Supplements to Fight Acne

Supplements to Fight Acne
Photo Credit flax seeds close-up image by Konstantin Sutyagin from Fotolia.com

Acne is a disease that involves the skin and oil glands as mentioned in the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. The small holes on the skin called pores connect to the oil glands. These glands produce sebum that carries dead skin cells through the follicles, a canal-like structure, out from the pores. A small, thin hair grows out from the follicle. When follicles clog up, acne develops. Acne or pimples can grow on the face, back, chest and shoulder. Using supplements can be effective in fighting acne.

Zinc

According to Medline Plus, a website supported by the National Institutes of Health, zinc is one of the supplements that can help fight acne. Zinc as a nutrient is an essential trace mineral that boosts the immune system, prevent respiratory infections, promote blood clotting and speed up wound healing. Zinc is naturally found in meats, dairy products and whole grains. Zinc can be applied directly on the skin to treat conditions such as psoriasis, herpes simplex and acne. Some oral preparations of zinc contain erythromycin, an antibiotic that helps clear pimples and prevents mild infections.

Flaxseed

Flaxseed is among the dietary supplements that can effectively fight acne, as mentioned in Medline Plus. Flaxseed is derived from the plant Linum usitatissimum, its seed or the extract from it, is used to make medicine and supplements. The primary use of flaxseed is to lower blood cholesterol, control hypertension and prevent disorders in the heart and blood vessels. Flaxseed oil can be applied directly on the skin to treat eczema, psoriasis and acne. Flaxseed has anti-inflammatory properties that can significantly reduce large pimples and swellings on the skin.

Vitamin A

According to the Office of Dietary Supplements, Vitamin A is a supplement that can treat acne. Vitamin A that is naturally found in organ meats as well as colored fruits and vegetables promotes healthy skin and mucus membranes. This vitamin can also boost the immune system and white blood cell function. Vitamin A is considered an effective anti-acne treatment.

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is one of the supplements that can help treat acne, as mentioned in Medline Plus. Tea tree oil comes from the leaves of tea tree. The oil or extract is used topically for several skin conditions such as scabies, athlete's foot, ringworm and acne. Tea tree oil has an antiseptic property that is effective against skin fungus and bacteria. For acne, applying 5 percent tea tree oil on the skin is as equally as effective 5 percent benzoyl peroxide. Tea tree oil is also less irritating.

References

Article reviewed by Jenna Marie Last updated on: Mar 12, 2011

Must see: Photo Galleries

Member Comments