A Few Ways To Help Fight Acne
Skin is the largest organ on the human body. Skin serves as a protective barrier, regulates body temperature, and allows for the elimination of sweat and oils. A person’s complexion will change with age and time. Sickness and environmental factors can also affect the look and feel of skin. Changes in sex hormones, cortisol, and the thyroid will directly impact skin health, function, and appearance. Vitamins and minerals can help rebalance hormone levels, fight acne, and lead to clearer skin. Topical and oral medications have shown to be highly effective in the fight against acne. 4 of the most popular acne-fighting vitamins and minerals include vitamin A, vitamin D, zinc, and vitamin E.
1. Vitamin A
Vitamin A counters the adverse effects acne has on the skin. Vitamin A is an antioxidant and fights free radicals, which can cause cell damage and lead to premature aging of the skin. Vitamin A also decreases inflammation, promotes new skin cell growth, and protects against environmental damage. Topical treatments are recommended over oral supplements.
2. Vitamin D
Vitamin D boosts the immune system and has antimicrobial properties. Similar to vitamin A, vitamin D blocks the negative effects acne bacteria has on the skin. Vitamin D helps more than just bones and is used to treat many skin conditions.
3. Zinc
Zinc has been found to decrease the production of oil in the skin. Decreasing the production of oil helps reduce the chance of bacterial growth and blocked pores. The body only needs low amounts, approximately 8-11 milligrams, to meet daily allowances. Zinc can be taken as an oral supplement or topical treatment.
4. Vitamin E
Vitamin E is largely used as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. The fat-soluble properties of vitamin E allow for quick absorption into the skin. The faster products are absorbed, the quicker acne can heal. Vitamin E helps the skin lock in moisture and promotes the production of collagen.
A bonus tip
Tea tree oil has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. The oil reduces acne-causing bacteria and can reduce redness and frequency of breakouts. Best used as a spot treatment over full-face care, tea tree oil should be used solely as a topical application.
How do hormones affect the skin?
Each hormone in the human body has a specific function. Sex hormones control the development of sexual organs and all reproductive processes. These same hormones impact muscle mass, bone density, sebum production, and growth of body hair. Cortisol regulates the body’s fight or flight process and can affect weight gain. Thyroid hormones regulate metabolism, muscle control, mood, and brain development. When hormone levels are not in balance, the skin is often the first part of the body to show signs that something is off.
Hormones in men and women
Hormones will affect men and women differently. Many of the changes in skin are directly tied to the production of sebum, the skin’s natural oil. The sebaceous glands are highly sensitive to changes in sex hormone levels, specifically testosterone. Increased testosterone often leads to the overproduction of sebum. During puberty, testosterone levels rise in both females and males. As men get older, testosterone levels even out. For women, testosterone levels increase right before the menstrual cycle. Changes in testosterone levels and increased production of sebum are the leading causes of acne.
Treatment options
Hormones directly impact the appearance and feel of skin. Each hormone will have a different impact on the body. Testosterone has the most significant effect on acne. Men are more prone to have acne surrounding puberty. Women are more prone to acne right before monthly menstrual cycles. Increasing consumption of vitamin A, D, zinc, and vitamin E can help fight acne and lead to clearer skin. For more tips on acne treatment and supplements, consult a dermatologist or pharmacist for more information.
FAQs
In particular, zinc and vitamins A and D may help treat and prevent acne. Many foods naturally contain these nutrients, including meats, fish, vegetables, and dairy products. Fortified food products, such as breakfast cereals, milk, and fruit juices, are another excellent source.
What vitamins and minerals are best for acne? ›
In particular, zinc and vitamins A and D may help treat and prevent acne. Many foods naturally contain these nutrients, including meats, fish, vegetables, and dairy products. Fortified food products, such as breakfast cereals, milk, and fruit juices, are another excellent source.
What are the most important supplements for acne? ›
Known as the 'healing' vitamin, vitamin E is an anti-inflammatory antioxidant. It encourages healing, and is specifically renowned helping with acne scarring. You'll find vitamin E in nuts, avocado and spinach.
What is the best vitamin for hormonal acne? ›
Vitamin E. Vitamin E, a potent antioxidant, has been used in dermatology for over 50 years and may help manage hormonal acne. It may reduce the risk of free radical damage, often caused by the sun's harmful UV rays. ¹⁹ When applied topically, vitamin E also serves as an effective moisturizer.
What are the side effects of Clearstem? ›
Side effects: Dizziness, worsened breakouts, fatigue, and nausea have been reported especially when taken without food. Mixed results: While some users had success with Clearstem, others see little to no improvement even after two months.
How do you get rid of hormonal acne fast? ›
Many over-the-counter treatments contain retinoids. Topical anti-inflammatories, like dapsone gel, can also reduce acne. An oral prescription medication called spironolactone can reduce the effects of male hormones. Chemical peels and blue light therapies also help if you want to clear up acne more quickly.
Does zinc clear acne? ›
Zinc is an essential mineral which boosts immune function. It can reduce the inflammatory response seen with acne. Because zinc regulates cell production and turnover and can help reduce the amount of natural oil your skin produces. This reduces congestion, in turn preventing pores from clogging.
What vitamin deficiency causes acne? ›
Acne can be caused by changes in hormone levels, bacteria, oils, and more. If you have acne, a vitamin D deficiency may be part of what's causing symptoms or making them worse.
What does B12 acne look like? ›
The clinical appearance of acneiform exanthema occurring during treatment with vitamin B6 or B12 consists of loosely disseminated small papules or papulopustules on the face (especially on the forehead and chin), on the upper parts of the back and chest and spreading to the upper arm.
How do you get rid of acne in 3 days naturally? ›
Here are 4 natural ways to get rid of pimples fast, although they may have limited research supporting their effectiveness for this purpose.
- Spot treat with tea tree oil. ...
- Spot treat with other essential oils. ...
- Apply green tea to the skin. ...
- Moisturize with aloe vera.
The primary vitamins you should look for are Vitamin A and B3. Vitamin A, also known as retinoids, help clear acne as they help regulate skin cell turnover, which prevents pores from clogging. The second key player is Vitamin B3 because it possesses anti-inflammatory properties and can help reduce oil production.
What pills are good for clear skin? ›
Oral Isotretinoin
For more severe forms of acne, your doctor may prescribe isotretinoin, a retinoid that is taken by mouth. Retinoids clear clogged pores by reducing the amount of oil that skin glands produce and killing the bacteria that reside there.
What supplements are good for clear skin? ›
However, in a recent study , people with acne were shown to have vitamin E, A, and zinc deficiencies. So it wouldn't hurt to make sure you get your daily recommended intake of the 15 mg of vitamin E. Shop for vitamin E supplements online. Tea tree oil may also be able to help with your acne.
Is Clearstem worth the hype? ›
IF YOU WANT BRIGHTER & HEALTHIER SKIN - YOU NEED THIS PRODUCT! I am OBSESSED with CLEARSTEM Skincare's entire line! This serum right here has seriously changed my entire complexion. I use it every other night to help keep my blackheads and acne under control without being overly drying.
Is Clearstem skincare legit? ›
I can't recommend Clearstem* enough. Their tag line of be clear, age well is exactly what I'm looking for from my skincare. If you can only buy one product from their line to start with, make it the vitamin. The Clearstem Acne Supplement is an amazing product.
Do Clearstem products work? ›
It is truly my #1 skincare product… it never irritates my skin, visibly reduces my blackheads and truly has changed my life !! Everything ClearStem is a go to but this one is a ride or die. If you are thinking about buying it, just do it! You will not regret it at all.
What vitamin or mineral deficiency causes acne? ›
Deficiencies in EFA's, Magnesium, Zinc, Iron, B Vitamins, Vitamin A, Vitamin D, and Vitamin C can all impact skin health, leading to increased inflammation, sebum production, and acne breakouts.
Is vitamin C or vitamin A better for acne? ›
Vitamin C contains anti-inflammatory properties and helps reduce the redness and swelling that comes with acne. The results are more pronounced when you use the vitamin topically. It, therefore, helps improve the appearance of acne wounds. It may help reduce hyperpigmentation.
Is zinc or vitamin A better for acne? ›
After four weeks, there was a significant decrease in the number of papules, pustules, and infiltrates in the zinc-treated groups. The effect of zinc plus vitamin A was not better than zinc alone. After 12 weeks of treatment, the mean acne score had decreased from 100% to 15%.
Does magnesium help acne? ›
In skincare, magnesium lowers cortisol levels, stabilizes hormonal imbalances, repairs the skin barrier and reduces inflammation, all of which help clear acne. How Does Magnesium Fight Breakouts? Magnesium is highly effective in breaking down and absorbing oil and bacteria in the pores and balancing your skin's pH.
