What Supplements Are Good For Acne?
Not everyone knows which supplements can help treat acne effectively. Some studies suggest that diet changes and oral supplements could aid in alleviating acne while decreasing oil production.
Zinc has been demonstrated to significantly reduce acne severity for those with low zinc levels, as well as improve immune system functionality and decrease inflammation.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is a potent antioxidant and works to combat free radicals which contribute to acne development. Furthermore, Vitamin A promotes skin cell growth, reduces inflammation and regulates oil production – all while speeding up healing time for any damaged spots caused by spots.
Therefore, most topical treatments for acne contain vitamin A in the form of retinol for use on the face. Retinoids have been scientifically shown to decrease acne lesions, increase cell turnover rates and reduce sebum production – thus making them part of an effective treatment plan.
Oral supplements of vitamin A are also readily available, although you should never exceed the daily allowance (900 micrograms for men and 700 for women) as too much fat-soluble vitamin A could build up and cause toxic buildup and accumulation.
Zinc is another key nutrient for treating acne as it works to both prevent inflammation and fight free radicals that contribute to breakouts. Furthermore, zinc speeds up skin healing processes while breaking down substances P that encourage sebum production.
Zinc can be found naturally in foods like shellfish, beef liver, beans and pumpkin seeds; however, you may require supplementation in order to get enough. In this instance, make sure that any new supplements don’t interfere with any medications or treatments you are currently receiving from your healthcare provider.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is an amazing skincare staple, but did you know it can also treat acne? Vitamin C is one of the best remedies for this skin condition as it reduces inflammation and encourages cell renewal to help the complexion heal, making it great for scarred spots to fade more quickly and smoothing out texture issues. Plus, being an antioxident means Vitamin C also scavenges free radicals linked to this skin condition!
Studies suggest that taking low doses of vitamin C combined with other ingredients such as zinc and retinol may help prevent blemishes, since it slows the breakdown of fatty acids that contribute to excess sebum production.
Zinc can also be an effective supplement to help treat acne as it helps your body produce less oil, thus decreasing blocked pores and bacterial overgrowth. Zinc has become a staple ingredient in topical treatments for both oily and dry acne conditions, according to research studies.
High zinc doses may lead to copper deficiency, so it’s essential that adults follow the recommended daily allowance of 8-11 milligrams. Zinc can be found in many food sources including oysters (a top source), organ meat, beans and pumpkin seeds as well as oral supplements or topical solutions such as Tazarotene and Adapalene prescription acne medications.
Green Tea
Green tea, a well-known ingredient found in various skincare products, contains powerful antimicrobial and antioxidant properties which can help fight acne blemishes. You can drink it as a beverage or apply topically using spritzers; additionally it can be added into lotions and creams for additional benefit.
Green tea polyphenols known as catechins contain anti-inflammatory agents to decrease redness associated with acne breakouts, unclog pores and reduce excess oil production as they work by inhibiting sebaceous glands from secreting too much oil – the primary source of acne breakouts.
Tea tree oil can also be an effective supplement against acne, working similarly to benzoyl peroxide in acne products by eliminating bacteria and decreasing oil. However, tea tree oil has less side effects such as dryness or itching that its counterpart.
Omega 3 fish oil can help improve the appearance of blemishes by providing essential fatty acids that soothe inflammation caused by excess oil production, and can even balance out hormonal acne symptoms by balancing out hormone levels in your body. You can take supplements or incorporate fish oil into your diet through salmon, trout, herring and mackerel as food sources – just make sure that it’s high quality for maximum benefit.
Maca Root
People living in the Andes have used maca root for millennia to enhance stamina and energy, improve fertility, and elevate mood. The plant boasts an abundance of unique proteins, nutrients and beneficial plant compounds such as macaenes and macamides – known as adaptogens which help the body cope with stress better.
Studies demonstrate that maca root can help balance hormone levels that cause breakouts, particularly among women suffering from hormonal acne. Furthermore, it has shown to balance pituitary and hypothalamus glands which produce hormones with an impactful presence in skin care products; and may have positive impacts on adrenal glands balancing hormone levels between both genders.
Maca is available in powder, capsule, and tincture form for easy consumption as food or herbal supplement, although consumption in moderation should be followed to avoid discomfort in sensitive stomachs or gastrointestinal issues. Before taking any dietary supplements it is advisable to seek professional advice first.
Dietary supplements are not subject to the same regulation as drugs, so it is essential that when choosing one it has been certified by an outside source such as USP or ConsumerLabs to ensure its quality and safety. Furthermore, before beginning any new supplement regimen it would be wise to undergo a micronutrient test as this will allow you to ascertain if any conflicting nutrients might occur from other sources in your diet or whether any new one could interfere with existing vitamins and minerals you already consume through diet alone.
Krill Oil
Fish oil’s omega-3 fatty acids help reduce inflammation, which is often an underlined cause of acne. If you decide to supplement with fish oil, look for one with high concentrations of EPA+DHA, according to Mayo Clinic guidelines; such fatty acids can be found in salmon, sardines and flax seeds as well as plant sources like flax seeds and walnuts.
Krill oil is an eco-friendly form of omega-3 made by extracting small crustaceans known as krill, similar to shrimp found in Antarctic waters. Studies indicate it may be more easily absorbed than fish oils and contain higher antioxidant levels.
Krill oil may help strengthen your immune system, making it an effective way to treat acne. One study discovered that taking krill oil significantly increased natural killer cells (a type of white blood cell) and peripheral blood mononuclear cells; both help the body fight viruses and cancerous tumors.
Not everyone should consume krill oil; those allergic to seafood, on blood thinners, or children are not advised to take it. Furthermore, some find the fishy flavor off-putting; this doesn’t indicate any deficiencies with its effectiveness, but if this bothers you further it might be best to opt for another supplement instead. If you’re struggling with acne but dislike benzoyl peroxide products krill oil could be worth exploring as an alternative treatment method.
Vitamin E
Most skincare enthusiasts carefully examine a product’s ingredients list to ensure they are using clean and effective products suitable for their skin type. But diet can have an equally profound impact, especially for those suffering from acne-prone skin.
Vitamin E is a potent antioxidant that protects cells, slowing down cell degeneration and slowing the aging process. Additionally, its anti-inflammatory effects help decrease redness caused by spots or blemishes and can even reduce redness associated with spots or blemishes. You can find Vitamin E in oils or serums but for maximum effect it works best when mixed in formulations along with other acne fighting ingredients like ferulic acid.
Blackheads can be reduced by decreasing oil production, breaking down chemicals responsible for sebum release during stressful situations, and inhibiting overproduction of proinflammatory cytokines that contribute to inflammation. Furthermore, this treatment may aid in the formation of comedones (commonly referred to as pimples) by shrinking their size.
Noting the limitations of vitamin supplements as an acne cure, combined with other ingredients like benzoyl peroxide, adapalene gel or clindamycin may prove more successful in combatting the problem. Before using vitamin supplements to combat your acne it’s advisable to get professional advice as any supplement might not have an impactful result based on individual skin needs and concerns.