Vitamin B1 will act as an anti-oxidant, flushing out toxins from the body as well as helping in the digestion and circulation of the blood. Vitamin B2, Riboflavin, should be taken with Vitamin A in order to improve absorption. It will maintain and improve membranes, hair, skin and nails. A lack of Vitamin B2 has been shown to lead to acne outbreaks, making it an important vitamin for acne supplementation. (4)
Vitamin B3, Niacinamide, helps improve circulation which is essential for metabolism of fat, carbohydrates and proteins. Vitamin B5, pantothenic acid, is vital to reduce stress and is required for the proper functioning of the adrenal glands. The adrenal glands will regulate some of the hormones circulating throughout the body which will in turn affect the outbreak of acne.
The final B complex vitamin is Vitamin B6 or pyridoxine, which is essential for the production and function of the immune system. Without the immune system bacterial overgrowth can overpower the organs of the body causing infections. To a lesser degree, this vitamin can also decrease the protection against skin bacteria leading to increased blemishes.
Another vitamin which can help to improve the success of a clear skin is Vitamin C. This vitamin is a powerful anti-oxidant which helps in the repair of tissue growth, boosting the immune system and protection against infection. Vitamin C plays another role by preventing excess fat accumulation in the body and protects against cell damage through the formation of free radicals.
Before attempting to formulate your own anti-acne vitamin concoction discuss your options with your dermatologist. Some of the vitamins are fat-soluble while others are water-soluble. It is important to never take fat soluble vitamins in excess without expressed direction and follow-up of the physician. While water-soluble vitamins will be flushed out of the body through the kidneys, fat soluble vitamins are stored in the fat of the body. This is key to the potential for vitamin overdose, leading to significant side effects.
Using vitamin supplementation to control an acne outbreak can be a long-term, cost-effective, over-the-counter treatment method. The benefits of maintaining good nutrition however, do not stop with the skin. Research has shown that people who maintain healthy nutrition will not only have clear skin but also be better able to lose weight, fight pain and decrease the side effects of other crippling illnesses.
References:
(1) Acta Dermato-Venereologica: Zinc Salts Effects on Granulocyte Zinc Concentrations and Chemotaxis in Acne Patients
http://archderm.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=521755
(2) Archives of Dermatology: Acne Rosacea
http://archderm.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=521755
(3) ScienceDaily: Science of Stress; Dermatologists Detail the Scary Signs of Stress Revealed by Skin
http://www.sciencedaily.com/videos/2008/0411-science_of_stress.htm
(4) Linus Pauling Institute Oregon State University: Riboflavin
http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/infocenter/vitamins/riboflavin/
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