Vitamins for acne: you are what you are not eating

Given the frenetic pace of our daily lives, it comes as no surprise to hear that most Americans are not getting enough in the way of vitamins and minerals in our diets. We eat meals in our cars, and those tend to consist of mainly of poor calories. Fewer than 35 percent of us get the recommended amount of vegetable servings every day, which translates to poor nutrition and things like acne.

Like other organs of the body, the skin needs to have proper nutrients in order to perform properly. The fact that it is the body’s largest organ speaks to the importance of giving it what it needs for health.

Nutrition is the skin’s first line of defense against acne, and so there are vitamins for acne prevention that will help your skin do its job. Some are antioxidants, some have antibacterial properties, and some boost the immune system. The point is if you give your skin vitamins for acne, you may be able to prevent it from forming in the first place.

Here is some basic advice regarding using vitamins for acne prevention:

Vitamin A: This nutrient, found in carrots and other colorful orange, red, and yellow fruits and vegetables, as well as in animal sources such as liver, milk, and egg yolks is important to acne prevention in that it strengthens the skin, and helps reduce the production of sebum, which can lead to clogged pores and acne. It is also important for repairing the skin as an acne lesion heals. In addition, acne can occur when there is a deficiency of Vitamin A in the body.

B Complex Vitamins: These nutrients are essential to combat the effects of stress on the body. Since stress can cause the skin to produce excess sebum, potentially clog pores and lead to acne, it is important that these vitamins for acne prevention be consumed in adequate amounts. B Vitamins are found in whole grains, meats, egg yolks, and legumes.

Vitamin C: This is a great vitamin for acne sufferers, because it helps repair the skin and fight bacteria, such as those that contribute to acne. Fruits and vegetables are the best sources for Vitamin C.

Chromium: This important mineral helps reduce infections of the skin. To get enough chromium in your diet, it must be taken in supplemental form. Look for chromium picolinate or chromium polynicotinate. Since our society eats a lot of processed and sugary foods, our diets lack an adequate amount of chromium.

Zinc: Important for healing and preventing scarring, zinc also assists in tempering the production of oil in the sebaceous glands. Sources of zinc include legumes, nuts, some seafoods, whole grains, and dairy products.

Vitamin E: This powerful antioxidant enhances healing of the skin. Vitamin E is easily obtained in vegetable oils, nuts like almonds and walnuts, leafy greens, and fortified cereals. It is an essential vitamin for acne prevention and keeping skin healthy and supple.

Rather than relying on supplements for vitamins for acne prevention, you should try to get nutrients for your skin by eating a well-balanced diet. In addition, you must be aware that it is possible to overdose on vitamins. Taking too much of a supplement can be harmful to your body, so if you take oral vitamins, follow the label directions.