Dealing with acne isn't easy, not matter how old (or young) you are. Acne has a huge impact on a person's sense of self and self-esteem, and may be especially difficult to deal with during the teen years, when everything seems to be about appearance or how you're perceived. Many acne treatments are expensive, but there are ways you can try to treat acne at home with vitamins that promote healthy skin and circulation.
Vitamin B5
Vitamin B5 is commonly known as the most natural acne treatment short of prescription medications. Vitamin B5, also known as pantothenic acid, naturally decreases the amount of oil in the skin. This oil, called sebum, contributes to acne when the body overproduces stores of it and the skin pores are unable to expel it from the body quickly, which results in clogged pores and hair follicles.
Recommended dosage of vitamin B5 is approximately 10g a day for optimal benefits, says Acne.org. However, start slow, taking five 500mg pills in the morning and five in the evening for the first three days. After that, take 20 a day, breaking it evenly into four increments of five pills at a time. Stick to the routine for up to three months, though some individuals see beneficial results within a couple of weeks.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A provides the skin with carotenoids, which help strengthen the skin and reduce the amount of sebum produced by the body. You can take carotenoids in capsule form or get them by eating foods such as carrots, spinach and other dark greens like kale and turnip greens, as well as red bell peppers. Dr. George Obikoya writing for VitaminsForAcne suggests 5,000 IU in capsule form a day to help prevent acne.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is known as the skin vitamin and provides antioxidant benefits that help protect the skin from damage. Vitamin E also helps repair and replenish skin tissues and prevents cellular skin damage when taken in a dosage of about 400 IU every day.
Vitamin B Complex
All the B complex vitamins--riboflavin (B2) , thiamine (B1), niacin (B3), pyridoxine (B6), biotin (B7), folic acid (B9), cobalamin (B12) and pantothenic acid (B5)--help create, maintain and promote healthy clean skin. Vitamin B complex is also known to reduce stress, which is considered a major trigger factor for acne inflammation and outbreaks. Take vitamin B complex as directed on supplement labels.
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