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Can Vitamins Get Rid of Oily Skin?
A vitamin deficiency may result in oily skin and acne. Some vitamin supplements may treat deficiencies and prevent excess oil secretions by controlling certain hormone levels while others have antioxidant properties that support your immune system 1. Maintain the recommended dose suggested by the manufacturer or your physician when taking vitamin supplements for oily skin 1. As well, never substitute vitamin supplements for healthy foods; consult your physician for any adverse reactions between vitamins and prescribed medication 1.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C, known as ascorbic acid is a water-soluble vitamin found in certain foods. It is essential for healthy skin and produces collagen, which repairs and protects the immune system. It also has antioxidant properties that protect your skin from free radicals. Exposure to environmental pollutants such as cigarette smoke, air pollution and ultraviolet sunlight create free radicals that may clog pores and create oily skin. The recommended dose for women is 75 mg per day, for men 90 mg per day.
- Vitamin C, known as ascorbic acid is a water-soluble vitamin found in certain foods.
- Exposure to environmental pollutants such as cigarette smoke, air pollution and ultraviolet sunlight create free radicals that may clog pores and create oily skin.
Omega 3 Fatty Acids
Supplements for Oily Skin With Large Pores & Blackheads
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Your skin cells depend on sebum production. However, an over-production of sebum may attract bacteria and dead skin cells, resulting in blackheads and acne. Omega-3 fatty acids help control the hormone androgen from producing too much sebum. Omega-3 fatty acids also help control flaky skin before the onset of blackheads and acne occurs. Cold water fish such as trout, sardines, salmon and mackerel have high levels of docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid, which is used for omega-3 supplements. The recommended dose for adults is 1,000 mg per day.
- Your skin cells depend on sebum production.
- Omega-3 fatty acids also help control flaky skin before the onset of blackheads and acne occurs.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A has antioxidant properties that support the elimination of toxins, reduce oil production and aid in the repair of skin tissue. Retinoid is derived from vitamin A and may relieve excess oil secretion when applied topically, as recommended by your dermatologist. The recommended dose for women is 700 mcg per day, for men 900 mcg per day. Vitamin A is a fat soluble vitamin therefore consuming too much may be toxic.
- Vitamin A has antioxidant properties that support the elimination of toxins, reduce oil production and aid in the repair of skin tissue.
- Retinoid is derived from vitamin A and may relieve excess oil secretion when applied topically, as recommended by your dermatologist.
Zinc
Home Remedy for an Infected Pimple
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Zinc supplements provide antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties essential for oil-producing glands. Zinc is not created by your body, it must come from a dietary source or supplement. You require a small amount of zinc daily. However, a diet deficient in zinc may cause breakouts to occur. The recommended dose for an adult is 40 mg per day. Zinc may interfere with drugs prescribed to treat oily skin such as tetracycline. Therefore, consult your doctor before taking zinc supplements.
- Zinc supplements provide antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties essential for oil-producing glands.
- However, a diet deficient in zinc may cause breakouts to occur.
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References
- Office of Dietary Supplements: Vitamin C
- Mediline Plus: Zinc
- Al-Niaimi F, Chiang NYZ. Topical vitamin C and the skin: Mechanisms of action and clinical applications. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2017;10(7):14-17.
- Ohshima H, Mizukoshi K, Oyobikawa M, et al. Effects of vitamin C on dark circles of the lower eyelids: quantitative evaluation using image analysis and echogram. Skin Res Technol. 2009;15(2):214-217. doi:10.1111/j.1600-0846.2009.00356.x
- Pullar JM, Carr AC, Vissers MCM. The roles of vitamin C in skin health. Nutrients. 2017;9(8):866. doi:10.3390/nu9080866
- De Dormael R, Bastien P, Sextius P, et al. Vitamin C prevents ultraviolet-induced pigmentation in healthy volunteers: Bayesian meta-analysis results from 31 randomized controlled versus vehicle clinical studies. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2019;12(2):E53-E59.
- Bolke L, Schlippe G, Gerß J, Voss W. A collagen supplement improves skin hydration, elasticity, roughness, and density: Results of a randomized, placebo-controlled, blind study. Nutrients. 2019;11(10):2494. doi:10.3390/nu11102494
- Farris PK. Topical vitamin C: A useful agent for treating photoaging and other dermatologic conditions. Dermatol Surg. 2005;31(7 Pt 2):814-818. doi:10.1111/j.1524-4725.2005.31725
- Telang PS. Vitamin C in dermatology. Indian Dermatol Online J. 2013;4(2):143-146. doi:10.4103/2229-5178.110593
Writer Bio
Katherine Marko has been a professional writer for more than five years. She has attended the University of Toronto for English. Her work has appeared in several online publications. Marko is also a licensed aesthetician with expertise in nutrition and beauty.