Fighting acne is a big business. Walk into any drug store, and you will find shelves packed with creams, oils, cleansers, and other products that promise to get rid of your zits and blemishes. Some work, some don’t, and you will probably spend plenty of money until you find the one that you like. Fortunately, there’s an easier way to treat your acne: from the inside. The following seven supplements may help keep acne at bay.
1. Vitamin D
A lack of vitamin D has been linked with numerous health complications in recent years, and many doctors are recommending adults of all ages take supplements. If you do, no more acne could be a great side effect. Essentially, your body needs the vitamin D to fight off whatever is causing your breakouts. Consider visiting a doctor to find out if you are deficient in the vitamin before deciding to take a supplement. Spending time in the sun can also help increase your vitamin D levels.
2. Probiotics
Most people assume acne is the result of unclean skin or eating greasy foods. While your diet and other factors may aggravate your acne, bacteria in your body is one of the actual main causes. That’s where a dose of probiotics comes in. A dose a day keeps the acne away, as well as improves your immune and digestive systems.
3. Zinc Picolinate
Yeast can also play a role in the formation of acne on the skin, and zinc picolinate can help combat it. While zinc itself can upset your stomach, this version of the popular mineral is not quite as harsh. It has anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties, and it can even help heal the skin and prevent scars once your pimple is gone.
4. Spearmint
Ladies, if you suffer from breakouts at a certain time of the month, consider adding a cup or two of spearmint tea to your daily routine. Not only does spearmint kill the yeast that causes general acne, but it can also help reduce the hormones that cause you to develop blemishes during your period.
5. Vitamin B3
It takes a few months for it to kick in, but taking a vitamin B3 supplement can decrease the inflammation in your body, something most people have in common. It can also help decrease the size of the sebaceous glands. They produce sebum which can cause acne.
6. Vitamin C
While it’s not as common as a vitamin D deficiency, many people lack vitamin C, especially if they smoke, drink excessively, or eat a poor diet. Unfortunately, vitamin C is a must for the production of collagen, the protein that makes up your skin cells. If you don’t get enough, your skin cannot fight the bacteria that causes acne, and you are more likely to break out.
7. Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are great for your heart and brain, but you may not know that they are good for your skin, as well. Omega-3s can reduce the inflammation in your body, and over time, they reduce the chance that you will suffer from recurrent outbreaks.