Acne is a major concern in the world today. With the rise of social media where everyone looks so glamorous and with flawless skin, people especially those with skin problems have become more and more self conscious and worry about their looks constantly. Acne is a major cause of low self esteem in many people and this can lead to future social problems. There is a rise in the fight against acne and the high sales of acne fighting products indicate this.
Before thinking about treating acne, one should know the basics of it. Pimples are caused when the pores become blocked preventing sebum (the oil produced by our bodies) from escaping. Causes of acne can range from hormones, diet, genes, vitamin deficiency, and stress. Most often the cause of acne in one person involves a variety of the above factors.
Since we can't target just one of the factors leading to acne in one individual, dealing with the other factors that can lead to acne is the next best thing. Diet and vitamin deficiency are two important factors that should be considered when looking to combat acne. Whenever a person considers taking steps to fight their acne, looking to change their diet and increase their consumption of certain vitamins should be at the top of their list and should always be involved in their battle plan.
While there are many vitamins that can all contribute to the vitamin deficiency that can be a factor in causing acne, the main ones are Vitamins A, B, C, E, Chromium, and Zinc. The simple fact is that most people are deficient of vitamins and minerals. In fact, it is estimated that only between 10-20% of both men and women actually consume the recommended amount of most vitamins and minerals.
Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B5),Vitamin E, Zinc, Vitamin C( both oral and topical) and Vitamin A (taken orally or used topically as Retinoids.) have all been proven to be quite effective in the fight against acne. You can combine oral vitamins with topical vitamins for more dramatic results. Example, taking a Vitamin C supplement while using a topical retinoid cream.
No vitamin is a miracle cure that will wipe acne out of your life and be some sort of savior. However, used in combination with other methods of acne prevention and healthy eating , vitamins help to flush out the skin and actually promote the defense against acne. Many of the vitamins mentioned are antioxidants and will help to flush toxins and free radicals from the body, including the skin.
It is also very important to note that any vitamin taken too excessively is toxic and can harm your health. Fighting acne is not a quick process, it takes time, and taking too many vitamins not only won't clear up the acne any quicker.Consult your doctor before taking any supplements.