One of the most common questions we are asked is: 'Which vitamins should I take to help treat my acne and breakouts?'
I am sure you know that glowing skin can’t just be achieved with topical skincare products. Your diet plays a major role in determining your skin’s health. We know there are many superfoods out there we should be consuming, but having the time, money and resources to cook fresh nutritious food for every meal isn't always practical in our busy lives. A daily supplement is a great way to ensure you receive your recommended daily amount of key vitamins for skin health and overall wellbeing.
So here are our top 5 vitamins for fighting acne.
1. Vitamin A
Vitamin A, also known in the skincare arena as retinol is an essential vitamin for many reasons. It is a great all round vitamin that plays a role in immune system function, the function of organs like your heart, lungs, and kidneys, vision and of course skin health, including acne.
This wonderful nutrient encourages the growth of new skin cells whilst also breaking down dead skin cells. Vitamin A can also regulate the amount of keratin being produced by our skin and prevents dead skin cells from sticking together, forming acne-causing blockages in hair follicles.
In addition to this vitamin A can also regulate skin tone and reduce the red and purple colouring that acne can leave on the skin. Vitamin A also works at reducing the size and productivity of our oil glands, meaning that your skin produces less acne-causing oil.
2. Vitamin B3
So you have heard of Vitamins B, but did you know there are 8 different vitamins under the B complex family? They all have different health benefits and its B3 (Niacin) that we are concentrating on for the use in treating acne.
Extract from Harvard describing B3- 'Niacin works in the body as a coenzyme, with more than 400 enzymes dependent on it for various reactions. Niacin helps to convert nutrients into energy, create cholesterol and fats, create and repair DNA, and exert antioxidant effects'
How does it work?
B3 is a natural anti-inflammatory that works by reducing the swelling and redness associated with acne. It can also regulate the amount of acne-causing oil being produced by the glands in your skin.
3. Vitamin D3
Vitamin D3 also known as Cholecalciferol helps your body absorb calcium. It is also essential for maintaining a healthy immune system. If you wear sunscreen (which we all should!) then its likely you may be deficient in Vitamin D as sunscreen prevents your skin absorbing it via UV rays. Taking Vitamin D3 supplements increase your Vitamin D levels more than taking D2 vitamins and lasts longer in the body.
So how can it help your breakouts?
Vitamin D has antimicrobial properties, so if you have acne caused by bacteria vitamin D can calm your symptoms. Vitamin D also has an anti-inflammatory property so having adequate levels of vitamin D in your system can reduce the inflammatory symptoms of acne.
4. Vitamin E
Vitamin E is used widely in skincare products and is often associated with the care of skin and skin health. Here is why-
Its used to treat hyper-pigmentation, acne scarring and wrinkles and fine lines. It's a firm favourite with dermatologists and can be really beneficial in promoting circulation in the skin to help reduces inflammation and scarring.
5. Zinc
OK, OK, Zinc is actually a mineral rather than a vitamin, but its one hell of a mineral when it comes to combating breakouts. Zinc is thought to help keep you healthy by reducing illnesses but it has been studied for other medical concerns too which includes acne. Zinc is actually one of the most widely studied forms of acne treatment.
So how can it help?
Zinc has anti-inflammatory properties which help relieve some of the redness and irritation associated with moderate-to-severe acne. It may even help reduce the appearance of acne scars.
Our founder Charlotte suffered with adult acne for years. When it came to creating our formula Clear & Calm which is our skin supplement targeted at clearing breakouts and reducing oiliness. We worked with doctors and specialists to ensure we created a product packed with vitamins and minerals that work in harmony with each other to ensure we produce a first class supplement that works. We know firsthand how breakouts can affect your confidence and everyone deserves to feel beautiful in their skin.
Clear & Calm contains ALL of the above named vitamins. Not only does it contain Vitamin A, B3, D2, E & Zinc but it contains 100% of your daily recommended amounts of each one so you are set up for the day after taking your supplement each morning. Expect to see glowing results after 90 days!