Acne Vitamins

Is there really such a thing as acne vitamins?   The answer is a resounding YES!  If you look at a specific vitamin for acne treatments or medications, you are very likely to find a number of different vitamins listed in the ingredients.  These acne vitamins have proven to be quite effective in controlling acne outbreaks and repairing related damaged skin tissue.

 Some of the more popular products on the market for the prevention and spreading of acne include:

 Vitamin A or Retinol
This vitamin is found not only in some cosmetic creams, but also in liver, fish oils and dairy products. A by-product of plants, this vitamin is also known as Beta-Carotene.  It is found in yellowish-orange fruits and vegetable, such as yams, cantaloupe, carrots, and apricots.  Another good source is green vegetables including spinach, kale and parsley.  Take caution with Vitamin A as this vitamin can become toxic at high levels of consumption.  This is one of the major acne vitamins and is used in many topical acne medications.
 
Vitamin B Complex
These vitamins are found in leafy vegetables, fish, milk, eggs whole grains and have many functions. For example, although B-2 can irritate acne, it can help alleviate stress. Other B complex vitamins like B1, B6 and B12 are also known to relieve stress.  And B-3, found in avocados, eggs, peanuts, lean meat and liver, reportedly reduces cholesterol levels.  It also has an anti-inflammatory effect on skin while improving your metabolism and circulation.  Studies have shown that the B complex vitamins are effective in improving the acne condition.   

Vitamin C 
A form of this vitamin, the C ester has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and helps penetrate the skin, reducing the occurrence of acne outbreaks.  It is also being tested to repair damage from scar tissue in teen patients.  

 Vitamin E
Vitamin E is found in almonds, broccoli, peanuts, sunflower seeds, wheat germ and vegetable oils.   Its healing properties have been known to aid in the healing of scar tissue, but this clain is still being contested by some healthcare professionals.  As an alternative, researchers are considering a form called tocotrienol (often referred to as high potency E or HPE) that posesses antioxidant properties that may be able to aid the skin when taken orally.

L-Carnitine
This vitamin is reported to help repair skin damage from acne for young and old acne sufferers.

Zinc
Zinc is found in eggs, mushrooms, nuts and whole grains.  Both zinc and selenium (a trace mineral in most soils and absorbed by a variety of vegetables) are known to improve the overall health of the body, including the skin.

In summary, a good quality nutritional multivitamin supplement will include most of these acne vitamins and assist you in your acne prevention program. Taking a nutritional multivitamin supplement, drinking plenty of fluids, and making healthy dietary choices, will put you far out in front in controlling this skin disorder.