Thursday, April 2, 2009

Vitamins for Acne Treatment

By Brad Davenport

Acne is a condition of the skin that can be mild in some people, with just a few spots and pimples, to very severe cystic acne that covers the entire face and neck. Because it is in such an exposed and highly visual area of the body, it causes both emotional and physical stress. For some time now there has been a theory put forward, that there may be one specific acne vitamin that would provide a miraculous cure.

Actually, that is not the case. But, that is not to say that the valuable research done in this area has not produced results. By taking certain vitamins that help the skin to fight off the effects of today's environment it will prevent the occurrence of acne outbreaks.

Vitamins and minerals are anti-oxidants and their job is to remove toxins from our bodies. These anti-oxidants are very important in the promotion of healthy bodies and to the organ system. The skin, of course being the largest organ of the body. One of the major factors that create skin blemishes and problems, has been shown to be poor nutrition and particularly, lack of essential vitamins and minerals.

Take care with acne vitamins, because overdosing may trigger an outbreak of acne. As an excretory organ as well as the protective layer against the environment, the skin aids in the removal of toxins from our bodies. The skin removes body toxins, wastes and sweat. Because of this the skin would have to remove the excess, unwanted vitamins.

One acne vitamin is Vitamin A. This vitamin aids in the removal of toxins from our bodies as well as maintaining and repairing the mucous membranes. Vitamin A also helps to reduce the amount of oil produced by the body and that can have a positive effect on acne and the protective tissues.

Vitamin B contains Riboflavin, Pantothenic Acid, Niacin and Pyridoxine. Our body's skin depends on these for it's overall health. The Vitamin B complex has an important role to play in the reduction of stress and anxiety. Both of which have been attributed to a cause of acne. Along with added stress and increased hormone production comes higher levels of oil which will clog the pores increasing the chances of acne.

Vitamin B1 helps with healthy digestion and blood circulation, it also acts as an anti-oxidant by flushing toxins from the body. Vitamin B2 or Riboflavin, is better absorbed by being taken at the same time as Vitamin A. Maintenance of hair, skin, nails and the improvement of mucous membranes is this vitamin's job. A lack of Vitamin B2 has been cited in outbreaks of acne.

Another acne vitamin is Vitamin B3 or Niacinamide which improves circulation essential for the metabolism of fats, carbohydrates and proteins. Vitamin B5, Pantothenic Acid, is vital for reducing stress and required for the proper function of the adrenal glands which regulates some of the bodys hormones.

The body's immune system is absolutely needed to fight off bacterial growth, without the immune system functioning at it's best, the bacterial growth can overpower the organs which can lead to rampant infection. That can also have a detrimental effect on the skin, although to a lesser extent. Pyridoxine or Vitamin B6 can help to protect the function of the immune system.

One more Acne Vitamin is Vitamin C. This is another powerful anti-oxidant that boosts the immune system to fight off infections. It also helps in the repair and function of tissue growth. Vitamin E helps by preventing the accumulation of excess fat and protecting against the formation of free radicals and cell damage.

If you are intending to proceed with a non standard multi-vitamin regimen, you perhaps should discuss it first with your dermatologist. Do not take excessive amounts of fat soluble vitamins without the instructions of your doctor. Fat soluble vitamins are stored in the fat cells of the body. Water soluble vitamins, on the other hand, are flushed through the kidneys and out of the body. This can lead to unpleasant side effects and to be avoided.

Improving your nutrition and using the correct dosage and type of vitamins can be a very real cost effective method of doing battle with acne. It might also replace the need for prescription medication. There is no guarantee with this though. But, even if you are contemplating going down this road, you should discuss this with your doctor or medical adviser first. Improved nutrition has other benefits to your health as well.

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