Acne is not just a teenage problem anymore. Plenty of adults are fighting this embarrassing skin condition as well. And while there are plenty of prescription remedies on the market, they tend to irritate and/or dry out your skin. Not to mention the charge to see the dermatologists who prescribe them is rarely budget-friendly. You can clear up your skin the natural way – with food and vitamin supplements. The right combination of these can make a world of difference for you, your skin, and your confidence.
The Food Side of Things
Avoid foods containing high fructose corn syrup, hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated vegetable oils, and high-calorie, low-nutrient foods like candy, white breads and pasta, soft drinks, and French fries. Studies show that people who avoid these foods have a lower incidence of acne.
For some people, dairy products (milk, cheese, yogurt, ice cream, etc.) seem to cause or aggravate acne. Try eliminating them for 3 months and see if there’s any improvement.
Increase your fiber intake until you are having a bowel movement every day. This can help.
The Vitamin / Supplement Side of Things
Fatty Acids. We need omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, but some foods (like milk, eggs, and chicken) have too many 6s and not enough 3s, causing inflammation which then causes acne. A great way to make sure you’re getting enough omega-3s is to take 1 to 3 grams of fish oil a day. (Make sure you don’t take this supplement if you are allergic to fish.)
Selenium. You can get this antioxidant by taking a supplement of 200 micrograms, or just by eating three Brazil nuts daily. Tasty as they are, the nuts are high in calories, so stick with just three.
Vitamin A. This vitamin can work wonders on clearing up your skin. Do not exceed 5,000 IU daily; higher amounts of vitamin A can cause osteoporosis.
Vitamin B3. Niacinamide, an over-the-counter topical application of vitamin B3, has been shown to work just as well as clindamycin, a prescription topical cream prescribed for acne.
Vitamin B6. If your acne seems to be related to PMS, B6 may be the answer. Try 50 milligrams daily for a few months, increasing to 150 milligrams if necessary.
Vitamin E. 100 to 200 IU of this antioxidant daily (in the form of mixed tocopherols) may help get your acne under control.
Zinc. Another thing to try is 15 to 30 milligrams of zinc sulfate daily.
Source: NutriCures by Alice Feinstein and the Editors of Prevention
PLEASE NOTE: I am not a doctor. Please discuss any medical concerns with your health care provider.