Anyone who has struggled with acne knows that topical treatments can only go so far. When these fall short, there are a number of vitamins that have been shown to help fight blemishes by treating dietary deficiencies that may be contributing to skin problems.
Vitamin A for Acne
The number one vitamin typically associated with skin health is vitamin A. The American Academy of Dermatology says vitamin A is essential for the health of both the skin and eyes. Often prescribed in the form of a retinoid for topical treatment, the popular acne medication, Isotretinoin or Accutane, is also a derivative of vitamin A.
The ADA reports that vitamin A is found naturally in fish oils and dairy products as a retinol and as beta carotene in orange and yellow fruits and vegetables. For those who would rather forego a prescription and head to the health food store instead, supplement recommendations from a range of dermatology and natural health sources run from 10,000 IU per day to as much as 50,000 a day. Vitamin A is toxic in high amounts, however, so do not exceed these levels.
B Vitamins for Acne
Stress can be a major contributor to acne and the B vitamins, which include Thiamine (B1), Riboflavin (B2), Niacin (Nicotinic Acid, Niacinamide, B3), Pantothenic Acid, Pyridoxine (B6) and Cyanocobalamin (B12) - are known to help combat stress (Source: Medline). In addition, Riboflavin works with vitamin A to strengthen skin, hair and nails.
A good B complex supplement with at least 300 mg of B2 daily, is recommended for acne sufferers.
Zinc for Acne
The National Library of Medicine of the National Institutes of Health says that,
"based on available science," the mineral zinc appears to be effective in the treatment of acne, although the evidence is not conclusive.
The NIH reports that doses ranging from 45 to 220 mg three times daily of zinc sulfate have been shown to help get rid of acne.
Fish Oil for Acne
A study published in Lipids in Health and Disease, as well as a number of other published studies, suggests the benefits of regular supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish oils, in fighting acne. The same study also found that fish oil may help improve mood and mental health, both of which may also have an impact on the skin.
The American Heart Association's recommended 1000 mg of omega-3s daily is a safe dosage to start for combating acne.
Because the skin is essentially a reflection of overall health, a diet rich low in saturated fats and high in whole grains, fruits and vegetables, that provides of balance of essential antioxidant vitamins, will go a long way toward fighting acne naturally.
Alex Strauss - Journalist Alex Strauss has written extensively for radio, television, magazines and the web for more than 20 years. During her career in ...
