Acne is caused by an overproduction of oil, bacteria buildup and the irregular shedding of dead skin cells, causing hair follicle irritation. Changes in bodily hormones can cause acne in teenagers, premenstrual women and pregnant women. Many treatments, including antibiotics, topical ointments and cosmetic procedures, can help in the treatment of acne. Various vitamins can also help in the reduction of acne symptoms.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is essential in vision, reproduction, cell division and bone growth. Vitamin A helps reduce acne by strengthening and protecting skin tissue. This vitamin can be found in many foods including liver, milk, carrots and kale.
Vitamin B Complex
B-complex vitamins are important in enzyme activity, normal growth and development, and the production of red blood cells. Vitamin B3 in particular helps keep the nervous system, digestive system and skin healthy. Vitamin B complex reduces acne symptoms by improving skin tone and blood flow to the skin. It is referred to as the "anti-stress" vitamin.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C reduces acne symptoms by promoting immune function and reducing inflammation. It is also a necessary vitamin for collagen repair. Vitamin C can be found in all fruits and vegetables but tend to be most available in green peppers, citrus fruits, strawberries, tomatoes and leafy greens.
Vitamin D3
Vitamin D3 promotes healing and tissue repair which aids in reducing acne. Vitamin D3 is synthesized by the skin when exposed to ultraviolet-B sunlight rays. Food containing vitamin D3 contains only small amounts of the vitamin. These foods are cheese, beef liver and egg yolks.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is an antioxidant that helps speed healing and the repair of tissue. Some food sources containing vitamin E are wheat germ oil, almonds, sunflower seeds and peanut butter. Vitamin E helps reduce acne by maintaining healthy skin through the elimination of free radicals that are generated during cellular metabolism.
References
- Mayo Clinic: Acne
- National Institutes of Health: Vitamin A
- "Prescriptions for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch; 2000
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