Eating a nutritious diet is important for your overall well-being, including skin health.
However, research into the benefits, risks, and effectiveness of oral vitamin supplementation for acne is lacking.
That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says.
Getty Images / Doucefleur
Getty Images / Doucefleur
Nutrition and Acne: Is There a Link?
There are also a few studies that suggest oxidative stress is a possible cause of acne.
People with acne seem to have lower blood levels ofantioxidants.
Antioxidants may be a possible therapy for treating acne,but this research has yet to prove this.
A link between nutrition and acne is, at best, a theory.
Few studies meet the high scientific standards required to change current practice recommendations to include supplementation.
Below, the vitamins and minerals that may affect acne are individually reviewed.
No supplement’s purpose is to treat, cure, or prevent disease.
Provitamin A carotenoids (such asbeta carotene) are found in plant sources.
The body converts provitamin A to vitamin A.
Plant sources of vitamin A include sweet potatoes, carrots, pumpkin, and cantaloupe.
Some research has found that taking supplemental vitamin A improved acne for some of its participants.
Such quantities of supplementation should only occur under medical supervision.
Vitamin A is afat-soluble vitaminand can accumulate in the body when consumed in high amounts.
To preventvitamin A toxicity, adults should not exceed the TUL of 3,000 micrograms of preformed vitamin A daily.
Vitamin A can be found in stand-alone supplements or multivitamins.
Trying to meet vitamin and mineral requirements through diet alone first is best.
In this case, a simple multivitamin may prove beneficial.
Now, it is marketed as Absorica, Claravis, Amnesteem, Myorisan, and Zenatane.
However, the results of this have been unclear.
Pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) has also been studied for acne.
A small clinical trial found that it reduced acne blemishes compared to a placebo.
However, more extensive studies are necessary to confirm these findings.
B vitamin supplements can be found in single vitamins, B-complex formulations, or multivitamins.
Again, obtaining all of the B vitamins is possible by adjusting one’s diet to include certain foods.
If this is not possible, a multivitamin may be a good option to ensure these needs are met.
There is very little research on oral vitamin C supplementation for treating acne.
Vitamin C supplementsare available as individual supplements or in multivitamin preparations.
Because vitamin C is water soluble, excess amounts are excreted in the urine.
The body also makes vitamin D when it’s exposed to sunlight.
Good sources of vitamin D include fish, beef liver, egg yolks, cheese, and mushrooms.
The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for vitamin D ranges from 1520 micrograms daily for adults.
Your healthcare provider can arrange to have your vitamin D levels checked and recommendan appropriate supplementif necessary.
The RDA for vitamin E for adults is 15 milligrams.
There are some possible risks associated with excessive vitamin E supplementation.
Vitamin E in high doses may lead to hemorrhage, prostate cancer, or mortality.
Zinc
Zincis a mineral found in foods and available as a supplement.
It is also commonly added to cold remedies and found in cold lozenges.
The RDA for zinc for adults ranges from 812 milligrams daily.
The best food sources of zinc include meat, fish, and seafood.
Oysters top the list at 32 milligrams per 3-ounce serving.
Research has found that people with acne tend to have lower serum zinc levels.
Excessive zinc intake through supplements may interfere with magnesium and copper absorption.
Adults should avoid doses in excess of the TUL of 40 milligrams daily.
Summary
Several vitamin and mineral supplements are marketed for skin health.
However, research doesn’t support the use of oral vitamin supplements for the treatment of acne.
Generally speaking, the purpose of nutritional supplements is not to treat or cure conditions.
Consult a dermatologist if you are looking for solutions for your acne.
This will help ensure your minimum vitamin and mineral requirements are met.
If this is not possible, supplementing with a simple multivitamin with minerals can ensure these needs are met.
Frequently Asked Questions
There is not enough research to support using oral vitamin supplements for acne scars.
However, there may be some topical creams or lotions that contain useful vitamins.
You should discuss these options with your healthcare provider or a dermatologist.
There is not enough research to support taking oral vitamins or minerals to treat acne.
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