The 10 Best Supplements For Acne

“I love acne” – said no one ever, but what if we told you I actually do, I'm intrigued by it. As a practicing Aesthetician for over 12 years, I approach acne like it’s a puzzle – trying to figure out the missing pieces, searching for the root cause and using diet as a guide. Topical prescriptions, oral medications, lasers, and lights all have their place when treating acne but one aspect that is often overlooked are vitamins and supplements. Nutrition plays a vital role when it comes to treating acne, and deficiencies in particular are usually the source of this highly disliked condition. 

Supplements can be powerful allies in your quest for clear, radiant skin. In this blog, we'll explore how various supplements, including magnesium, zinc, vitamin D, vitamin B3, vitamin A, selenium, probiotics, and chasteberry, can assist in your battle against acne.

Here are my top recommendations for using supplements to treat acne.

 

Top Supplements For Acne:

Probiotics:

Probiotics are very valuable against acne due to their ability to positively influence the gut microbiome and, subsequently, overall skin health. The connection between gut health and acne is becoming increasingly evident, as an imbalance in gut bacteria can lead to systemic inflammation and skin issues. Probiotics, which are beneficial live bacteria, work by restoring this balance and improving gut function. They help regulate the immune response, reducing the body's inflammatory reactions that can exacerbate acne. Moreover, probiotics support the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in the gut, which can strengthen the skin barrier and reduce skin inflammation. By fostering a healthier gut environment and mitigating inflammation, probiotics can contribute to clearer, healthier skin and a reduction in acne breakouts. Kuma GlowBiome is specifically formulated with 2 strains SP1 and SP2 to combat acne with proven results. This probiotic has clinically proven to reduce acne in just 6 weeks. Use code LHB10 for 10% off your order. 

Magnesium:

Magnesium can play a crucial role in helping to combat acne due to its multifaceted benefits for skin health. Firstly, magnesium acts as a natural anti-inflammatory agent, reducing redness and swelling associated with acne breakouts. This anti-inflammatory effect can help calm irritated skin and minimize the appearance of blemishes. Secondly, magnesium helps regulate hormones, including insulin and androgen levels, which can be linked to acne development. By maintaining hormonal balance, magnesium may reduce the likelihood of excess sebum (skin oil) production, a common trigger for acne. Furthermore, magnesium promotes efficient wound healing, aiding in the repair of damaged skin tissue and potentially reducing the duration of acne scars and marks. Therefore, incorporating magnesium-rich foods or supplements into your diet can be a valuable addition to your skincare regimen, contributing to clearer and healthier skin over time.

Vitamin D:

Vitamin D, often hailed as the "sunshine vitamin," can be a great addition to your skincare regimen when it comes to managing acne. vitamin D plays a pivotal role in regulating the immune system, potentially preventing overactive responses that contribute to acne formation. By supporting a healthy skin barrier, vitamin D aids in shielding your skin from acne-causing bacteria and external irritants. This essential vitamin also exerts influence on hormonal balance, potentially curbing excessive sebum production and hormonal fluctuations that can trigger breakouts. Furthermore, vitamin D accelerates wound healing, aiding in the rapid recovery from blemishes and reducing the longevity of acne's presence on your skin. While vitamin D can be beneficial, it's crucial to strike a balance, as excessive intake can have adverse effects. 

Zinc: 

Zinc possesses potent anti-inflammatory properties that can help calm the redness and swelling associated with acne lesions. Additionally, zinc regulates sebum production, the skin's natural oil, which is often overproduced in acne-prone individuals. By reducing excessive oiliness, zinc lessens the likelihood of clogged pores and the formation of new acne blemishes. 

Niacin:

Niacin, also known as vitamin B3, niacin contributes to a healthy complexion by promoting the formation of ceramides, which help maintain the skin's moisture balance and reduce the risk of excessive dryness or oiliness. 

Vitamin B12:

Vitamin B12 is essential for the proper functioning of skin cells and can contribute to overall skin health. It aids in the production of new skin cells, helping to replace damaged ones and promote a healthy complexion.

Vitamin A:

Vitamin A offers significant benefits for acne-prone skin due to its pivotal role in regulating skin health and function. This vitamin helps combat acne through multiple mechanisms. Firstly, it promotes the development of healthy skin cells, reducing the risk of clogged pores and the formation of acne lesions. Moreover, vitamin A aids in controlling sebum (skin oil) production, which is a key factor in acne development. By reducing excess oil, it minimizes the environment in which acne-causing bacteria thrive. Additionally, vitamin A supports the shedding of dead skin cells, preventing them from accumulating and leading to blockages. 

Chasteberry:

Chasteberry, also known as Vitex agnus-castus, is a popular natural remedy believed to help manage acne due to its hormonal balancing properties. Acne, especially in women, can be influenced by hormonal fluctuations, particularly an excess of androgens like testosterone. Chasteberry contains compounds that interact with the pituitary gland, helping to regulate the balance of hormones, especially luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). By doing so, chasteberry can potentially reduce the production of androgens, which are responsible for stimulating sebum production and contributing to acne breakouts. This hormonal control can lead to a decrease in the severity and frequency of acne lesions. 

Selenium: 

Selenium, an antioxidant, provides protection against oxidative stress and inflammation in the skin. By reducing these factors, selenium may help lessen the severity of acne.

 

*This not medical advice. Always consult a physician before adding supplements to your routine.