The Best Minerals And Vitamins For Acne And Clear Skin

Written by Sanya HamdaniNov 30, 2023
The best minerals and vitamins for acne and clear skin

Acne is one annoying skin problem that everyone deals with, some do it regularly, while others deal with it only during the monthly cycles. No matter how frequently acne shows up on your skin, it can definitely put you in a bad mood. There are several ways to deal with acne, most people start with a good skincare routine and use products formulated for acne-prone skin. While that is good, it is necessary to take a holistic approach when dealing with acne. Because as we all know, acne could be a result of hormonal fluctuations as well as your lifestyle and eating habits. Getting enough sleep, avoiding sugar and unhealthy food, and including certain minerals and vitamins for acne will improve your skin and your overall health.

When it comes to skincare, you pay close attention to the ingredients and avoid anything that will be harsh for your delicate skin or cause a reaction. The same should be followed when it comes to your diet because what you consume affects your health and skin. While there is no particular food or vitamin that will help get rid of acne immediately, certain minerals and vitamins for acne will reduce or prevent it. A nutrient-dense diet will meet the optimal level of vitamins in your body and give you healthy and clear skin. Wondering what these minerals and vitamins are and how to include them in your diet? Read on.

 

Vitamins for acne

FAQs about vitamins for acne

There are plenty of minerals and vitamins for acne that can prevent breakouts and clear out your skin. Apart from adding them to your diet, you can also use these vitamins as topical applications to get better results. Scroll down to read all about them as well as ways to apply these vitamins topically on your skin.

 

1. Vitamin A for acne

FAQs about vitamins for acne

Vitamin A is an essential nutrient that our body requires to maintain a healthy immune system. Unlike most nutrients, our body does not produce this vitamin and depends on external sources to meet the required amount. When it comes to skin retinoids, a type of vitamin A, is recommended by skin experts. Topical application retinoids help treat mild to moderate acne and can be easily added in your skincare routine. However, make sure you are using this vitamin for acne in the right concentration for your skin type. Always consult a dermatologist before introducing it in your skincare routine. You can also eat foods rich in vitamin A to reap its benefits and reduce acne.

Foods rich in vitamin A:

  • Eggs
  • Dark green vegetables
  • Cod liver oil
  • Orange and yellow fruits and veggies

 

2. Vitamin B3 for acne

FAQs about vitamins for acne

Niacin popularly known as niacinamide in skincare is nothing but vitamin B3 and is naturally found in the body but only in small amounts. Your body depends on external sources to get its daily dose of vitamin B3. It is needed to support the nervous system, fight fatigue and maintain healthy skin. Vitamin B3 effectively treats acne in both topical and oral forms. Using serums, moisturisers or night creams with niacinamide controls excess sebum production and thereby helps reduce acne. To reap the benefits of this vitamin for acne, you can eat the foods mentioned below.

Foods rich in vitamin B3:

  • Oily fish
  • Eggs
  • Milk
  • Chicken

 

3. Vitamin C for acne

FAQs about vitamins for acne

The strongest and the most effective of vitamins is vitamin C. Loaded with antioxidants, it fights a number of ailments. Packed with nutrients, this vitamin for acne also works on dark spots, uneven skin tone and other skin problems to make it healthy and glowing. That’s not all, vitamin C possesses anti-inflammatory properties that heal acne and acne wounds. It also reduces inflammation and redness associated with acne. You can add vitamin C-infused skincare products into your routine to tackle a number of skin problems. Dermatologists often recommend vitamin C supplements to those with acne-prone skin. However, you can also obtain the benefits of this vitamin for acne through food.

Foods rich in vitamin C:

  • Lemon
  • Oranges
  • Gooseberry
  • Capsicum
  • Broccoli

 

4. Vitamin D for acne

FAQs about vitamins for acne

One of the best and natural sources of vitamin D is the sun's rays. However, UV rays can damage the skin in several ways and cause premature ageing, sun spots and other skin problems. Vitamin D is formed when your body is exposed to the sun and one of its functions is to fight germs that are essential in maintaining clear and healthy skin. Some studies have found that those with acne had lower levels of vitamin D in the body. You can allow the body to absorb early morning sun rays as they are less harsh, but do wear sunscreen. Thankfully, this vitamin for acne can also be obtained through food.

Foods rich in vitamin D:

  • Cheese
  • Eggs
  • Milk
  • Fatty fish

 

5. Vitamin E for acne

FAQs about vitamins for acne

Free radical damage causes the skin to lose its elasticity and leads to premature ageing. Vitamin E delays the production of vitamin E in the body, this delays signs of ageing and rejuvenates the skin. This fat-soluble vitamin also fights bacteria and prevents external aggressors from entering the body. Vitamin E, both in topical and oral forms, can reduce acne. In fact, a lot of people use vitamin E oil on their faces to tackle a number of skin issues. This vitamin for acne is also added to a lot of moisturisers as it keeps the skin nourished for a long time without making it greasy.

Foods rich in vitamin E:

  • Nuts
  • Seeds
  • Green vegetables
  • Vegetable oils

 

6. Zinc for acne

FAQs about vitamins for acne

Apart from the above-mentioned vitamins for acne, there are a few minerals that can help with acne and one of them is zinc. Whether taken as an oral supplement, through food or applied topically, this mineral can decrease oil production in the skin. This protects the skin from bacterial infections, inflammation, clogged pores that lead to acne and breakouts. Your body requires only a small amount of zinc, consuming zinc in excess can lead to copper deficiency. It is best to use zinc-infused skincare products to tackle acne. However, products with lower concentrations of zinc should be used for topical application too.

Foods rich in zinc:

  • Dairy products
  • Beans
  • Whole grains
  • Poultry

 

These vitamins and minerals can be added to your diet or in your skincare routine to reduce acne and breakouts. You can also combine it with oral supplements if you are not getting enough from the food after consulting your doctor.

 

FAQs about vitamins for acne

FAQs about vitamins for acne

Q. How long does vitamin A take to clear acne?

A. Whether you are eating vitamin A-rich foods or applying retinoids on your skin, you should know that ingredients take a while to show results. According to experts, topical application of retinoids may take up to 24 weeks to improve acne scars. Since it repairs the damaged skin cells, the process is slow but effective. You cannot expect miraculous or quick results from this vitamin for acne. One has to be patient to see the first signs of changes.

Q. Does vitamin C reduce acne?

A. Acne is one of the most common skin problems and vitamin C is loaded with antioxidants that fight free radical damage as well as repair skin cells to treat acne. A lot of products contain vitamin C, so it wouldn’t be difficult to add it in your skincare routine. Applying it topically will reduce inflammation associated with acne, and improve hyperpigmentation.

Q. Does vitamin C help with cystic acne?

A. One of the major benefits of vitamin c for skin is that it protects the skin from free radical damage, repairs skin cells to correct scars and other skin concerns. Its application is considered to be effective even on cystic acne.

Sanya Hamdani

Written by

Sanya Hamdani is a skincare enthusiast and lipstick hoarder, she truly believes no two red lipsticks look exactly alike. With a Master's degree in Communication & Journalism and 5+ years of digital writing experience up her sleeve, Sanya has some of the biggest beauty experts in the country on her speed dial. When she's not swatching products or writing about the latest trends in beauty, you will find her watching F.R.I.E.N.D.S. or cooking up a storm in the kitchen.

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