Acne, in most cases, is a genetic disorder. If one of the parents had severe acne then most likely it will also appear in the child. Acne can also be caused by hormones, stress, ecology, and other factors that influence lifestyle.
Most people treat acne with lotion, cleansers or topical preparations. Dermatologists prescribe the regimen for taking antibiotics and other drugs that people with acne have to take for many years. But there is no universal approach to treating acne.
The good news is that acne is a controlled condition. There are certain vitamins and nutrients that help eliminate the root cause of acne which is the key to get a smooth and clean face.
1. Vitamin A
Acne is a genetic disorder that speeds up the metabolism of skin cells (retention hyperkeratosis). Acne-prone skin produces five times more dead skin cells than usual. These dead skin cells begin to accumulate and clog pores.
Layers of dead skin react with bacteria and create a sticky layer that forms under your skin. This causes a microcomedone. Thus, if you slow down the circulation of cells, you can prevent clogging of pores with excess dead skin cells.
Vitamin A slows down this cell production and dead skin cells no longer clog pores. This vitamin is also an antioxidant that acts as a natural anti-inflammatory agent and therefore helps reduce redness and swelling.
2. Zinc
Zinc is beneficial for people with acne since it’s an effective natural anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial agent that protects the skin from harmful bacteria. It also breaks down a compound called “substance P”.
This is a nerve agent that causes oil production during body stress. Zinc works especially well in combination with vitamin A and omega-3 acids.
3. Omega-3 Acids
Omega-3 fish oil is rich in compounds known as essential fatty acids which have beneficial effects on the skin and the absorption of other fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, and E).
They act as natural anti-inflammatory substances that help relieve inflammation caused by excess secretion of the sebaceous glands and bacteria. Moreover, they also counteract the effects of inflammatory acne-causing chemicals.
Fish, flaxseed oil, and avocados are excellent sources of omega-3s but it’s important to take Omega-3 and Omega-6 in combination to achieve the best effect.
4. Vitex Agnus-Castus
Vitex agnus castus, also known as Chasteberry, is a plant that has been used for centuries to relieve menstrual pain, PMS, bloating, and other symptoms of menstruation. It helps normalize hormonal balance which contributes to healthy skin.
In women, hormonal acne usually appears along the jaw angle and chin. Hormonal acne is caused by high levels of testosterone and other androgens, and imbalance in the levels of estrogen and progesterone.
Vitex impacts the hypothalamus, increasing the production of luteinizing hormone, and inhibiting the secretion of follicle-stimulating hormone.
This helps to reduce the level of androgens that cause acne and at the same time contributes to an increase in progesterone levels. Thus, normal hormonal balance improves skin.
5. Probiotics
It’s known that the condition of the intestine is reflected in our appearance since most of the immune cells live in it.
A clogged digestive system indicates that toxins are not properly excreted. One of the best ways to normalize the digestive system is to take a probiotic supplement.
Probiotics are especially important during taking antibiotics. After all, antibiotics destroy a huge amount of beneficial bacteria.
A probiotic supplement containing a mixture of lactobacilli and bifidobacteria which help restore a healthy balance of intestinal microflora and can also help to quickly eliminate skin problems.
