5 supplements that help clear stubborn acne (plus one that you should avoid!)
This is a guest post by Jessica Gremlie from Natural Acne Clinic
Are you well during your teens and still struggling with stubborn acne? If so, you are not alone. Millions of people are still dealing with acne and acne at the age of 20, 30, or even 40 years. And if anything, adult acne is even more frustrating, more embarrassing – and more difficult to clear.
As a person who has struggled with stubborn acne for years, I know how this can be incredibly unpleasant. I tried everything to cleanse – pills, lotions, antibiotics, skin care. They will work for a while, then my acne will return. This went on for years! I missed a lot of fun because I hated the way my skin looked. My confidence also ducked.
But after much trial and error, research and perseverance, I finally discovered how to cleanse and control my acne. And I realized that I had one goal: to help other people finally get smooth skin without acne.
If all else fails, it's not your fault. Acne is largely a genetic condition. If one of your parents had severe acne, most likely you too. It is also caused by hormones, stress, diet, and other lifestyle factors.
Most people treat acne with a lotion, cleanser, or topical medication. Dermatologists prescribe a regimen of antibiotics and other medicines that you continue to take for years.
However, if you have tried these treatments with little success, it is not your fault. The truth is that there is no single approach to treating your acne. That's why switching to another acne medicine or using a new moisturizer rarely helps.
But do not worry – it is entirely possible to cleanse and control your acne in adults. The good news is that it’s possible to clarify the situation, even if nothing happened before.
During my own journey to cleanse my skin, I discovered that treating acne requires an integrated approach to the entire body.
While the right skin products are important, a healthy, balanced body is even more important.
There are certain vitamins and herbs that help eliminate the root cause of your acne, and this is the key to ultimately achieving the smooth and clear complexion you want.
Here are the top five on my list:
Skin Nutrient # 1: Vitamin A
Acne is a genetic disease that speeds up the metabolism of cells in your skin (a process called retention hyperkeratosis). Acne-prone skin loses up to five times more dead cells than usual. These dead skin cells begin to accumulate and clog your pores.
If it's not so bad, these layers of dead skin react with the bacteria on your skin and create a sticky layer that forms under your skin. This creates what is known as microcomodon. This is the beginning of a breakthrough.
Thus, if you slow down cell turnover, you can stop the excess of dead skin cells from clogging pores. And this is where vitamin A can help!
Vitamin A slows down cell metabolism, so dead skin cells stop clogging your pores. It is also an antioxidant that acts as a natural anti-inflammatory, so it can help reduce redness and swelling.
Since it is difficult to obtain a therapeutic dose of vitamin A with a single diet, it is best to take it in supplement form.
Skin Nutrient No. 2: Zinc
Zinc is an important part of any health regimen, but this important mineral works wonders for getting rid of stubborn acne.
Zinc is an effective natural anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial agent that protects against harmful bacteria on your skin. It also breaks down a compound called “substance P,” a nerve chemical that causes oil production when your body is stressed.
So if you tend to flare up during stress – zinc can help!
Zinc works especially well in combination with vitamin A and the following mineral on our acne control list:
Skin Loving Nutrient # 3: Omega-3 Fish Oil
Omega-3 fish oil is rich in compounds known as Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs), which are very beneficial for the health of your skin. They act as natural anti-inflammatory drugs that help alleviate inflammation caused by excess sebum and bacteria.
Moreover, they also fight the effects of PGE2 and LTB4, two inflammatory chemicals that cause acne.
Fish, linseed oil and avocados are excellent sources of omega-3s. But you will get the most benefit for your skin if you take it in the form of supplements.
Skin Nutrient No. 4: Vitex Chaste Berry
In women, hormonal acne usually appears along the line of the chin and chin. If that sounds familiar, a herb called Vitex should be part of your acne combo.
Vitex agnus castus, also known as Chasteberry, is a “female herb” that is traditionally used to relieve menstrual pain, PMS, bloating and other menstrual symptoms. We recommend Vitex because it promotes a healthy hormone balance – and that is the key to achieving clarity.
Hormonal acne is caused by elevated levels of testosterone and other androgens along with an imbalance in estrogen and progesterone levels.
Vitex works with the pituitary and hypothalamus, increasing the production of luteinizing hormone and suppressing the release of follicle-stimulating hormone. This helps lower the levels of androgens that cause acne, while also stimulating progesterone growth.
Vitex can help maintain a healthy balance of these hormones faster than what your body can do on its own. A healthy hormonal balance means clean, healthy skin!
Skin Nutrient No. 5: Probiotics
Do you know that your digestive health is directly related to skin health? This is true! When your digestive system runs smoothly, the rest of your body does the same – and your acne can improve.
That's why
Your digestive system is where your body absorbs nutrients from the food you eat. It helps eliminate toxins from your body. Most of your immune cells also live here.
A deteriorating digestive system means that toxins are not eliminated from the body. Poor digestion also weakens your immune system and increases inflammation throughout the body. And you see it with acne, redness, dull skin and more.
One of the best ways to get your digestive system back on track is to take probiotic supplements. Probiotics nourish the intestines with the “good” bacteria necessary to get rid of toxins, reduce inflammation and balance the intestinal tract.
Probiotics are especially important if you are taking antibiotics. While antibiotics destroy harmful bacteria … they also remove good bacteria. A probiotic supplement that contains a mixture of both lactobacilli and bifidobacteria can quickly restore healthy intestinal balance and quickly eliminate acne and digestive problems.
Bonus: one popular skin vitamin you should never take!
Biotin (Vitamin B7) is a popular ingredient in hair, skin and nail supplements. It is also found in many multivitamins, nutritious beverage powders, and even your shampoos and conditioners.
It is traditionally believed that biotin can prevent dryness and brittleness of your hair, so they recommend taking extra biotin so that your skin, hair and nails look soft and shiny. But here's a little dirty secret: biotin is one of the most serious criminals when it comes to acne!
That's why:
One of the best acne protection vitamins is pantothenic acid, also known as vitamin B5. Pantothenic acid helps protect your skin's natural barrier and protect against acne. However, biotin can stop your skin from absorbing this skin-loving vitamin, and this can lead to exacerbation of acne. There is also unconfirmed evidence that excess biotin can make your skin more oily.
Biotin is naturally produced by the body. It is also readily available through diet, so there is no need to take extra amounts. The right supplements can help treat acne from the inside out. As a person who struggled with acne, I understand how hard it is. Sometimes it seems that you will never have clean skin!
But I can tell you – judging by my own experience, as well as the experience of our clients – that even the most stubborn and painful acne can disappear if you treat them correctly. And the adoption of acne-cleansing herbs and supplements is a giant step in the right direction. They nourish your skin with the necessary nutrients needed to keep it clean and clean for decades.
Jessica Gremlie, founder of Natural Acne Clinic at Wheat Ridge Colorado, is a medical esthetician, certified acne specialist, latest diet specialist. After decades of fighting stubborn hormonal acne, Jessica has combined her knowledge of herbal medicine, diet, nutrition and skin care to create a holistic acne treatment program that is 95% successful.