Acne is a common inflammatory skin condition that occurs when pores become blocked and develop into whiteheads, blackheads, pimples, pustules or other inflamed bumps and blemishes. It can vary in severity. In its moderate and severe forms acne can cause emotional distress and esteem problems. Multivitamins are one tool in the arsenal available to those who strive to reduce or eliminate acne.
Causes
Acne often first occurs in puberty when hormones trigger an increase in the production of sebum, a skin lubricant, within follicles that are found in large quantity on the face, chest, shoulders and upper back. Acne develops when sebum is produced more quickly than it can be excreted through the pores, or if pores become blocked by dead skin cells, hormones, oil or other irritants. Bacteria is blocked inside the pores and thrives, protected from the bacteria-killing properties of sunshine. Blackheads develop when dead skin cells and sebum plug the pores. Whiteheads develop when sebum accumulates beneath the surface of the skin. Whiteheads can spread under the skin, erupt, and spread inflammation. In severe acne, inflammation and infection contribute to the formation of pus-filled cysts and tender, reddened bumps called nodules.
Further Contributing Causes
Skin is the largest organ of the body. When we sweat we eliminate toxins through our sweat glands. If our body has more toxins than our immune system, kidney, and liver can filter or break down effectively, these toxins are discharged through our pores. The integrity of the skin can be compromised by toxins and allergens. Other factors can adversely affect acne including stress; certain types of drugs such as steroids, lithium, anti-epileptics and oral contraceptives; nutritional deficiencies, environmental pollutants; and dietary factors such as a diet high in saturated fats, hydrogenated fats and animal products.
Treatment
Treatment of acne, which should be multifaceted to address the various causes, typically aims to reduce sebum, acne bacteria, blockage of the pores, inflammation and infection. Proper cleansing is important for minimizing blockage of pores, while over-the-counter and prescription medications address each of the other contributing factors.
Role of Multivitamins
Perusal of the Internet will yield hundreds, if not thousands, of articles proclaiming the benefits of various vitamins and supplements for many problems, including acne. Unfortunately, because these substances are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), there are few independent research studies that can objectively and authoritatively establish the efficacy of particular vitamins or of multivitamins in the treatment of acne. Research does suggest that vitamins can play an important role in maintaining the overall health and effectiveness of the immune system and the cellular repair systems that are involved in the maintenance and restoration of skin cells. This may be especially true if you have poor nutrition or a medical condition such as chronic diarrhea, food intolerance, food allergies, or a disease of the liver, gallbladder, intestines or pancreas that affects how your body digests, absorbs and excretes nutrients. Under these circumstances, vitamins can potentially become a helpful addition to the primary treatments that directly address the underlying causes of acne.
Precautions Regarding Multivitamins
Some multivitamins have ingredients, such as emulsifiers, that may trigger an allergic reaction that worsens acne for some people. The best rule of thumb is to look for a multivitamin that has USP on the label because it meets the U.S. Pharmacopeia standards for strength, purity, disintegration and dissolution. When you start a new self-treatment, such as multivitamins, monitor your skin condition to see if you have any adverse reaction. Also, in general it is a good idea to talk with your physician to make sure she is aware of your dietary and nutritional changes.
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