A good diet is necessary for healthy skin, and vitamins are especially important for treating acne. Acne reduces with the optimum intake of vitamins, as they balance any deficiency of vitamins in the body. Vitamins play a vital role in keeping acne at bay and also help remove the dead cells that acne leaves behind.


Vitamins have more than a 50 % role in clearing acne.

• Vitamin A. The deficiency of vitamin A can be the reason for acne, as it helps to protect skin tissue, reduces production of sebum, maintains and repairs the skin.
  
  
  You would need 10,000 IU to fight acne and 5000 IU if you are pregnant. Rich sources of vitamin A are vegetables like carrot, sweet potato, pumpkin, mango, spinach, cantaloupe, winter squash and yellow or orange fruits.

• Vitamin B5. Vitamin B5 helps fight acne indirectly, as it helps reduce stress and anxiety which are causes for acne. It also helps in the proper function of adrenal glands. To fight acne you may need 100 mg thrice daily. Natural sources of vitamin B5 are found in meat, egg yolk, peanuts, broccoli, cauliflower, whole grains, fruits and bran.

• Vitamin C. Vitamin C with bio-flavonoids is the best cure for acne as it is an antioxidant, and protects the skin from infections and boosts immunity. Bioflavonoids have antibacterial properties, help in tissue growth and repair. You need 1000 to 1600 mg of vitamin C to keep acne away. Food sources with vitamin C include broccoli, red and green peppers, citrus fruits, strawberries, Indian gooseberry, kiwi fruits, and Brussels sprouts.

• Vitamin E. Acne vitamin supplements usually include vitamin E, which is good at healing tissues and prevents damage caused by free radicals, oxidation of lipids and keep the skin moisturized and glowing. A 440 IU dosage is best for fighting acne. Natural sources are found in whole grains, peanuts, mayonnaise, and sweet potato.

The other natural acne supplements are chromium and zinc. Chromium reduces infections on the skin and if your diet is rich in sugars you may have to take chromium supplements. You can take 150 mcg per day to reduce acne. Zinc heals the skin tissue and prevents scarring. It regulates the oil glands, heals wounds and prevents free radicals. A dose of 25-30 mg per day is desirable to clear acne. Take acne supplements in the form of multivitamin pill or liquid form. It is imperative to know the right dosage of each vitamin and mineral taken. Too much of it can be dangerous and toxic. Look for supplements with chromium, zinc and herbal ingredients.