Vitamins for Acne: Benefits, Side Effects, and How to Use

Vitamins and minerals act to supplement our diets as a supportive measure towards overall wellness. More than half of adults in the United States take vitamins regularly, and the CDC reports that the number of users continues to increase as we age. It’s no surprise there is some evidence demonstrating that adequate vitamin intake can improve our skin health. In skin conditions, such as acne, appropriate nutrient intake may help reduce inflammation and support skin cell turnover.

Let’s review vitamins commonly used for acne, how they work, and the necessary steps in picking the right product.

What are vitamins for acne?

Inflammation, increased oil production, and the buildup of dead skin create an environment where Cutibacterium acnes bacteria can thrive, increasing the risk of infection and more inflammation, which results in acne flares. In addition to standard treatment, establishing a balanced diet creates the nutritional foundation for a healthy skin barrier.

However, this isn’t always achievable. In such cases, supplementing our food intake with vitamins, minerals, and other bioactive compounds may serve as a supportive measure. Supplements for acne may support skin health by promoting anti-inflammatory activity, providing immune support, and facilitating the turnover of skin cells. Some limited research studies discuss the use of vitamins in acne, but continued research is needed.

Unlike prescription drugs, supplements are not as closely monitored by the FDA, so careful selection is required to choose suitable products. Always consult your healthcare provider prior to starting a new vitamin or supplement.

Types of vitamins for acne

Vitamins are categorized as either fat- or water-soluble. Fat-soluble vitamins are stored in fat and retained in the body for longer periods of time. Water-soluble vitamins, on the other hand, dissolve in water when entering the body and can be easily eliminated from the body by the kidneys.

Vitamins A, D, and E are well-known fat-soluble vitamins that help regulate immune system functions. Water-soluble B vitamins, such as vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid), are proposed to support the skin barrier and play various essential roles in energy metabolism and overall health.

Vitamin A

There are two sources of vitamin A in our diets: preformed vitamin A and provitamin A. Preformed vitamin A, also known as retinol, is found in animal food sources such as butter, eggs, fish, and meat. Vitamin A is also widely available in topical skincare products. However, supplementing with vitamin A is not routinely advised due to its risk for birth defects in pregnancy and the need for careful monitoring of dosage.

Isotretinoin, a vitamin A derivative, is available by prescription. It carries some of the same risks as high-dose vitamin A, but it is much more potent than typical dietary vitamin A; therefore, its use necessitates careful monitoring by a healthcare provider. Previously known as Accutane, it often goes by the brand names Absorica, Amnesteem, or Claravis. Isotretinoin is used in persistent and severe forms of acne, and typically the lowest effective dose is recommended to avoid side effects.

Provitamin A or beta-carotene is found in fungi and plants. It’s converted by the skin and used as retinol. The average dietary intake per day is estimated to be around 2–7 mg.

Vitamin B

B-group vitamins are found in a variety of foods, including dairy products, leafy green vegetables, beans, meat, eggs, and fortified cereals. There are eight essential B vitamins, and each plays an important role in metabolism. They help provide energy to our body and support normal cellular functioning. B complex supplements are often a mixture of all eight vitamins.

However, vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) is the most researched for potentially helping improve acne. Specifically, some reports discuss that vitamin B5 may play a role in regulating the skin barrier. It is thought to assist in the development and growth of cells in theoutermost layer of the skin. The average daily intake is recommended to be 5 mg daily for adults.

Additionally, niacin, and most notably its derivative nicotinamide, is suggested to have anti-inflammatory properties when used topically in acne treatment. A study that evaluated patients taking an oral proprietary blend of nicotinamide, zinc, copper, and folic acid reported that such a combination led to a decrease in acne lesions with similar effects seen in those on oral antibiotics. However, it is important to remember that this study looked at a formulation with multiple ingredients, and niacin by itself may not be associated with such skin improvements if tested in isolation.

B vitamins include:

?Thiamine (B1)

?Riboflavin (B2)

?Niacin (B3)

?Pantothenic acid (B5)

?Pyridoxine (B6)

?Biotin (B7)

?Folate (B9)

?Cobalamin (B12)

Vitamin D

Sun exposure and diet intake are both essential sources of vitamin D. However, getting out in the sun isn’t always feasible. Vitamin D supplements are mostly available in two forms: vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) and vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol). D2 is available from plant sources and fortified foods, whereas D3 is available from animal sources.

The recommended daily intake of vitamin D for the average adult is 600 IU daily. Vitamin D is needed for our bodies to maintain adequate amounts of calcium.

Additionally, there is growing interest in understanding the role of vitamin D in acne. Subsequently, early reports demonstrate that patients with acne are more likely to have a vitamin D deficiency. However, there is still a limited amount of evidence that links vitamin D levels with acne, and more research is necessary.

Reviewing the potential benefits of vitamins for acne

Incorporating vitamins for acne into your routine may complement your current skincare regimen and potentially assist in acne treatment. However, many of the documented benefits we have available to us are from clinical trials with small sample sizes of patients enrolled in the study, and much more research is necessary. While some preliminary studies do seem promising, more extensive research is needed to draw definite conclusions.

Vitamin A

Taking vitamin A is suggested to activate proteins capable of slowing down the growth of acne-causing bacteria. Additionally, it may help slow down skin aging due to its ability to support skin cell turnover.

In the setting of acne, this is proposed to reduce hyperpigmentation, which may speed up how quickly spots fade. Found in plants, beta-carotene carries antioxidant effects and may help prevent the expression of excess free radicals capable of aggravating acne.

Vitamin B

Due to its role in regulating keratinocytes, cells of the outermost layer of the skin, vitamin B5 may improve skin barrier function. One study found that vitamin B5 was superior to placebo in reducing facial acne following 12 weeks of continued use.

Additionally, early reports show that nicotinamide, a derivative of vitamin B3, may also help reduce the incidence of acne flares.

Vitamin D

Researchers reported a reduction in inflammatory lesions in two months following supplementation with 1,000 IU of vitamin D3 daily.

Vitamin D is also proposed to help regulate the expansion expansion and breakdown of keratinocytes. These are the outermost skin cells known to clog pores in acne.

Side effects of vitamins for acne

While vitamins can offer potential benefits, they may also cause side effects that can affect the entire body, not just skin health. Therefore, it's important to consult with your healthcare provider before starting any vitamin regimen to review all potential effects.

Vitamin A

Birth defects are associated with high doses of both vitamin A and isotretinoin, so their use should be avoided in pregnancy and individuals planning pregnancy. If isotretinoin is prescribed to someone capable of becoming pregnant, the doctor will register them with the FDA’s iPLEDGE program to ensure the appropriate steps are taken to prevent pregnancy.

Dry lips are the most common side effect associated with isotretinoin and its likelihood rises as your dose increases.

Lab monitoring is required while on isotretinoin due to the potential for increased cholesterol levels and other lab changes.

Caution is also needed when taking vitamin A supplements. Vitamin A toxicity can occur, especially with large single doses exceeding 300,000 IU or chronic intake of lower amounts. Early symptoms of vitamin A toxicity include nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness, irritability, blurred vision, and difficulties with muscle coordination.

Vitamin B

Some preliminary research reports that women receiving high doses of vitamin B6 and B12 may be associated with more flares of existing acne compared to men. Reports show this effect in doses exceeding 5–10 mg per week for vitamin B12 and 100 mg for vitamin B6, while the recommended daily intakes are only 2.4 mcg for vitamin B12 and 1.3 mcg for vitamin B6, respectively.

Vitamin D

Our skin destroys excess vitamin D from sunlight, so this type of vitamin D toxicity is rare. For this reason, adverse effects from vitamin D are likely due to the overuse of supplements. The recommended average daily amount for adults aged 19–50 is 600 IU.

Generally, exceeding 4,000 IU per day for extended periods is not advised without medical supervision, as this can increase the risk of toxicity. Too much vitamin D can lead to excessive amounts of calcium and side effects such as nausea, vomiting, muscle weakness, increased urination, and thirst, as well as an increased risk of mood disorders.

The effectiveness of vitamins for acne: do they work?

Acne occurs for several reasons, due to external and internal risk factors. The impact of diet on acne is a longstanding discussion point. Researchers have found that diets high in sugar and dairy are more likely to cause acne flares by promoting oil production, bacteria growth, and inflammation.

While some studies highlight cases where vitamin supplementation improved acne, they often carry a low number of patients enrolled. Additional research is needed to determine if healthcare providers can help patients by recommending the use of vitamin supplements with or instead of standard treatments.

A meta-analysis published in JAMA Dermatology outlines the overall safety and efficacy of supplements for acne. Their results continue to discuss vitamins A, B, and D as supplements with the most evidence in acne. However, researchers also highlighted other nutraceuticals such as zinc, omega-3 fatty acids, and probiotics as potential options.

Alternatives of vitamins for acne

Other potentially skin-healthy supplements include zinc and omega-3 fatty acids. Zinc is an essential mineral that plays a vital role in promoting growth, supporting immune function, and maintaining overall skin integrity. Early reports suggest that zinc sulfate and zinc gluconate help reduce acne flares by decreasing inflammation and regulating oil production, though further research is needed to confirm these effects.

Omega-3 fatty acids are considered beneficial for overall health. They are known for their anti-inflammatory properties, which may help decrease inflammation in the body — a common factor that contributes to acne development. By supporting skin health and reducing inflammatory responses, omega-3s may help manage acne flare-ups, but more research into their role in acne is necessary.

Additionally, some studies focus on probiotics to help target acne due to their role in the immune system function and association with gut and skin health. Several strains of Lactobacillus genus and Bifidobacterium lactis have been studied alone or in combination with standard treatment. One study evaluated Lactobacillus plantarum for 12 weeks in mild to moderate acne and found a reduction in acne lesions compared to placebo.

Bottom line

As mentioned, further research is needed to determine the role of vitamins and supplements in acne. Nonetheless, it is reassuring that efforts are in process to better inform patients and providers of evidence-based options to supplement acne care.

Vitamin A continues to be a longstanding topic in acne treatment as it was used for this indication even prior to the approval of isotretinoin. Still, its use is generally discouraged due to the high amounts needed to treat acne and the possibility of serious adverse effects when taken without medical supervision.

Certain B vitamins have also been suggested to be beneficial, particularly vitamin B5, which has the most evidence for acne. Careful consideration should be taken when supplementing with vitamin B6 or B12 as high doses may worsen acne.

The role of vitamin D in acne has piqued interest due to its impact on the immune system. However, it is important to keep in mind that research evidence is still limited, and it is best to discuss with your healthcare provider if supplementing any vitamins could be suitable for your skin or overall health concerns.