Hopefully by the end of this article you’ll have no doubts about this subject.
Overview
If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here’s our process. Alternatively, some seek more natural treatments such oral vitamin and mineral supplements.
Do Natural Remedies Also Work?
And If So, Which Ones?
Acne surfaces during times of hormonal imbalance. When glands produce more oil than normal, skin pores get clogged, allowing bacteria (and pimples) to grow. Vitamin A oral supplements don’t work the same as topical vitamin A, according to clinicians at the University of Michigan.
In fact, they caution against the supplement, as it can do more harm than good. Because the vitamin is fat-soluble, it builds up in your body, and a high intake of more than 10,000 international units (IU) can be toxic. But as a topical medication, vitamin A can help with your acne.
According to the Mayo Clinic, retinoids are the most effective treatment for acne because of their ability to regenerate and heal the skin rapidly, so that you quickly have fresh skin. Popular retinoid brands — in the order of least side effects — include tazarotene (Tazorac) and adapalene (Differin).
2. Omega-3 And Omega-6 Fatty Acids
“After 10 weeks, in both the omega-3 group and in the GLA [gamma-linolenic acid] group, supplementation resulted in a significant reduction in both inflammatory and non-inflammatory acne lesions,” says Dr. Luther.
Make sure you’re not making these mistakes when taking vitamins:.
3. Vitamin E
Topical vitamin E has long been a skincare hero—it can fade dark spots, calm inflammation, and moisturize—but ingesting the vitamin (as a supplement—please don’t drink your serum!). Is also important for acne-prone skin.
“Probiotics and the body’s existing natural beneficial bacteria can help neutralize oxidative stress, modulate inflammation, and even support a healthy mood,” says Dr. Luther. “I caution patients against ingesting too much Vitamin A, though, as it can cause extreme dryness of the skin, make you sensitive to the sun, interfere with your vision, and may even affect your liver.”
Topical vitamin A has long been studied for its skin-clearing (and anti-aging) benefits, so in this case it’s best to stick with serums and creams, rather than supplements. Given that antioxidants benefit skin, astaxanthin may be a good product to support overall skin health, allowing for the skin to be able to better heal in those with acne.
Daley Quinn Daley Quinn is a Connecticut-born, Texas-bred beauty & wellness writer living in New York City. This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io.
Vitamin A
A study from 2014 found that vitamin A appears to disrupt some of the effects that P. Acnes bacteria have on skin cells. Many different foods contain vitamin A, including : beef liver
certain types of fish, such as herring, salmon, and tuna
green vegetables, including spinach and broccoli
orange and yellow vegetables, such as sweet potato, carrot, and squash
fruits, such as cantaloupe, apricot, and mango
dairy products
fortified breakfast cereals Vitamin A is also available as a dietary supplement from most health food stores and pharmacies.