Vitamins and Minerals to Take for Acne

Vitamins and minerals, by themselves, certainly will not completely cure acne, but some of these nutrients are more important in maintaining clear and healthy skin than others.

Acne is, essentially, caused by two primary, related factors: toxicity of the blood and the lymph glands, and a hormonal imbalance, which could potentially be contributed to by nutritional deficiencies or a lack of required vitamins in one's diet.

The following vitamins and minerals are the most important ones for helping to regulate the hormones which produce healthy skin oil, and have the potential in helping to clear acne up.

Vitamin A

Vitamin A bolsters skin tissue and guards against acne. It aids in the lowering of sebum production. Vitamin A is vital for the maintenance and repair of body tissues, of which the skin is composed of. Vitamin A is also a very strong antioxidant which helps the body rid itself of toxins. A severe deficiency of vitamin A can cause acne.

Vitamin B Complex

B vitamins aid in the maintenance of a healthy skin tone. They can also aid in reducing anxiety and stress. Stress could be a major component in causing acne. B vitamins should always be taken together as a complex. Each of the separate B vitamins play a specific role in helping to promote healthy skin and good general health.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant which is necessary for around 300 of your body’s metabolic functions, including growth and repair of tissue. Vitamin C helps guard against infections and strengthens the immune system.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is another strong antioxidant which promotes healing and tissue repair. It guards against cell damage by disrupting the oxidation of lipids (fats) and inhibits the formation of free radicals.

Chromium

Chromium helps to guard against infections in the skin. To get a sufficient amount of chromium, it can be taken as a supplement called chromium picolinate or chromium polynicotinate. There is a decent chance that you are already chromium deficient since the type of chromium generally found in foods is not easily digested and absorbed, and much of it is lost during processing.

Zinc

Zinc is another nutrient which promotes tissue healing and guards against scarring. It can aid in the prevention of acne by regulating your oil glands. Zinc contributes to a healthy immune system and the proper healing of wounds. It is also a strong antioxidant that disrupts the formation of free radicals. Acne can sometimes be a symptom of a zinc deficiency.