Although the actual cause of acne is unknown, many believe that hormonal changes, stress, and especially nutrition all play a part in the development of this common skin condition. There is much controversy about which vitamins, if any, are helpful in treating acne. The Food and Drug Administration states that "dietary supplements are not intended to treat, diagnose, cure or alleviate the effects of diseases." This definitive resource provides closure to some who casually consider vitamins in the treatment of diseases, while promoting great challenge to others to prove their efficacy in medical conditions, such as acne.
Vitamin A
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), "the human body needs 13 vitamins: Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Vitamin K and the B-Complex vitamins." The Internet Health Library reports that, according to research, "people with severe acne typically have low levels of Vitamin A in their blood." According to Alex Strauss in "Holistic Nutrition," vitamin A is the vitamin most closely linked to skin health, and the American of Academy of Dermatology supports this statement as well. Clearly, the case for vitamin A, over other vitamins, is compelling.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is well-known for enhancing immune function, and decreasing inflammation in the body--both of which can help to combat acne. Overall research suggests that this vitamin may provide needed protection from skin cancer, severe autoimmune disorders (such as lupus, multiple sclerosis, and myasthenia gravis), osteoporosis and hypertension. Additionally, it works to maintain calcium levels in the body, vital to cardiac and muscle function. Vitamin D is easily obtained by sun exposure, and is found in common foods such as milk, eggs and some fish oils.
B-Complex Vitamins
According to Strauss, stress can trigger acne, and B vitamins help reduce stress. The B-vitamins are best known for their effects on symptoms of stress, long considered a likely causative factor, by most, in skin acne. Although more research is needed in this area, this "stress management" vitamin is believed to work on the central nervous system to decrease anxiety and promote a sense of well-being. The B-Complex vitamins (thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, biotin, vitamin B-6, B-12 and folate) are considered by many to help alleviate acne.
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