Can Some Supplements Cause Acne
Some supplements can cause acne-prone skin to flare up and should be avoided. These include:
- Vitamin B12 is essential for overall health and found in animal and dairy products, B-complex and multivitamin supplements. However, an excess of B12 disrupts acne-causing bacteria, triggering breakouts.
- Iodine is commonly added to dairy products and is essential for human health. Research suggests too much iodine may cause more severe inflammatory acne lesions because it strengthens the bodys immune system response to infection and bacteria.
Evening Primrose For Acne
Use this flower, evening primrose, to uproot the very worst kind of acne. This supplement tackles some of the subsidiary causes of inflammatory or cystic acne. In particular, those who suffer from bad acne often have dry or cracked skin or skin that may be rougher and more fatigued than normal.
Evening primrose has been shown by the International Journal of Cosmetic Science to improve skin moisture and prevents trans epidermal water loss.
In addition to these benefits, evening primrose is known to improve skin elasticity and fatigue resistance as well as roughness.
All of these benefits combined to make your skin feel better and remain more hydrated than it otherwise would be. While this does not directly reduce acne, it may help your skin in the long run and lead to healthier skin cell environment where acne is less likely to flourish or sprout up.
Trusted By Thousands Of Doctors
For 25 years, VitaMedica nutritional supplements have been recommended by thousands of doctors to serve over one-million patients to support recovery, promote skin health, maintain a healthy weight and fuel overall wellness.
One reason doctors recommend us is that years of clinical practice inform our nutraceuticals: As a respected leader in the beauty and wellness space, our premium-quality products are guided by science and proven through clinical experience.
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B Vitamins: Your Secret To Good Skin Health
When we look in the mirror as part of our daily skincare routine and spot a new blemish, wrinkle, or dull patch of skin, most of us reach for an appropriately marketed beauty product without much thought. We may know this product treats acne and that one smooths wrinkles, but we arent necessarily sure why, or how, they do it. And we would hardly ever think to eat or drink something to treat our skin problems.
Perhaps its time to rethink that approach. Our skin is the bodys largest organ, and its affected by everything we put on it, as well as everything we ingest. Remedying poor skin requires us to treat not only our symptoms but the root causes as well, and that begins with good nutrition.
B vitamins in particular support skin health in a multitude of ways, making their inclusion in your daily regimen whether through diet, supplements, personal care products, or a combination of the three an effective and safe way to treat skin issues.
What Are The Side Effects Of Taking Too Much Vitamin B6
The most common side effect is flushing of the skin from its vasodilation effects that effect some people more strongly than others. Other side effects are listed below:
- Sleepiness
- Tingling, burning, or prickling sensation in the hands and feet
- Acne
Choosing Your Vitamin B6 Dose for Acne Can Be a Personal Decision
For the acne treatment 50-100mgs per day is an effective dose. Going over 250mgs per day though is not a good idea as the opposite result can actually occur where you actually get more acne.
What Do Studies Say About B6 and It’s Effect on Acne?
It seems that B6s positive effect on acne is more anecdotal than proven in studies. If anything there is more easy to find research showing it can cause acne.
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Nourish Yourself: Vitamins For Acne
On top of topical treatments, some research suggests that taking certain vitamins and minerals orally may help curb acne. Here are a few you may want to add to your medicine cabinet:
- Zinc. Preliminary research from 2018 suggests that taking zinc orally may also help treat acne.
- Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. In a small 2014 placebo-controlled study, those who took these supplements experienced a significant reduction in acne lesions after 10 weeks, researchers said.
- Vitamin E.Research from 2014 found a correlation between low levels of vitamin E in the body and acne prevalence. That doesnt mean that vitamin E deficiency causes acne, but it may be related.
- Probiotics. A study from 2014 found that taking probiotics may help combat acne.
Before adding a new vitamin or supplement to your regimen, always talk with your doc.
Vitamin B: What Is It Good For
The eight B vitamins are necessary for nearly every process within the body. They help turn food into energy and affect the health of our nervous system, metabolism, organs, muscles, skin, and hair. Theyre also essential for cell growth, development, and overall functioning. As such, they offer serious benefits to skin health, since our skin is constantly regenerating. The healthier your skin, the faster it renews.
However, weve got a relatively small storage tank for B vitamins, which means we need to keep refilling it each day. Since each B vitamin impacts skin health differently, its helpful to know which foods provide what vitamins, and the role each vitamin plays in the body.
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Why Your Multivitamin Is Probably Giving You Acne
Can multivitamins really make your acne worse? Believe it or not, your multivitamin might be doing more harm than good when it comes to your skin.
While the debate has been out for a while now about whether or not multivitamins actually work, its no secret that many of the most popular multivitamins sold today are loaded with certain vitamins and minerals that can cause acne.
On top of that, many multivitamins contain very small amounts of vitamins and minerals that fight acne.
Theres plenty of reasons your skin might clear up after cutting out your multivitamin or switching to skin-friendly supplements.
In this article well cover:
- Why multivitamins can cause acne
- Should you take a multivitamin if you have acne?
- Better alternatives to taking a multivitamin
Keep Yo Face Clean With Products That Wont Clog Your Pores
Feel free to side-eye anyone who tries to say just wash your face more when you have acne. First of all, being a little zitty doesnt mean your face isnt clean, full-stop. Secondly, washing your face too much can actually make the sitch worse.
But by being extra diligent about washing morning, night , and any time after you get sweaty, you may be able to help curb breakouts.
Its also important to use a cleanser that wont further irritate your acne or clog your pores. Look for noncomedogenic products. According to research from 2013, soap-free cleansing products that match the pH of skin are best for people with acne.
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What Are The Side Effects Of Taking Zinc
Although zinc helps some people with naturally medicating acne, for others it has the exact opposite effect for peoples skin.
The reason why zinc is not a good option for everyone whether they are a man or women is the fact that zinc is an effective testosterone booster for many people.
Testosterone is the most common cause of hormonal acne and although zinc can have many effects on our skin it can be overpowered in a negative way by the testosterone enhancing effects of zinc.
When zinc pills are taken for a long time and in large doses it can cause copper deficiency. Individuals with low copper levels can experience neurological issues such as weakness and numbness in the arms and legs.
Other side effects from taking zinc are:
- Vomiting
- Nausea
Choosing Your Zinc Dose for Acne Can Be a Personal Decision
The National Institutes of Health considers 40 mg of zinc a day to be the upper limit dose for adults and 4 milligrams of zinc each day for infants under age 6 months.
Gastrointestinal issues with bloody diarrhea may occur sometimes after ingestion of zinc beyond recommended doses. We suggest you never use zinc internally. This usage of zinc has been connected with the reduction of the sensation of smell.
What Do Studies Say About Zinc and Its Effect on Acne?
Its effectiveness in treating acne remains a bit of a mystery although at times it has been shown to be effective.
Superstar Ingredients For Acne
With so many face masks, astringents, toners, and exfoliants out there, its tough to know where to begin. I mean, what even isniacinamide, anyway, and WTF is a resurfacing liquid?
Dont worry, we got you. Here are the best acne-fighting ingredients on the market and what they can do for you:
- alpha hydroxy acids : remove dead skin cells, help keep pores unclogged
- beta hydroxy acids : reduce oil and inflammation, may reduce acne
- benzoyl peroxide: kills acne-causing bacteria, unclogs pores
- vitamin C: helps manage inflammation, evens skin tone
- niacinamide: regulates oil production, reduces inflammation and redness of acne
- retinoids: master exfoliators that play a significant role in treatment of comedonal acne by getting rid of dead cell buildup
- salicylic acid: helps clear clogged pores and lessen inflammation
- sulfur: can treat whiteheads and blackheads
- tea tree and rosemary oil: has antibacterial properties that may help treat acne
- zinc: can soothe inflammatory acne and suppress sebum production
Since your skins totally unique, it might take a little experimenting to find your go-to products, but the right selections can make a huge difference. Also, it helps to know which order to apply them in.
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How To Use Zinc To Your Advantage
If you want to add zinc to your acne-fighting routine, you need to select the form best suited for your needs.
For example, dietary zinc and oral supplementation may be more effective for severe acne. Over-the-counter acne medications are usually unable to treat cysts and nodules.
If your acne is more mild, topical zinc may be all thats needed to help clear your breakout. Mild acne includes blackheads, whiteheads, papules, and pustules.
It may take up to three months of topical application before you see visible results. If you havent noticed any changes by this time, talk to your doctor about whether zinc can help your acne from the inside out. They may be able to recommend certain dietary changes or oral supplements.
, the daily recommended amount of zinc depends on your age and sex.
For girls and women:
- ages 9 to 13: 8 milligrams
- ages 14 to 18: 9 mg
- ages 14 to 18 and pregnant: 12 mg
- ages 14 to 18 and breastfeeding: 13 mg
- ages 18 and up: 8 mg
- ages 18 and up and pregnant: 11 mg
- ages 18 and up and breastfeeding: 12 mg
For boys and men:
- ages 9 to 13: 8 mg
- ages 14 to 18: 11 mg
- ages 18 and up: 11 mg
Before considering a dietary supplement for your acne, keep a food log and determine whether youre getting enough zinc in your diet. As with other nutrients, your body can absorb zinc more efficiently from the foods you eat than from a supplement.
The following foods are rich in zinc:
- beans
- stomach upset
Too much zinc may even interfere with healthy cholesterol levels.
Eat For Optimal Blood Sugar Control
Avoiding blood sugar fluctuations by following a low-glycemic-index diet to control acne is one theory that has gained momentum in the science world.
The glycemic index is a measure of how slowly or quickly a food spikes your blood sugar levels.
Choosing foods with a high GI, such as soda, white bread, candy, sugary cereals, and ice cream, cause dramatic fluctuations in blood sugar and can exacerbate acne .
Eating sugary foods increases levels of insulin, which is a hormone that shuttles sugar out of your blood and into your cells where it can be used for energy. This stimulates the release of other hormones, such as insulin-like growth factor 1 .
This increase in hormones leads to hyperkeratinization and excess sebum production, which can worsen acne (
15 ).
Therefore, cutting out sugary foods and beverages, as well as refined carbs, such as white pasta, pastries, and white bread, may improve your acne symptoms.
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Side Effects Of Too Much Vitamin A
- Bleeding from gums or sore mouth
- Diarrhea
- Stomach pain
Choosing Your Vitamin A Dose
Vitamin A is a fat soluble vitamin which means unlike some other vitamins our body does not excrete any excess amounts of it. This means if we take too much of this vitamin in pill or supplement form it can reach toxic levels in our body. What the proper amount of vitamin A should be taken on a daily basis is debatable. We suggest you consult your doctor or dermatologist about going over 10,000 ius per day.
Because various different supplements can contain vitamin A you may want to monitor to see if you are taking it at too high of a level which may become a problem.
An exception to the rule in watching your Vitamin A intake is when we are eating or drinking carotenoids from rich dietary sources as our bodies have a self regulating function to prevent excess vitamin A from being stored in this situation.
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This is because carotenoids are considered provitamins as opposed to conventional vitamin A supplements which are absorbed at a significantly higher rate. Even when taking multiple vitamin A supplements simultaneously it is extremely rare to get any side effects it should be noted though.
What do Studies Say about it’s Effect on Acne?
Studies done with vitamin A at doses that are normally taken by people through supplement form do not show any noticeable results.
Possible Side Effects And Risks
Overdosing on zinc supplements can lead to gastrointestinal effects very much like those from too much dietary zinc. Too much zinc could also put you at risk for neurological effects such as weakness and numbness in your extremities.
Talk to your doctor before adding zinc supplements to your routine. Zinc supplements can interact with some prescription medications, including antibiotics and those used for autoimmune diseases.
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How Vitamin C Serum Helps Acne
Vitamin C can help normalise keratinization this is science speak for stopping your pores from getting clogged up with too many skin cells. Clogged pores lead to acne breakouts.
Oily skin form overactive sebaceous glands is more prone to clogged pores. Vitamin C helps regulate sebum production from sebaceous glands. Keeping pores clear can stop acne from forming.
Vitamin C has shown promise in reducing the appearance of acne scars and lightening dark spots and pigmentation.
It also helps repair skin and reduces scar tissue formation and is a link in the chain of collagen production. Collagen is a compound that keeps our skin smooth, supple and plump.
Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant, which means it helps to neutralize damaging free radicals in our body. Free radicals refer to unstable compounds capable of damaging your bodys tissues and left unchecked can cause mutations in your DNA.
Helpful Minerals For Acne Skin
- 1.) Zinc For Acne
Zinc is a Helpful Mineral for Acne and Clear Skin
Zinc deficiency could be a cause of acne. Maybe a lot more than any other mineral, zinc can help prevent acne since it helps with regulating the activity of your oil glands.
Zinc plays a role in injury healing and tone your skin tissue to help avoid scarring. Zinc is also an antioxidant that guards against harm from free radicals.
Since zinc is actually a heavy metal, users must exercise care if taking supplements. Too much zinc may cause serious stomach pains. The best sources of zinc are liver, oysters, wheat, beef, cheese, egg, shrimp, milk and fruits.
- 2.) Chromium For Acne
For those who have a deficiency in any of these vitamins or minerals, Chromium is the probably candidate. Chromium isnt easily absorbed from food, and high quantities of sugar can cause a loss of chromium from the physique. For this reason, chromium is greatest taken as a supplement. Chromium can fight acne by decreasing infections in the skin. Regardless of the likeliness of deficiency, exercise caution if taking chromium supplements.
- 3.) Selenium For Acne
Selenium is an anti-oxidant that inhibits the oxidation of fats and protects vitamin E. Selenium helps skin elasticity and can also help in acne relief via reducing inflammation of the skin. Be careful if taking selenium supplements.
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Acne Has Been Associated With Low Vitamin D Levels
Studies have linked low vitamin D levels to acne. Researchers theorize that due to the vitamins powerful anti-inflammatory properties, a deficiency in this nutrient may worsen acne symptoms .
A study in 80 people with acne and 80 healthy controls found that vitamin D deficiency was detected in nearly 50% of individuals with the condition, compared with only 23% in the control group .
Vitamin D deficiency was also correlated with acne severity, and a follow-up study showed that supplementing with 1,000 IU per day of vitamin D for 2 months significantly improved acne lesions in people who were deficient in this nutrient .
Your medical provider can determine whether youre deficient in vitamin D and recommend an appropriate supplement dosage.
Vitamin D supplements are widely available in stores and online.
