Help For Acne - What Can Chromium, Vitamin C And E, And Zinc Do?

Although acne is really a complex disease, and that any form of help for acne should address the intertwined issues of nutrition deficiency and toxicity in the blood, there is very little doubt that supplementing with vitamins can help heal your acne naturally and, more importantly, permanently.

It's already known that Vitamin A and B-2 (Riboflavin) are the so-called major vitamins in the fight against acne. Together, they convert the fatty acids in the blood into healthy sebum.

However, did you know that there are other vitamins involved in curing acne? Read on to find out what they are:

Vitamin C

Your body needs Vitamin C for 300 of its metabolic processes, including repairing tissues and growing new ones. It is also important for fighting infection. In case you didn't know it yet, acne breaks out when bacteria attacks the skin. To prevent further infection, you must strengthen your immune system with Vitamin C to fight off acne-causing bacteria.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is an antioxidant vitamin that prevents damage to your body's cells. It does so by inhibiting the oxidation of lipids (fats) and the formation of free radicals.

Chromium

If you are getting acne infections all the time, there's a good chance you're deficient in Chromium. This vitamin is very important for reducing skin infection. Chromium is not easily absorbed by the body, and bingeing on sugar-rich foods makes the body lose this nutrient. Talk with your doctor about taking chromium picolinate or chromium polynicotinate supplements as part of your acne treatment program.

Zinc

Aside from promoting healing and preventing scarring, Zinc regulates oil glands so that they secrete healthy skin oil.

Now that you know which vitamins are needed to permanently cure acne, you might be asking, how much should you take everyday? The simple answer is this: since each person's needs are different, you should be talking to your doctor about dosage. If you are taking any prescription medicine, make sure to talk to your doctor about it so you don't suffer the effects of medicine/supplements interaction.

Also, buy only vitamins that are proven to be easily absorbed by the body. These include chelated, sublingual, liquid, and organic vitamins.

But really, from a natural healing standpoint, what you really need to do is make sure you're eating a wide variety of fruits and vegetables everyday to nourish your body. Why? In terms of absorbability, vitamin supplements will never be able to beat natural food sources.

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Choosing the Best Anti-Acne Treatment

For many of us, acne was an unfortunate side effect of puberty that fortunately went away as we entered adulthood. For some however, it is an ongoing problem, and even in teenagers, it can be serious enough to warrant an equally serious treatment. There are a variety of treatments available, from creams and cleansers available at the cosmetics counter to some serious prescription drugs. The treatment you choose will depend greatly on the severity and duration of your acne.

There are a number of creams, gels, lotions and soaps containing benzoyl peroxide or tretinoin (Retin-A) two of the most common anti-acne drugs. Benzoyl peroxide is available over the counter and can be found in some popular products like Clean and Clear, Oxy, Clearasil and Neutrogena Acne. Products containing Retin-A are available by prescription only. They typically come in cream, liquid and gel forms and are applied topically. Adapalene is another treatment sometimes used instead of Retin-A. Some have found it to be slightly more effective.

Both Benzoyl peroxide and Retin-A work by irritating the skin just a little bit. This encourages old cells to come off, and opens up pores previously blocked. Benzoyl peroxide is also effective in killing the bacteria which contribute to turning black heads and white heads into pimples.

If neither Benzoyl peroxide nor Retin-A seems to be doing the job, it might be time to look into a more serious treatment. Your doctor might consider prescribing Isotretinoin, or Accutane. This drug works by shrinking the glands that produce sebum. Since acne is caused by the overproduction of sebum, this is usually a very effective treatment. Keep in mind however, that Accutane can have some serious side effects like birth defects. Because of this risk, it is usually only prescribed in cases where acne is unusually severe or disfiguring.

Another possible treatment for acne involves the use of oral antibiotics. These work to kill the bacteria that cause the creation of pimples. One treatment found to be particularly effective is the combination of the antibiotic erythromycin and topical benzoyl peroxide applications.

An area where modern technology has stepped up to help is in laser skin treatments. Although laser treatments cannot prevent acne, they can recondition skin that has been permanently scarred by it. Laser treatments burn away the damaged layers of skin, and expose a new, undamaged surface.

In addition to the treatments above, there are some things you can do to help prevent and minimize acne. Make sure your face stays clean, but don’t let it dry out too much. Use an oil-free moisturizer if necessary. Take a multi-vitamin, and chromium and Vitamin A supplements. All of these combined can help minimize sebum production. If you must wear make-up, be sure that it is water-based, and remove it completely before bed-time. A healthy diet and exercise can do a lot to keep your skin healthy, along with the rest of your body.

Acne is an unpleasant condition, but fortunately there are a number of treatments. Start by trying some of the over-the-counter options, and if those don’t do the job, see your doctor. Try wearing only mineral foundations and organic cosmetics.

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Vitamin A With Carotenoids Strengthens Protection of the Skin Tissue

Most people lack the vitamins that are important for your body to function efficiently. Only about 15 percent of Americans eat the recommended three to five servings of vegetables each day. Did you know that the skin is the largest organ of the body. Above all it requires adequate nutrition to function well and act as a first line of defense against infectious diseases and germs.

Your body needs to promote nutrition supplement for healthy skin and prevent acne. There are a number of vitamins and minerals that are powerful antioxidants able to wash out free radicals and toxins from your body. Some even have antibacterial effects and promote immunity, both of which are important in maintaining your pores clean toxins and obstruction of healing of damaged skin tissue.

Vitamin A with carotenoids strengthens protection of the skin tissue and prevents the formation of acne by reducing the production of tallow. Vitamin A is essential for the maintenance and repair of tissues skin and mucous membranes are made of. Vitamin A is also a powerful antioxidant that your body releases of oxidative stress caused by free radicals.

Did you know that a deficiency in vitamin A can cause acne? It is recommended to take a maximum of 10000 IU of vitamin A to successfully combat acne, but not take more than 5000 IU if you are pregnant. A high quality liquid multivitamin is a good source of vitamin A and other vitamins that help prevent acne.

The vitamin B group is composed of thiamin (B1), Riboflavin (B2), niacin (nicotinic acid, Niacinamide, B3), pantothenic acid, Pyridoxine (B6) and cyanocobalamin (B12). Each of these vitamins have a specific role in promoting healthy skin and overall health. The thiamine acts as an antioxidant, increasing its circulation, and helps your body to properly digest the food you eat. You should take Thiamin 100 mg three times a day to combat acne.

Niacinamide or vitamin B3 is also important for healthy skin by improving circulation and help your body with the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and proteins. A deficiency in Niacinamide cause acne.

Pantothenic acid or vitamin B5 states to help reduce stress, in effect indirectly reduce acne, that stress is known to cause. It is also necessary for the proper functioning of the adrenal glands.

Pyridoxine or vitamin B6 is crucial in the functioning of your immune system and its production of antibodies. A deficiency of vitamin B6 can cause acne.

Vitamin C and bioflavonoids are another group of antioxidants that are necessary for at least 300 metabolic functions in the body, including tissue growth and repair. Vitamin C protects against infection and enhances immunity. Bioflavanoids have an antibacterial effect. The recommended dose for combating acne is 1000 mg 3 times daily. If you have diabetes, consult your doctor about the proper dosage.

Chromium aid acne by reducing the rates of skin infections. To get an adequate amount of chromium in their diet, you need to take extra fluids called chromium picolinate chromium or chromium polynicotinate. It is likely that you are chromium deficient because the form of chromium in foods is not absorbed easily and is lost during the process. High quantities of sugar in the diet causes a loss of chromium in the body. The recommended dose for combating acne is 150 mcg per day.

Vitamin E is an antioxidant that improves healing and tissue repair. It prevents cell damage by inhibiting the oxidation of lipids (fats) and the formation of free radicals. Take 400 IU daily of vitamin E to combat acne.

I hope this article has helped you a bit. For more info please visit http://www.acneblogs.net.

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Vitamins to Take for Acne

Acne may cause you considerable emotional distress but there is a range of treatment options to help you tackle the problem. No treatment will completely cure your acne. The aims of treatment are to prevent new spots forming, to improve those already present, and to prevent scarring. Vitamins and minerals play an important role in the treatment of acne. The complete nutrition is required by the body to promote the healthy skin and reduces acne. Vitamins and minerals act as powerful antioxidants which eliminates the toxins from the body.

Vitamins to take for acne:

1. Vitamin A

Vitamin A strengthens the protective tissue of the skin and prevents acne. It helps reduce sebum production. It is essential for the maintenance and repair of the tissue which the skin and mucous membranes are made of. It is also a powerful antioxidant needed to rid your body of toxins

Naturally occurring Vitamin A, or retinol, is found in fish oils, liver and dairy products. The Vitamin A produced by plants is known as Beta-carotene, and is found in yellow/orange fruits and vegetable such as carrots, yams, apricots and cantaloupe, as well as green vegetables like parsley, kale and spinach. Extremely high doses of Vitamin A are toxic, so don't overdo it.

2. Vitamin B Complex to take for acne

The B vitamins help to maintain healthy skin tone. They are also helpful in relieving anxiety and stress. Stress can be a major player in causing acne. The B vitamins should always be taken together

Vitamin B-2. Stress has been known to aggravate existing cases of acne, and Vitamin B-2 is often helpful alleviating stress. Foods with a high concentration of B-2 include whole grains, fish, milk, eggs, meat and leafy green vegetables.

Vitamin B-3. Found in peanuts, eggs, avocados, liver and lean meats, Vitamin B-3 improves circulation, promoting healthy skin. It also reduces the cholesterol level in the blood and helps you metabolize protein, sugar & fat - increasing your energy through proper utilization of food.

3. Vitamin E

Vitamin E is found in almonds, peanuts, sunflower seeds, broccoli, wheat germ and vegetable oils. A powerful antioxidant, it protects your cells against the effects of free radicals, which are potentially damaging by-products of the body's metabolism.

4. Zinc

Zinc aids in healing of the tissues and helps prevent scarring. It helps prevent acne by regulating the activity of the oil glands. Even in trace amounts, the antioxidant zinc is known to boost the immune system, improving overall health - which of course is reflected in the skin. Zinc can be found in eggs, whole grains, nuts and mushrooms.

5. Vitamin C

Vitamin C can benefit skin in two important ways. Firstly, vitamin C is essential for the synthesis of collagen, a key structural protein of the skin. Secondly, vitamin C is an antioxidant and can help reduce free radicals. So, when vitamin C is properly delivered into skin cells, it may help reduce wrinkles and improve skin texture.

6. Chromium

For acne, Chromium aids in reducing infections of the skin. To get the adequate amount of chromium in your diet, chromium should be taken in supplemental form called chromium picolinate or chromium polynicotinate. Chances are you are chromium deficient because the form of chromium in foods is not easily absorbed and is lost during processing; and high quantities of sugar in the diet cause a loss of chromium from the body.

7. Co-Enzyme Q10

A coenzyme is a substance needed for the proper functioning of an enzyme, a protein that speeds up the rate at which chemical reactions take place. Q10 refers to parts of the compound's chemical structure. Coenzyme Q10 is an antioxidant found in most body tissues. Coenzyme Q10 is used to produce the energy needed for cell growth and maintenance and has been studied in the support of heart health.

Conclusion: Vitamins to take for acne

It is recommended to take three to five servings of vegetables every day.

There is no cure for acne, but acne can be treated completely. While vitamins alone may not clear up acne, they support a healthier diet and can offset some causes including stress, poor nutrition, and hormonal imbalances.

Karel Micek is skin care enthusiast focusing on innovative and unique methods to heal a pimple and you can find more information about Vitamins to Take for Acne and other products related to skin care here:

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Acne Vulgaris, the 8 Stages of Acne, Skin Care, Adult Acne, and Scar Removal Options.

What is Acne Vulgaris? This is a medical term used to describe most cases of acne. It really isn't as bad as it sounds! Vulgaris doesn't mean that the acne is vulgar, only that it means that it is common.

Be aware that there are many factors that contribute to acne. First, research indicates a propensity for acne may well be inherited. Parents who had acne in their teenage and young adult years may have children who are likewise prone to having acne in their teen and young adult years.

Next, clogged skin pores are certainly a major contributing factor for acne out-breaks. When pores become clogged with an excess production of sebum and mix with dead skin cells or makeup that isn't sufficiently cleaned from the skin, problems start to develop. When skin pores are clogged, bacteria are produced and pus starts to form causing a pimple, a white head or a black head.

The most commonly accepted causes for acne are hormonal imbalances. Hormones in boys and girls may become unbalanced during puberty, during menstrual cycles, when starting or stopping birth control pills, during times of extreme stress, and at other times as well.

All of the above situations can cause the body to over produce a male hormone which causes the sebaceous glands to produce sebum. The sebum combines with dead skin cells to block pores and acne develops. So, basically, it still comes back to blocked pores.

Other causes for acne include a lack of vitamins, minerals and trace elements that the body needs to maintain a healthy skin. Vitamins A, E and B6 are especially important in maintaining healthy skin as are zinc, essential fatty acids (EFA), Chromium and Selenium.

Most diets of teenagers and young adults do not contain these vitamins, minerals, and trace elements in sufficient quantity to maintain healthy skin and to help prevent the onset of Acne.

Acne: The 8 Stages:

Full blown, Stage 8 acne doesn't usually develop overnight. Acne is progressive condition. Acne is one of the diseases that are so common that it is sometimes just disregarded as a serious problem...like the common cold. It has been estimated that 95 of people will have at least a mild case of acne at some point in their lives.

Acne, much like the common cold, is usually treated by the sufferer with over-the-counter medications that alleviate the symptoms of the disease in the belief that it will simply go away all by itself....eventually. And, it usually does but not always.

Most people throughout their life will have the occasional pimple, zit, white head or black head.

Although these pesky little outbreaks do seem to appear at the most inopportune times, they really aren't a serious problem that requires medical attention. A little over-the-counter acne facial wash to help prevent another outbreak will usually take care of the problem. It isn't a big deal. This kind of acne is referred to as Stage 0 and really nothing to be concerned about unless the acne progresses to subsequent stages.

Acne stages are graded from 0 through 8. Zero is the least severe and 8 is the most serious of the stages. The stages are as follows:

Stage 1: There will be white heads and black heads with some mild inflammation. The outbreaks will start to occur more frequently. Using products that contain Benzyl Peroxide are in order.

Stage 2: There will be some papules in addition to the white heads and black heads. Papules are skin lesions that are solid and raised but usually small. This is still considered to be a very mild case of acne. Treatment can be continued using over-the-counter products that contain Salicylic Acid.

Stage 3: Stage 3 is the same as stage 2 but with more frequent occurrences.

Stage 4-5: Pustules begin to appear. Now, it's time to schedule an appointment at a dermatologist.

Stage 6-7: Nodules and cysts are forming. Scarring is going to start happening at this stage. Your dermatologist will begin to take more drastic action.

Stage 8: Breakouts are almost continuous and include nodules and cysts. There are modern technologies that will help and your dermatologist will advise you.

Acne Skin Care:

As we know, our hair follicles secrete sebum. Sebum makes its way up the hair follicles to the skin pores where it lubricates and protects the skin. Sometimes there are oil glands which get overworked, get enlarge, and produce too much sebum. The sebum can get trapped in the hair follicle.

When this happens the pores get clogged and black heads or white heads form and the bacteria start to multiply at an alarmingly fast rate.

Once you understand this process, you can see the reasoning behind the advice about caring for skin that has black heads, white heads and pustules on it.

The first piece of advice about caring for acne infected skin is to never pick at the pimples. Don't try to pop them and drain them. This will not cure them no matter what anybody tells you. Popping them will only serve to make them worse...not better.

However, there are things that you can do that really will help.

The first thing you can do is to wash your face with a mild soap or a sulfur based soap. Wash your face with just your finger tips. Don't ever use a wash cloth as it holds germs and bacteria. Rinse your face with clean water several times to ensure you remove all traces of soap, and then pat it dry with a clean towel. Do not rub your face with the towel and never use the same towel twice without it being clean.

Take a good multi-vitamin and multi-mineral supplement every day and drink at least 8 full glasses of water (not soda) every day. The vitamins and minerals will supply nutrients that are absent from most diets and the water will help to hydrate the skin as well as to flush toxins out of your system.

If you use over-the-counter acne medications, be certain that you follow the directions carefully and that you use a good sunscreen when you are outdoors as some acne medications make the skin more prone to sunburn.

Adult Acne:

Acne is not just a problem for teenagers and young adults. Once a person survives the teenage years, you would think that they don't have to deal with the embarrassment of acne any longer, right? Well....not exactly.

The sad truth is that about 25 of women will have acne at some time in their 20s, 30s or even 40s. Although there has never been a real cause established, it is believed that most adult acne is caused by the same thing that causes teenage acne...hormonal changes.

A doctor will sometimes prescribe hormonal treatments that will clear a case of adult acne right up. As with teenage acne, adult acne is not caused by diet. Stress has often been cited as one possible cause of adult acne but that assertion has never been verified.

Treating adult acne is a bit more difficult than treating teenage acne. Adults have the concern of drying out their skin that teenagers don't normally have to deal with. Adults don't want pimples; but, they don't want wrinkles, either. A dermatologist should be consulted if the acne is long lasting or is severe.

There are many treatments that are available to adults who suffer from acne. Most of the effective treatments are only available by prescription. Adults should not use over-the-counter acne medications that are intended for the treatment of teenage acne. These products tend to dry the skin and adults need to be concerned about wrinkling as well as acne.

A case of adult acne is not a happy occurrence to say because those ugly bumps always seem to occur at the most inopportune times and while a teenager may be embarrassed by acne, an adult is even more devastated.

Fortunately, there are treatments and a dermatologist has a lot of weapons in his arsenal to fight adult acne.

Acne Scar Removal Options:

Life hardly seems fair sometimes! First, a teenager or a young adult must suffer through acne, treat it, and have to live with it...sometimes for years. Then the acne is gone; but, the scars are there as a painful reminder of the mental and emotional agony the acne sufferer had to endure.

You're right, life doesn't seem fair; but, acne is one of those sad facts of life that some if not most of us have to deal with. The good news is there is help; unfortunately, it isn't free or cheap!

There are two basic procedures that are used to remove ugly pits and scars left over from a bad case of teenage or young adult acne. Laser resurfacing is the least expensive of the two available acne scar removal procedures. Dermabrasion is the second procedure.

Laser resurfacing can be done in the dermatologist office instead of a hospital so that provides a much greater financial savings. A laser is used to remove the top layer of skin and also to tighten the middle layer of skin.

The dermatologist will use a local anesthetic to help reduce the procedure pain. It usually takes several days for the skin to heal after a laser resurfacing procedure is completed. Very often, multiple resurfacing treatments must be done to achieve the desired results.

The second procedure used to remove acne scarring is called dermabrasion. In this procedure, a rotating wire brush is used to remove the top layer of skin. The body continually produces new skin and the new layer will be smoother than the layer that was removed. It usually takes between 10 days and 3 weeks for the skin to heal after a dermabrasion treatment. Once again, multiple treatments may be required to eliminate the scarring.

Acne may seem to be a devastating condition but with proper skin routine, vitamins, and over the counter products, most cases will not be severe. Remember, proper cleansing goes a long way towards minimizing outbreaks, so don't be afraid to cleanse your face 5 - 6 times a day of more if needed.

Fight acne by being smart. Take as many preventative steps as possible to avoid situations that create the opportunity for acne to develop. If acne does afflict you, consult a qualified medical professional before deciding on a course of action.

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