4 Underused Supplements to Help With Your Acne

Acne is a common skin problem experienced by millions of people around the world. Although it's commonly associated with teenage years, acne can affect anyone at any age. The good news is that there are numerous ways to combat acne, and supplements are among them. In this post, I'll introduce you to four underused supplements for acne that you may not have thought of before: essential fatty acids, vitamin D, vitamin A, and zinc. These supplements can not only beneficial for your skin health, but they also offer numerous other health benefits. So, let's dive in and learn how these supplements can help!

1. Essential Fatty Acids

Essential fatty acids are healthy fats that are found in foods such as salmon, flaxseed, and walnuts. They're called essential because our bodies cannot produce them on their own, so we need to get them from our diet. Essential fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties that can help calm down acne-prone skin. They also help maintain healthy skin cells, which is vital for preventing clogged pores that lead to breakouts. You can take essential fatty acid supplements or add more of these healthy fats to your diet to see improvements in your skin's texture, hydration, and fewer blemishes.

One study was done to evaluate the clinical efficacy, safety, and histological changes induced by dietary omega-3 fatty acid and γ-linoleic acid in acne vulgaris. After 10 weeks of omega-3 fatty acid or γ-linoleic acid supplementation, inflammatory and non-inflammatory acne lesions decreased significantly.

2. Vitamin D

Vitamin D is also known as the "sunshine vitamin" because our bodies can produce it when exposed to sunlight. However, many people are deficient in vitamin D, which can lead to numerous health problems, including acne. Vitamin D has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that can help reduce acne breakouts. Vitamin D also helps strengthen the immune system, which is important for combating bacteria that cause acne. You can take vitamin D supplements or increase your intake of vitamin D-rich foods such as fatty fish, egg yolks, and fortified cereals.

in 2016 one study was done to evaluate vitamin D levels in patients with acne to determine the effect of vitamin D supplementation. They concluded that Vitamin D deficiency was more frequent in patients with acne, and improvement was noted in inflammatory lesions was noted after supplementation with vitamin D in 39 acne patients.

3. Vitamin A

Vitamin A is essential for healthy skin, eyes, and immune function. It's found in foods such as sweet potatoes, carrots, and leafy greens. Vitamin A supplements are a popular choice for treating acne because the vitamin helps regulate skin cell turnover, which can prevent clogged pores and breakouts. Vitamin A also has anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce redness and inflammation associated with acne. However, it's important to note that high doses of vitamin A can be toxic, so it's best to talk to your healthcare provider before starting a vitamin A supplement.

4. Zinc

Zinc is an essential mineral that is involved in numerous bodily processes, including immune function and wound healing. Studies have shown that zinc can help reduce acne breakouts by regulating the production of sebum, which is the oil that clogs pores. Zinc also has anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce redness and inflammation associated with acne. Some foods that are rich in zinc include oysters, beef, and pumpkin seeds. You can also take zinc supplements to help improve your acne symptoms.

Acne can be a frustrating and embarrassing skin condition, but it's important to know that it's treatable. Along with a healthy diet and a good skincare routine, supplements can be a valuable addition to your acne-fighting arsenal. It's essential to speak to your healthcare provider before starting any new supplements and keep in mind that different supplements work for different people. So, give them a try and see how they work for your skin!

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