Using Vitamins to Treat Acne – Part 1

Acne is an inflammatory skin condition that will affect people both physically and emotionally. The condition can range from a mild case of one or two pimples a month to a severe case of cystic acne that can envelope most of the neck, face or scalp. Some would like to believe there is one specific vitamin which will help treat acne in a miraculous way, to clear the condition and relieve the suffering.

Unfortunately, this is not the way the body works. Although research has shown that there are vitamins which assist the body in healing acne inflammation there is not just one. A combination of vitamins will make a difference in the ability of the skin to tolerate environmental pollutants and clogged pores while at the same time not develop acne.

Researchers know that vitamins and minerals are powerful antioxidants. In fact oxidants work to eliminate toxins from the body and play an important role in the health of all organ systems, of which the skin is the largest. One specific factor that has been shown to have a role in the development of blemishes is poor nutrition and the lack of essential vitamins and minerals. (1, 2)

Interestingly, vitamins can also cause an outbreak of acne when they are taken in large amounts and the body cannot adequately dispose the material. The skin may be the largest organ but it is also an excretory organ. This means it is a protective layer against the environment which also excretes or gets rid of waste and toxins. The skin will transport sweat, toxins and wastes into the environment through the pores. When someone takes a specific combination of acne vitamins in excess the excretion of these vitamins can results in more blemishes.

One vitamin which has been shown to improve skin conditions is vitamin A. It does this by reducing the production of oil and therefore prevents acne and strengthens the protective tissue. Vitamin A is necessary for the repair and maintenance of mucous membranes and will help in the transportation of toxins.

Vitamin B is a multi-factorial vitamin, which means there are several vitamins which fall under this classification. The vitamins include riboflavin, pantothenic acid, niacin, and pyridoxine. Each of these plays an important role in the overall health of the body’s skin. These B complex vitamins also help to reduce and relieve stress and anxiety. This is important because research has shown that stress and anxiety will increase hormonal imbalance and trigger an acne outbreak. (3)

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/