Ugh. It doesn’t really matter if you’re a teenager or an adult, acne is no fun. It’s a vicious cycle too. You wear makeup so you can cover up your acne, but acne is perpetuated by the overuse of makeup. So the more makeup you wear, the worse your acne can become. It seems like a no-win.
Here's a Comparison Table on the Best Vitamins for Acne
Image | Item | Content | Dosage/ Application | Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 60 tablets | 1 pack a day | $$$$$$ | ||
 | 90 tablets | 1 tablet daily | $$$$ | ||
 | 30 mL | 3-5 drops a day | $$$$$$$$ | ||
 | 60 tablets | 2 tablets a day | $$$$ | ||
 | 120 tablets | Two tablets in the morning and two in the evening | $$$ |
What is acne, anyway?
Acne is a skin condition that occurs when hair follicles plug with oil and dead skin cells and if affects some 3 million people, men and women, all ages, though it’s most common in young adults.
Acne can be something as small as the appearance of blackheads to something as severe as pus-filled pimples and large, hard, red, tender bumps--there can be one, many or a combination of these in certain areas of the face or all over. Some people can get it on their neck, upper arms and back too.
Results of acne
If you pick (and most of us do even though it’s a terribly gross habit) your face, you could worsen the acne and/or have scarring as a result. That’s most common. Last year though, an article on WebMD that said that people with a history of acne may have more slowly aging skin than those who don’t/didn’t suffer with acne. The reasoning is very sciency and deals with something called telomeres...look it up if you’re interested. The info is kind of neat.
How do I treat acne?
Treatments depend on how severe your acne is (classified as mild, moderate or severe). It can include topical lotions and gels that you apply onto the skin, chest or back or you can take oral medicines. Some say just gentle cleansing with warm water and a mild soap will work. Keep a clean face is the first step no matter what.
Some of the items used to treat acne can be purchased over the counter, some require a prescription...there are literally as many products to treat and prevent acne on the shelves as you have pores on your face.
This article isn’t about those products though...that’s a whole other blog...here we are focusing on a unique way to prevent and acne...a more holistic approach...vitamins.
There are several vitamins for acne that you can get through either prescription or over the counter.
What are the best vitamins for acne?
There are a few vitamins that help acne.
Vitamin A. This one is best done topically in the form of a retinoid that is applied to the skin. Retinoids effectively treat acne because they regenerate and heal the skin rapidly, turning over the skin cells so you have fresh skin. Topical Vitamin A retinoids for acne are only available via prescription.
Zinc. This can decrease oil production in the skin and protect it against bacterial infection and inflammation. The daily recommended amount of Zinc is between 8 and 11 milligrams, but there is some evidence that a slightly larger dose of 30mg can help treat acne. High amounts can be harmful, but using a topical cream that has 1.2 percent zinc acetate and 4 percent erythromycin twice per day helped clear the skin.
Vitamin E has also shown some benefits in treating acne...try to get at least 15mg per day in your daily multivitamin.
Some people will also use tea tree oil in place of benzoyl peroxide, something found often in acne creams. It has a similar result in that it helps get rid of bacteria and decreases oil production and seems to be gentler on the skin than the benzoyl.
Can I purchase actual vitamins for acne?
There are actual vitamins for acne and supplements for acne that you can buy.
1. Clear Skin Advanced Vitamin Pack for Acne
This is a 60 day supply of vitamins for acne that provides your body with the nutrients it needs to clear up and keep acne away. It contains Vitamin A, zinc, Vitamin D3 (which helps the skin become soft, strong and smooth and helps boost your immune system as it reduces inflammation) and pantothenic acid (which helps metabolize skin oils, counteract hormonal imbalances, increase blood circulation and decrease stress levels).
As named, these vitamins come in a pack ad you take one package daily with a meal.
2. MegaFood Skin, Nails and Hair
These acne vitamins pack a punch. They’re hormone balancing, purifying and promote clear and radiant skin. You do take three tablets anytime throughout the day, but they are gentle enough to be taken on an empty stomach. These will help to promote skin tone, clear skin and promote hair and lash growth/thickening.
The supplement has Vitamins C, E, Folate, Biotin, Pantothenic acid, zinc and copper. It also has skin, nails and hair beatifying blend, healthy aging antioxidant blend and a farm fresh fruit blend.
3. TruSkin Naturals Tea Tree Clear Skin Serum
This product is designed to soothe and heal blemishes, fade the appearance of acne scars, dark spots, hyperpigmentation and fine lines for fresher, clearer and glowing skin. It has Vitamin C, Hyaluronic Acid and retinol that all work together with a B3 vitamin, salicylic acid and tea tree essential oil to help unclog pores, comfort irritated skin. The serum is CONCENTRATED, so it’s incredibly powerful.
You need to apply 3-5 drops of the product 2-3 times per week followed by as a moisturizer, but do not put it near the eyes. As an added bonus, it has a great smell.
4. Pharmacist Formulas Acne Block
This acne vitamin helps to control the three leading causes of acne: hormones, oil production and inflammation.
It uses a milk protein called lactoferrin that has been shown to reduce facial lesions, inflammation, acne grade and oil production--plus has some other trademarked ingredients. They come in capsule form.
This product boasts providing a “patented internal defense against breakouts...reducing blemishes by 55% in six weeks...encourages consistently clear, healthy skin.” It utilizes Vitamin A helps to normalize cell production and prevent the clogging of pores and supplements called yellow dock and burdock help to support the body in eliminating blemish-producing toxins.
You take two tablets in the morning and two in the evening, preferably with meals. You also take these in addition to the daily multivitamin you already take--not instead of.
Conclusion
Whether you’re looking to clear up already existing acne or prevent acne from forming, you have a lot of options. Topical and oral, one product or multiple products. Treating acne is a process and oftentimes not immediate. It may take some time to find the process and product combination that works for you, but if you stick with it and make it ritual, you should notice positive changes. Definitely consider taking vitamins for clear skin to help start your process so you can make sure that you’re actually enjoying pizza instead of battling it on your face. Good luck!
