The Best Vitamins To Take For Acne

Finding the right products to treat acne or pimples can be like finding a needle in a haystack. And then when you eventually stumble across the perfect fit, it gets discontinued, or it's never in stock. Thankfully, there are alternatives to treat acne-prone skin that don't involve ingredients you can never pronounce. Sometimes, you just need extra vitamins and minerals.

Acne can be caused by myriad things, including genetics or a hormone imbalance. Still, a deficiency in a certain vitamin can actually be the cause sometimes. For example, if you don't have enough vitamin B in your diet, you can experience acne, rashes, and dry and flaky skin, according to Tri-City Medical Center. Vitamin B7 (biotin) and B3 (niacin) are the ones most commonly used for skin complaints. Luckily for you, these vitamins can be found in a variety of foods. You'll find B3 in turkey, chicken, dairy products, fish, and mushrooms, while B7 is in almonds, eggs, sweet potatoes, onions, and broccoli.

Still, there are other vitamins that can help your acne, too. 

Vitamin B isn't the only tool to fight acne. According to Healthline, vitamin A is also a helpful way to treat breakouts as it is an antioxidant. However, it's only effective for acne when used as a topical medication where the vitamin is changed into a retinoid (via the Mayo Clinic). (You likely know the term "retinoid" because of retinol, a skincare ingredient in this family being used in more and more face serums and moisturizers.) As a derivative of vitamin A, retinoids can reduce inflammation, unclog pores, and regulate the growth of skin cells, according to Medical News Today.

Another vitamin that can help get rid of acne is vitamin D, per pharmacy ReNue Rx. As this vitamin can boost the immune system, it also has antimicrobial properties that can block the "negative effects of acne bacteria on the skin." Vitamin E is also another great substance to have in your acne-fighting arsenal, according to ReNue Rx, as it can lock in moisture and promote the production of collagen through its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

In either case, ensure you're getting all of the vitamins you need every day before you shell out too much money on expensive skincare products. Whether you begin taking a supplement or consume more vitamin-rich foods, this may be the secret you've been needing for clear skin.