Which Vitamins & Minerals Help With Acne?

Acne is a condition that affects over four-fifths of adolescents and young adults, according to Dr. James Balch and Phyllis Balch, authors of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing." It is characterized by clogged pored on the face, back, neck and chest, and causes blackheads, whiteheads and inflamed lesions. The Balches and other alternative medicine advocates believe that certain vitamins and minerals may help heal acne lesions and reduce the occurrence and severity of acne flare ups.

Nutritional therapy should not replace conventional treatment for acne. Check with your doctor before increasing vitamin or mineral intake to address this condition.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin, which means that it is stored in the body's fat cells. This vitamin is important for people with acne, according to Dr. James Balch and Phyllis Balch. Vitamin E is an antioxidant that may prevent damage to the cells of the skin. It may also help speed the healing of acne lesions. The Balches recommend a daily dose of 400 IU to promote skin healing and prevent scarring. Vitamin E is available in supplement form, and can also be found in oranges, cold-pressed olive oil, nuts, seeds and dark green, leafy vegetables.

Zinc

Zinc is a trace mineral that is necessary for the proper functioning of the body. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, taking 30g of zinc once or twice per day may help reduce the occurrence of acne lesions. This mineral is found naturally in pumpkin seeds, eggs, mushrooms and nuts. Zinc may produce side effects such as nausea, vomiting and immune system deficiencies. It may also interfere with prescription acne medications, such as tetracyclines. Consult your doctor before using zinc to treat acne.

Vitamin A

Vitamin A may help strengthen skin tissues and speed the healing of acne lesions, according to Dr. James Balch and Phyllis Balch. Deficiencies may weaken the epithelial layers of the skin and promote acne inflammations. This vitamin is found in fish, broccoli, garlic, spinach and cayenne peppers. It is also available in supplement form. The Balches recommend a daily dose of 5,000 IU for acne treatment. Higher doses may lead to vitamin A toxicity, which may contribute to liver damage.