Excess oil, clogged pores and bacteria in the skin causes the acne breakouts. Sebum is a type of oil produced in hair follicles by hormones to prevent dry skin, but too much can clog pores. Oil production is even more pronounced during puberty due to the influx of hormones. Women also tend to break out frequently around menstruation and menopause, when hormone levels are irregular. In recent years, researchers have been investigating the role vitamins play in acne prevention and treatment.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is one of the most commonly used supplements for treatment of acne. A derivative of the vitamin is found in drugs like isotretinoin, brand name Accutane, and in topical medications like Retin A and vitamin A acid. Vitamin A controls the development of skin cells that line mucous membranes. Accutane is prescribed for moderate to severe acne that has not responded to other treatments. Isotretinoin works by reducing the size of oil glands and limiting oil production. It also slows cell reproduction, which can prevent clogged pores. The American Osteopathic College of Dermatology reports that taking vitamin A in large doses has the same effect as acne medications containing vitamin A derivatives.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E protects major organs, including the heart and lungs, from damage caused by oxidation, which is a normal part of aging. Vitamin E also has acne-fighting characteristics. There are different types of vitamin E, the most active in the body is alpha-tocopherol, which acts like an antibiotic and reduces inflammation. In a comparison of untreated acne patients, a 2006 study published in the journal "Clinic and Experimental Dermatology" found that blood levels of vitamin E in acne patients was significantly lower than those who do not have the skin condition.
B Complex
Skin reaction to B vitamins is common. B complex vitamins consists of thiamin, riboflavin, niacin pantothenic acid and others. Deficiency of vitamin B-6 and niacin, also known as B-3, can cause skin inflammation, according to the Office of Dietary Supplements. Inadequate levels of riboflavin, or vitamin B-2, as well as pantothenic acid, or B-5, can result in skin disorders. Vitamin B-1, or thiamin, is an antioxidant that protects skin cells from free-radical damage.
Considerations
There is no one-dose-fits-all when it comes to multivitamin supplementation. According to Jennifer Nelson, a nutrition specialist at the Mayo Clinic, getting your recommended daily allowance of vitamins through dietary sources is best. If you don't eat a balanced diet, taking a multivitamin will supplement to vitamins you could be missing. For treating breakouts, you should discuss vitamin supplementation with a physician or dermatologist. Many medications with vitamins used for the treatment of acne are only available by prescription, and are not safe for all patients. Additionally, you're at risk of vitamin toxicity if you use a medication like Accutane while also taking a multivitamin containing vitamin A.
References
- American Osteopathic College of Dermatology; Accutane;
- Acne.org; Accutane/Roaccutane -- Isotretinoin
- Journal of Investigative Dermatology: A New Wrinkle on Topical Vitamin E and Photo-inflammation; Raymond Konger; 2006
- Journal of Investigative Dermatology: Sebaceous Gland Secretion is a Major Physiologic Route of Vitamin E Delivery to Skin; Jens J. Thiele; 1999
- "Clinical & Experimental Dermatology"; Does the Plasma Level of Vitamins A and E Affect Acne Condition?; Z. El-akawi; May 2006
- MedlinePlus: Niacin; February 2011
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