consume, which will be discussed later, another way is through oral supplements, and finally as a topical supplement. Dermatologists feel topical vitamin K provides the best results [1].

Luckily, this is also the easiest way to beat acne with vitamin K, without consuming too much. Overconsumption of vitamin K can lead to other, more serious health problems, and in some instances has made acne or an outbreak worse. There are a number of retinoid cream brands that include vitamin K, just look for the vitamin on the list of active ingredients.

Zinc

Ok, so zinc is a mineral, not a vitamin. However, when it comes to vitamins for acne battling, there is no way to discuss vitamin A and ignore the impact of zinc on the skin. Zinc fights acne in three ways. First, it reduces the amount of oil produced by skin cells; second, zinc protects the skin from bacterial infections that cause blemishes; and third, it reduces inflammation [1]. All of this acne fighting power can be harnessed in an oral supplement or applied through topical creams, just as with vitamin A.

Backlash of Excess B12

When it comes to the relationship between vitamins and acne, dermatologists have found an interesting twist. It is possible that too much of certain vitamins are making your acne worse. According to recent research, the most common of the vitamins for acne and blackheads appearing is vitamin B12 [4].

Here are the basics. B12 is a necessary vitamin for many reasons. It is a great for improving memory and other brain functions. Someone who does not consume enough B12 is subject to a few serious health risks, which include digestive problems, neurological problems and issues with vision [5]. It is important to keep the necessity of B12 in mind, because cutting down on acne is not worth incurring many of these more serious health issues.

However, B12 might not be one of the best vitamins for acne or those prone to blemishes. B12 causes a change in the makeup of bacteria on the face, like any form of chaos this has fallout [4]. When it comes to the skin, that fallout is in the form of acne and other blemishes such as blackheads or whiteheads.

 

References:

[1] http://www.healthline.com/health/minerals-vitamins-for-acne

[2] http://www.womenshealthmag.com/beauty/how-to-treat-hormonal-acne

[3] http://www.livestrong.com/article/79444-vitamins-clear-acne/

[4] http://time.com/3941332/vitamin-b12-acne/

[5] http://www.health.com/acne/could-a-vitamin-play-a-role-in-acne-outbreaks