Vitamins For Acne Treatment

by Lyra Carrillo

Your skin represents the largest organ of your body and protects your body from harmful invaders. For proper function of the skin, you need to feed your body with nutrition. Certain vitamins for acne treatment can stop the P. acnes bacteria from causing havoc on your skin and boost immunity.

In 2007, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention reported that less than 40% of American did not meet the daily required intake of fruits and vegetables. Lack of certain vitamins can lead to acne.

So, what vitamins are good for acne? They should be able to control the inflammation, keep the pores clean, and maintain the hormonal balance. You need to ensure that you get sufficient amount of Vitamin A, B, C, D, and E for blemish-free skin. It is said that lack of Vitamin A, B2, B3 and B6 can lead to acne.

Vitamin A

Vitamin A can help acne by strengthening the protective tissue of the skin. It also reduces the production of sebum, a vital factor in controlling the population of P. acnes bacteria. If you already have acne, it can help to repair the damaged tissues, preventing risk of scarring. As a potent antioxidant, it neutralizes the free radicals from damaging the skin.

For severe acne, you may need high dosages of vitamin A. The daily dosage used is between 300,000 and 500,000IU. Because it is way above the safety level, you should never take it without the supervision of your doctor. As vitamin A is fat soluble, the excess will remain in your body. Over time, it can develop into toxicity which will affect your liver and nervous system.

Vitamin B Complex

Vitamin B Complex to clear acne includes Thiamine (B1), Riboflavin (B2), Niacin (Nicotinic Acid, Niacinamide, B3), Pantothenic Acid, Pyridoxine (B6) and Cyanocobalamin (B12). They all have their own roles in keeping your skin clear.

• Thiamine (B1) is an antioxidant. It improves the blood circulation and the absorption of food. With sufficient vitamin B1, it can increase absorption of other vitamins.
• When Riboflavin (B2) combines with Vitamin A, they keep the mucous membranes in your digestive tract healthy. A healthy gut without buildup of toxin will have less stress on your liver. This can prevent acne.
• Niacinamide (B3) improves the circulation and assist your body to break down carbohydrates, fats and proteins. It also ensures the smooth flow of toxins and nutrients within the cells. This is essential for healthy skin.
• Pantothenic acid (B5) relieves stress which is associated with acne. It also is important in keeping the hormones in your body in balance. It is used to produce Coenzyme A to break down sebum.
• Pyridoxine (B6) promotes the production of antibodies and boosts your immune system. Your body needs it to break down proteins, sugars, and fatty acids.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is known for skin repair and accelerated healing. It is an essential component in the production of collagen. Collagen is needed for healing and cell generation.

It is also an antioxidant that flush toxins from your body. It strengthens your immune system. Combined with bioflavonoids, they are effective in treating acne.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D helps in maintaining the hormonal balance.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E has always been used in scar treatment as it can repair damaged tissue. Just like any antioxidant, it offers a protection against free radicals. It also stops the oxidation of polyunsaturated fats, protecting your cells from damages.

Problems With Vitamins For Acne

In treating acne, high dosages of vitamins are required. Usually high dosage is at least ten times above the recommended dosage. Your acne may become worse if you're not careful. For example, high doses of B3 may irritate your skin or cause redness.

Sometimes, taking too much is not going to reduce acne. In 1997, Dr. E.F. Sheretz of Wake Forest University's School of Medicine discovered that high dosages of B-6 and B-12 can cause breakouts.

If you're taking large doses of fat soluble vitamins like vitamin A and E, make sure your doctor is monitoring your progress.

Sometimes vitamins cannot help your acne. You should try another remedy.

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