Supplements for Acne
Mention acne to your average teenager and you could have the door slammed as they stomp upstairs to their room. Not surprising, considering acne can lead to irritating and sometimes painful symptoms. One of the best ways to treat and prevent acne is a nutritious diet that provides all of the vitamins and minerals the body needs. As with a lot of health issues, cutting sugar out of the diet is a key factor. (This will help the mood swings too).
In severe cases acne can lead to scarring. Vitamins play an essential role in skin health and the way the body fights conditions like acne. In fact, acne is often associated with vitamin deficiency
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is an antioxidant that protects the skin from free radical damage that can accelerate skin aging and contribute to acne and other skin conditions. Vitamin A stimulates cell growth and helps protect the skin from excess dryness, assisting with moisture retention. Vitamin A deficiencies increase the risk of poor skin health and the development of acne.
Vitamin C
Probably the most well known of all, vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that protects the skin from damage associated with free radical activity. It helps regenerate skin cells and is also an effective immune booster, which may help explain its role in skin health and effective acne relief.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E plays an essential role in the overall health of the skin. It is a potent antioxidant that not only protects the skin from foreign toxins, but is believed to help repair skin tissue as well. Maintaining proper vitamin E levels through supplementation can lower the risk of developing acne and contribute to its effective treatment.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D plays an intricate role in skin health. Vitamin D deficiency can contribute to acne and other skin conditions. While most vitamin D is obtained naturally from sun exposure, vitamin D supplements can be helpful, particularly in regions where sunlight is limited, during long, dark winters or to people who are not able to have adequate time outside.
Zinc
This antioxidant helps to protect the skin from free radical damage, UV radiation and other skin toxins. Zinc supports the immune system, which may play an important role in preventing and treating acne. Studies have found that it can stimulate wound healing and may help prevent acne scarring. Some dermatologists recommend 30mg of zinc per day for acne.
Essential Fatty Acids
Essential fatty acids like omega-3 (i.e. fish oils) play an important role in skin health and may help prevent and even treat acne. EFA supplements are important because it is very difficult for some people to obtain the proper amounts without supplementation.
Tea Tree Oil
This popular skin essential oil works great for acne relief. Studies show that it is just as effective as other acne drugs and may be safer for the skin. However, tea tree oil may worsen the symptoms of acne rosacea and has been known to cause contact dermatitis. Usually works great where the skin is very oily. Test patch an area and only use externally.
Grape Seed Extract
Grape seed extract may help treat acne. It is believed to protect collagen and reduce inflammation. It can also enhance skin cell growth and repair. It can be used internally and externally.
Turmeric
Turmeric is a popular and powerful herbal acne supplement. It has potent anti-inflammatory properties and is also an antioxidant. Some sources have recommended mixing with coconut oil but some reports say coconut oil might make acne worse. Probably best to test an area first and see if it suits your skin. Either way it's a great remedy to take for any age.
To summarise, our 9 best supplements for skin health...
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin E
- Vitamin D
- Zinc
- Essential Fatty Acids
- Tea Tree Oil
- Grape Seed Extract
- Turmeric
We are not suggesting you take all of the above, but try one or two out and see if it suits.
You never know, your teenager might actually thank you for it. Maybe?
