Pimples are one of the most common bacterial skin infections, and can affect any of the millions of hair follicles -- or pores -- found in your skin. Acne bacteria feed on the oil naturally produced by glands within your skin, and can colonize within your pores and cause pimples. While a number of factors -- including genetics and hygiene -- contribute to acne development, a number of vitamins can help your skin heal after an acne breakout.
Vitamin A
One vitamin that can help your skin heal after a pimple is vitamin A, or retinol. Cells within your skin contain a protein called the retinoid acid receptor, which allows your skin to respond to vitamin A. The vitamin signals for the development of new skin cells, helping your body heal the skin damaged by the acne infection. In addition, vitamin A can help to avoid future breakouts by helping to unclog your pores and flush out acne-causing bacteria.
Vitamin C
Another vitamin that aids in skin healing after an acne breakout is vitamin C, or ascorbic acid. Healthy skin contains large amounts of the protein collagen, which helps to maintain the structure of each pore, as well as provide strength to your skin. After an acne breakout, your skin generates new collagen to repair the damage to the infected area. Vitamin C helps your body to produce this collagen, and therefore helps to restore the original condition of your skin after a breakout. In addition, vitamin C can reduce the swelling and inflammation associated with an acne infection, to speed the healing process.
Vitamin E
Some types of acne -- such as deep-skin blemishes and cystic acne -- can leave scars on your skin even after the acne infection has been neutralized and the healing process has begun. Brown University indicates that applying vitamin E to your skin after a breakout can potentially reduce the risk of acne scarring and can help to restore the appearance of your skin. However, applying vitamin E to breakout-prone skin can prove harmful in some cases, so talk to a physician before using vitamin E to help heal acne scars.
Effect of Other Nutrients
In addition to the beneficial action of some vitamins on healing after a pimple, other nutrients from your diet may play a role in healing after a breakout. A study published in "Lipids Health Discussion" in 2008 indicates that a number of minerals, including selenium, chromium and zinc might all help to reduce your risk of breakouts and improve the look of your skin. The study also found that fish oil -- an oil rich in omega-3 fatty acids -- may help to treat pimples. Consult your physician about the potential benefits of vitamin, mineral and oil supplements in treating acne.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Acne; Dr. Steven Ehrlich; December 2008
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Skin Wrinkles and Blemishes; Dr. Harvey Simon; December 2008
- Brown University: Acne
- "Lipids Health Discussion"; Acne vulgaris, mental health and omega-3 fatty acids: a report of cases; Rubin et al.; October 2008
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