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Pre-Teen, Teen and Adult Acne...Can Vitamins Help Me Fight This?
The Answer Is YES!!
While we have heard of the effective treatments for acne through different medicines and creams along with the different facial treatments such as microdermabrasion and chemical peels, another source that can help in the fight of acne is proper intake of vitamins.
Did you know that your skin is the largest organ of your body? Most of us forget that this skin we live in requires proper nutrition to function at its best. Check out these facts about your skin.
Each inch of skin contains approximately:
Millions of cells
1,300 nerve endings
15 feet of blood vessels
12 feet of nerves
650 sweat glands
100 oil glands
65 hairs
Wow! No wonder your body needs nutrition and proper care to promote healthy skin and to prevent acne. There are a number of vitamins and minerals that are powerful antioxidants capable of flushing out free radicals (free radicals are all around and they attack your skin cells causing them to be weakened and compromised in their health) and toxins from your body. Some even have antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties that help promote immunity to infection, which are important in keeping your pores clean of bacteria and debris and in healing the damaged skin tissue.
Vitamin A
A deficiency in vitamin A can actually cause acne.Vitamin A plays a big role in strengthening the protective tissue of the skin and prevents acne formation by reducing sebum (oil) production. Vitamin A is also essential for the maintenance and repair of the tissue of the skin.
Vitamin B
For Vitamin B, there are many different groups, all of which can help maintain healthy skin. A good Vitamin B complex helps you maintain healthy skin tone. Vitamins B also help you relieve anxiety and stress. As we have all heard, stress is a major factor that can trigger acne.
The vitamin B group consists of Thiamine (B1), Riboflavin (B2), Niacin (Nicotinic Acid, Niacinamide, B3), Pantothenic Acid, Pyridoxine (B6), and Cyanocobalamin (B12). Each one of these vitamins has a specific role in promoting healthy skin as well as overall health.
Riboflavin or vitamin B2 works with Vitamin A to maintain and improve the mucous membranes in your digestive tract, which is essential for healthy skin, hair, and nails. Acne is one of the symptoms of riboflavin deficiency.
Niacinamide or vitamin B3 is also important for healthy skin by improving circulation and helping your body with the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. A deficiency in Niacinamide will also cause acne.
Pantothenic acid or vitamin B5 is noted for helping reduce stress. It is also required for the proper function of the adrenal glands, which when not functioning properly can cause you to feel tired and sluggish. In return, this causes stress and creates a downward spiral effect of improper intake of caffeinated drinks and improper diet, which do not promote healthy skin.
Pyridoxine or vitamin B6 is crucial in the functioning of your immune system and your antibody production. A deficiency of vitamin B6 can result in acne.
Vitamin C / Bioflavonoids
Vitamin C and bioflavonoids are another set of antioxidants that are required for tissue growth and repair. Vitamin C protects against infection and helps build immunity. Bioflavanoids have an antibacterial effect.
Zinc
Zinc is very important because it helps with healing of the tissues and helps prevent scarring. Zinc helps prevent acne by regulating the activity of the oil glands. Zinc also helps to soothe irritation and aid in the healing of wounds. It is an antioxidant that helps to fight and prevent the formation of free radicals. Acne can be a sign of Zinc deficiency.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is an antioxidant that enhances healing and tissue repair.
Most of what we have discussed can be found in a good multi-vitamin to be taken daily. You can go to your local health food store where they can help you to decide which vitamins are best for you and what type of dosage is recommended for your age. Please remember that it is important for you to not take too much of any vitamin or mineral because it can be very toxic and dangerous to your organs. And it is always advised that you speak with your physician first when you are dealing with any type of medical condition, are pregnant, or are already taking prescribed medications.
Article courtesty Kimm Greenawalt
Esthetician
Apeeling Faces, Mokena.IL
708-478-8884
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