Vitamins and Acne
Like other organs of the body, skin needs vitamins in proper amount for its health. While the skin defends the body organs against outside infectious agents, it is also the organ where different toxic compounds are given out through glands and pores. Hence, it is a matter of common sense to realize the significance of taking enough vitamins for acne to boost the body's healing mechanism. Taking a single vitamin for acne is not very effective in bringing about miraculous changes in the health of acne-affected skin. We need to take more than one kind of important vitamins for acne, as described below.
Vitamin A
Studies have revealed that very low levels of vitamin A in the body can cause or favor acne's attack. The main mechanism by which vitamin A prevents or reduces acne is by reducing the production of sebum (natural body oil that is produced beneath the skin and lubricates it). But vitamin A also serves another vital function for the skin and over all health and that is acting as an antioxidant. It relieves the body of the toxic free radicals. Carrots, green leafy vegetables, and yellow or orange fruits are the best natural sources to get vitamin A.
Vitamin B
Vitamin B is actually a group of vitamins containing, Thiamine (vitamin B1), Riboflavin (vitamin B2), Niacin (also called Nicotinic Acid/Niacinamide, vitaminB3), Pantothenic Acid, Pyridoxine (vitamin B6), and Cyanocobalamin (vitamin B12). The B vitamins together keep the skin healthy. Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) is especially important due to its antioxidant character and B6 (Pyridoxine) too has been found helpful against acne. Still, the whole B group has great natural vitamins for acne and very low level of any of these can cause acne. Natural food sources of vitamin B group include bananas, blackcurrants, watermelons, green pepper, sweet potatoes, avocados and chickpeas.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is important for producing collagen in the body. Collagen is the connective tissue found in skin and bones. In addition, vitamin C enhances immunity and protects against infection (of which acne is one). Vitamin C also helps in the absorption of iron and boosts healing from within. Remember that you'll need more vitamin C if you are a smoker or use antibiotics or birth-control pills. Natural sources of vitamin C are blackcurrant, oranges, blackberry, grapefruit, and lemon.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is another one of the important vitamins for acne. It has antioxidant properties that work to heal and repair skin tissues. Vitamin E protects cells from damage by checking the oxidation of fats and also by inhibiting the formation of free radicals. Recommended daily dose of vitamin E is 400 IU.
Besides these vitamins for acne, zinc and chromium are minerals that are useful against acne.
|
|
