4 Vitamin Supplements for Acne

Acne is often caused by too much production of oil by the sebaceous glands in which case may result to the formation of pimples, whiteheads, blackheads and even nodules in severe cases. Unprocessed and whole food diet contributes in treating acne. The use of vitamin supplements is important as well. However, there are some vitamins that if taken in high doses can be toxic that’s why it is necessary to speak with your doctor first before taking these supplements.

Vitamin Supplement #1: Vitamin A

Vitamin A helps strengthen the skin and at the same time protect the skin tissue. The Canadian School of Natural Nutrition (CSNN) and Phyllis Balch recommend a daily dose of vitamin A of 100,000 IU for 1-3 months and reduce the dose to 5,000 IU a day for your maintenance. Do not try to take too much vitamin A as this can be toxic. Moreover, it is not recommended to pregnant women and those who are experiencing liver diseases. Beta carotene is one type of vitamin A that is a powerful antioxidant and CSNN mentioned that this can treat all kinds of inflammatory disorders. Because of this, Balch suggests taking vitamin A with beta carotene.

Vitamin Supplement #2: Vitamin B Complex

CSNN mentioned that the role of vitamin B complex in the body is to detoxify the liver and aids in the metabolism of carbohydrates. It is important since a healthy liver can help in maintaining a healthy skin and improper carbohydrate metabolism can lead to a high blood sugar levels. On the other hand, Phyllis Balch mentioned in her book “Prescription for Nutritional Healing,” that all the B vitamins are necessary in achieving a healthy skin tone and she suggests taking B100 complex three times a day. This is a supplement that contains 100 mg of all the most important B vitamins.

Since B3 has the ability to improve blood flow to the surface of the skin, it is expected to promote healing of skin lesion too. Because of this, Balch suggested to take extra 100mg of B3 in the form of niacinamide three times a day as long as you don’t have gout, liver impairment and high blood pressure.

In case you are experiencing pre-menstrual related acne, taking vitamin B6 can help. As CSNN mentioned, vitamin B6 helps with the metabolism of steroid hormones because too much steroidal hormones can contribute to premenstrual acne. The Canadian School of Natural Nutrition recommends 50 to 100mg of B6 a day for therapeutic purposes.

Vitamin Supplement #3: Vitamin E

This vitamin enhances healing and tissue repair because of its antioxidant properties. Balch suggested taking 400 IU of vitamin E a day in the d-alpha-tocopherol form.

Vitamin C is also needed to support the immune system and in reducing infections and in repairing the skin tissue. Balch suggested taking 1000mg of vitamin C three times a day and consider choosing a supplement that has bioflavonoids in it as it enhances absorption of vitamin C.

Vitamin Supplement #4: Vitamin D3

Vitamin D3 or the sunshine vitamin helps in healing and tissue repair. Acne that gets worse during winter or rainy season is merely caused by insufficient vitamin D3. CSNN suggestion is to take 1,000 – 3,000 IU of vitamin D3 each day until acne has been cleared which you may then reduce dosage to 400 IU a day.

There are a lot of vitamins which can help in preventing and getting rid of acne. Take these vitamins with proper diet and home remedy for acne to get better results. However, you should consult your doctor first for you to know the right kind of vitamin supplement for you.