Acne is a common problem affecting as many as 90% of teenagers. People who struggle with it suffer from lower self-esteem and deterioration in well-being, mainly due to the visual aspect of this disease. Acne does not only affect adolescents. It can also occur in adults. One of the ways to alleviate troublesome changes is proper nutrition. What acne supplements are most commonly used? Let’s check it out!
What supplements for acne?
Acne vulgaris is one of the most common dermatological diseases. It usually appears in adolescence between the ages of 14 and 19. It affects boys and girls with similar frequency. The disease is not only an affliction of teenagers. It also affects adults more and more often.
Common symptoms of acne include:
- Painful lumps,
- Redness of the skin,
- Open and closed blackheads,
- Cysts and pustules filled with pus.
Acne lesions usually appear in places where sebum is produced, i.e. the T-zone on the face, back and chest. They can also occur on the buttocks, arms or neck. The basic form of treatment for adolescent acne and acne in adults is to choose the right skin care. In more severe cases, pharmacotherapy will be necessary. However, the common denominator of all forms of acne is the use of a proper diet. In some cases, it is worth enriching it with supplementation.
Vitamin supplements:
Vitamin A – can be used in the form of oral preparations. It turns out that people with acne have a lower concentration of vitamin A in the body. It is recommended especially for severe forms of acne due to its sebum-regulating properties. Be careful when supplementing the vitamin. Its excess accumulates in adipose tissue, which can be toxic. For this reason, pregnant women should not take it,
Vitamin C – as in the case of vitamin A, it can be used orally and in the form of skin care cosmetics. It has strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, thanks to which it reduces skin redness and accelerates the healing of acne wounds,
Vitamin E – is responsible for a healthy and youthful appearance of the skin. It is also used in the treatment of acne. It protects the skin against the harmful effects of free radicals and supports the regeneration of irritated epidermis. Vitamin E supplementation for acne is best consulted with a doctor. Taking too high doses is harmful to health,
B vitamins – in this case, vitamin B2 (riboflavin), the deficiency of which intensifies seborrhea, as well as vitamin B3 (niacin), which soothes skin inflammation, are particularly important. Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) supporting the wound healing process and B6 (pyridoxine) are also noteworthy. Its reduced concentration in the body promotes seborrhea and exacerbation of skin inflammation.
Mineral supplements:
Zinc – the most important mineral supporting the treatment of acne. People with a deficiency of this element are more likely to experience skin problems. The ingredient reduces sebum secretion, soothes skin inflammation and protects against bacterial infections, which often exacerbate acne lesions. The absorption of zinc is supported by vitamin C.
Selenium – an element that is essential for the synthesis of glutathione peroxidase in the body, which is one of the most important antioxidants. It affects, m.in, inflammation of the skin. Selenium also regulates sebum secretion. In the treatment of acne, a combination of selenium, zinc and vitamin E works well.