5 Important Nutrients to Overcome Acne, Skin So Smooth!

Acne is an inflammation of the skin that causes acne and other skin lesions. Acne can happen to anyone, but it often occurs during puberty. This condition develops when glands in the skin produce too much oil and become clogged with bacteria and dead skin cells. These clogged pores can swell, which leads to the formation of pimples.

A wide variety of over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription treatments can effectively treat acne. However, some additional nutrients can also be beneficial for acne sufferers.

Here, we will discuss some of the nutrients that can help prevent and treat acne that has been scientifically studied. Listen carefully!

1. Vitamin D

Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium and is essential for bone health. This vitamin is also responsible for communication between nerve cells and the body's ability to fight germs.

The body naturally produces vitamin D when ultraviolet rays from the sun touch the skin. However, some foods also provide vitamin D, such as fatty fish, beef liver, cheese, eggs, mushrooms.

A study in the journal PLoS One found that individuals with acne problems had lower vitamin D levels than those without skin problems. Therefore, it could be argued that a lack of this vitamin may be a contributing factor to acne.

Vitamin D also plays a role in preventing P. acnes from affecting skin cells. These are bacteria that play an important role in the development of acne. Therefore, vitamin D intake may be beneficial in treating or preventing acne.

2. Vitamin A

Vitamin A plays a role in many body functions, such as maintaining immune system function, vision, reproduction, communication between cells, heart, lung, and kidney function. Vitamin A can also help fight Propionibacterium acnes, a bacterium that plays an important role in the development of acne.

As described on the Medical News Today page, vitamin A appears to interfere with some of the effects that P. acnes bacteria have on skin cells. To get the benefits of vitamin A in cleaning the skin, you should use vitamin A topically rather than orally, for example, by using serums and creams that contain vitamin A.

However, you can also get the benefits of vitamin A from within, for example, by eating various food sources of vitamin A, such as beef liver, spinach, broccoli, carrots, melons, apricots, etc. mangoes, and dairy products.

3. Zinc

Zinc is a mineral that contributes to various cellular functions, such as immune system function, protein, and DNA synthesis, wound healing, cell division, and enzyme activity. Zinc also plays a role in the development of acne.

A study reported in Cutaneous and Ocular Toxicology investigated blood levels of zinc, vitamin A, and vitamin E in people with and without acne. In the study, researchers found that all these vitamins and minerals were significantly lower in people with acne.

So, the researchers concluded that this nutrient-rich diet could help prevent or treat acne. Zinc in oral and topical forms can help treat acne because zinc has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that may be beneficial in reducing acne.

Zinc can also reduce oil production on the skin. Some foods that are good sources of zinc include oysters, crab, lobster, red meat, poultry, nuts, and dairy products.

4. Vitamin E

Topical vitamin E has long been used as part of skincare. Vitamin E is useful for fading dark spots, reducing inflammation, and moisturizing.

However, taking vitamin E orally is also important for acne-prone skin. Some good sources of vitamin E are sunflower seeds, almonds, wheat germ oil, and avocados.

According to a study in Cutaneous and Ocular Toxicology, low levels of vitamin E in the blood correlate with the severity of acne. Patients with higher levels of these antioxidants had lower acne severity.

5. Astaxanthin

Antioxidants play an important role in many areas of the body, including the skin. Astaxanthin is an antioxidant produced by microalgae and is often found as a supplement, and is known to provide many benefits for the skin.

According to a study in the journal Nutrients, antioxidants have been linked to improvements in overall skin health, including a reduction in fine lines, sunspots, and inflammation.

Given that antioxidants benefit the skin, astaxanthin may be a good product to support overall skin health, allowing the skin to heal better in those with acne.

So, if you have problems with acne, consider including these nutrients as part of your treatment, either topically or orally. Apart from food, you can also get these nutrients from supplements.