Are you tired of fighting acne? Sometimes it feels as if the creams, lotions, cleansers, toners, and ointments are doing nothing at all. Acne is an inflammatory condition of the skin that leads to clogged pores and follicles.

By choosing vitamins good for acne and taking them consistently, you’ll see gradual improvements in your skin! Read on to learn about the top options for vitamin supplementation.

Consulting Your Doctor

Before you choose the right vitamins for your acne, remember that it’s recommended to speak with your doctor beforehand.

If you take prescribed medications, you’ll also want to ensure that your supplements aren’t interfering and causing negative interactions. For instance, if you’re taking the blood thinner Warfarin, your doctor might tell you not to take Vitamin A, E, or garlic supplements. This is because they also work to thin your blood.

St. John’s Wort, a well-known supplement for depression, is known to interfere and weaken the effects of some medications – even birth control.

Vitamin A

Studies have shown that people with severe acne tend to have lower levels of Vitamin A. This is one of the most well-researched acne fighters. However, taking high levels of vitamin A can be dangerous, so consult with your doctor before self-medicating and ask your doctor to check your vitamin A levels.

The Institute of Medicine states that women should take about 2,300 international units, while men should take 3,000. You can find high levels of vitamin A in:

  • Eggs

  • Butter

  • Whole milk

  • Yogurt

  • Meat

  • Salmon

You can also consume foods that are rich in beta carotene because your body converts beta carotene into vitamin A. High levels of beta carotene are typically found in deep orange and dark green produce, such as carrots, squash, mangos, bell peppers, and kale.

This supplement is also known to help with psoriasis, cold sores, and eczema. Balanced levels of vitamin in your body help control oil production, or sebum, found on your skin, which can clog your pores and cause acne. As a potent antioxidant, it also fights free radicals.

Vitamin B3

Nicotinamide, a form of B3, is proven to reduce acne symptoms and is said to be as effective as topical antibiotics for acne. It’s also known to be well tolerated by a variety of skin types, so you won’t experience sensitive, dryness, redness, or irritation.

One of its main benefits is the reduction of inflammation. Inflammation causes oxidative damage to sebum, the oil found on your skin. This leads to clogged pores, bacteria growth, and eventually a new pimple.

Zinc

Zinc is capable of reducing the amount of acne-causing bacteria on the skin, decreasing follicle inflammation, and lowering oil production. Although on some occasions they can cause upset stomach or nausea, zinc is one of the safest supplements to use. Although it may take several weeks to see any improvement, consistent use of zinc is a safe and effective choice for acne.

Zinc has anti-inflammatory properties and is also known to help:

  • Melasma

  • Rosacea

  • Seborrheic dermatitis

  • Eczema

However, there’s been some conflicting research on the best form of zinc to take. In general, oral supplementation is more effective than topical application. If you’re 18 or up, it’s recommended by the experts at Gold Bee to take 8 mg for women, and 11 mg for men.

These foods are also rich in zinc and can become a regular part of your diet:

  • Beans

  • Dairy Products

  • Nuts

  • Oysters

  • Poultry

  • Red meat

  • Whole grains

When you’re looking for a zinc supplement, you may see it labeled as zinc acetate, zinc gluconate, or zinc sulfate. This doesn’t matter, as no form is known to be better than the others.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is known to contain antioxidants that fight free-radical damage, which can contribute to acne. Although there needs to be more studies done to associate higher levels of vitamin E with less acne, it may provide you with some change if taken consistently.

If you have dry or irritated skin, this can be a sign that you have a vitamin E deficiency. One of the best attributes of vitamin E is its ability to moisturize your skin and help the production of sebum.

Foods that are rich in vitamin E include:

  • Sunflower seeds

  • Almonds

  • Hazelnuts

  • Wheat germ

  • Mango

  • Avocado

  • Butternut squash

  • Broccoli

  • Spinach

  • Tomato

Vitamin C

Healthy skin often contains high levels of vitamin C. Known for its ability to fight cases of colds and flus. Vitamin C also helps your skin’s elasticity, collagen synthesis, and ability to handle environmental stress.

Like the previous vitamins, vitamin C also has anti-inflammatory benefits. If you have regular breakouts or find that your face gets red and puffy often, vitamin C will help those inflammatory symptoms.

You can also find high levels of vitamin C in:

  • Oranges

  • Kiwis

  • Lemons

  • Grapefruits

  • Cauliflower

  • Broccoli

  • Brussel sprouts

  • Green Peppers

Choosing Vitamins Good for Acne

As you can see, deficiency in one of these vitamins can lead to frequent breakouts, increased oil production, and blocked pores. Once you determine which vitamins your body is deficient in, taking vitamins good for acne consistently can lead to clearer skin.

Fighting acne can be tiring. However, taking the right kinds of vitamins by supplementation and eating healthy foods can improve your body from the inside out. Just be sure to speak with your doctor before you begin self-medicating, as it’s possible to take too much.

Ready to begin fighting acne but don’t like taking pills? Check out how to use our effective topical patches today!