Vitamin deficiency in the diet is one of the main causes of improper body function with only a small fraction of people in modern society (estimates say it is under 10 per cent) obtaining the correct vitamin and mineral requirements. Acne is very much affected by the vitamins you are obtaining as part of your diet (or using supplements).

What ‘acne vitamins’ should you be taking to prevent or cure acne?

Vitamins act as antioxidants that flush free radicals from the body, while some also help develop immunity from bacterial infection. If your skin is kept clear then the toxins that build up and clog the pores will be avoided.

Here are some recommended acne vitamins, but please keep in mind that you must never ‘overdose’ on vitamins, which can not only be counterproductive, but extremely dangerous, particularly for pregnant women, those with diabetes and other conditions. The dosages suggested are purely for general information and should always be taken with appropriate, professional guidance.

Vitamin AVitamin A helps reduce the production of sebum (oil) that leads to acne. It is vital in the maintenance of skin health and is a very powerful antioxidant that can help expel toxins from the body. If you’re deficient in vitamin A you can certainly develop acne far more readily. The dosage should be around 10,000 IU.

Vitamin B Complex

These vitamins are particularly good for relieving stress, which many believe is a major acne contributor, and need to be taken together – the vitamin B complex include Thiamine (an antioxidant and circulatory assistor), Riboflavin (helps with healthy skin, hair and digestion), Niacin (helps metabolism, particularly for carbos, proteins and fats) , Pyridoxine (stress reduction), Cyanocobalamin and Pantothenic Acid (helps the immune system).

Vitamin C

This is one of the vitamin ‘staples’, used for a whole variety of things. It is an antioxidant also and helps with body metabolism, tissue growth and repair, among a wide variety of other things. So far as acne is concerned it is a vital acne vitamin that helps protect against infection and also boosts immunity. Bioflavins create an antibacterial effect. The dosage should be around 1000 to 1800 mg taken two to three times daily.

Chrominium

This can be taken in supplements called chromium picolinate or chromium polynicotinate. Chances are you are chromium deficient because the form of chromium in foods is not easily absorbed and is lost during processing; and high quantities of sugar in the diet cause a loss of chromium from the body.The dosage recommended is around 150 mg a day.

Zinc

Zinc helps in skincare generally, particularly with skin healing and it promotes a healthy immune system. Like the other acne vitamins it is also an antioxidant which helps to fight and prevent the formation of free radicals. Acne can be a sign of Zinc deficiency. The dosage should be around 25-30mg per day.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is an antioxidant that greatly helps with the healing of skin and general tissue repair. It prevents cell damage by inhibiting the oxidation of lipids (fats) and the formation of free radicals. The dosage should be around 400 IU daily.

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