How is acne caused and what are the best ways and supplements for combatting it?
Acne is a skin disorder characterised by oily skin and the appearance of spots on the face, upper back or torso.
It mainly affects adolescents but can also appear in adults, especially pregnant women due to pregnancy-induced hormonal changes.
Acne is usually caused by several factors, sometimes simultaneous:
Acne is not normally serious and in most people, disappears between the ages of 20 and 30.
However, the psychological effects can be significant, especially in cases of severe acne when physical appearance is affected.
In the most serious cases, scarring can remain after the acne has gone.
Before we look at the best anti-acne supplements, here are a few key pointers for minimising the risk of developing acne or making it worse.
First and foremost, it is essential to be meticulous about good skin hygiene :
Finally, eating a varied, balanced diet helps to maintain healthy skin and thus reduce acne.
As we’ll see, certain supplements can also help you in this regard. Be sure to consult your doctor to check that they are suitable for you or if you suffer from severe acne that may require targeted medication.
Zinc is without doubt the most commonly recommended supplement for combatting acne and oily skin.
First of all, it helps to maintain normal skin. A lack of zinc is actually associated with many skin issues (1). It’s also thought to have anti-inflammatory effects beneficial for reducing the redness and swelling of acne eruptions.
In addition, zinc supports normal immune system function and may have antibacterial properties which can help with acne problems.
In terms of supplements, opt for highly-bioavailable forms in either capsules (such as L-OptiZinc®) or suckable lozenges (such as Advanced Zinc Bisglycinate Lozenges).
Omega-3, especially EPA and DHA, are often classified as anti-inflammatories and are therefore being studied for their potential effects on acne.
It’s thought they may be able to reduce redness and swelling (2).
They are found in oily fish, and at higher concentrations in fish oils (such as the oil-based capsules Super Omega 3).
Turmeric is frequently used in alternative medicine, the root being recognised for having anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits (5).
Turmeric is of particular interest in the case of inflammatory acne which manifests in inflamed lesions (wheals, pustules, nodules, cysts …), as opposed to comedones (blackheads and whiteheads) which are not associated with inflammation.
What’s more, turmeric supports the immune system by exerting antimicrobial activity against several types of bacteria including Propionibacterium acnes (6).
To obtain maximum benefit from its properties, turmeric can be consumed in the form of extracts standardised in curcuminoids, the plant’s active ingredients (such as Natural Curcuma or Curcumin Solution).
We end our round-up with a look at the probiotics commonly recommended for acne.
Some probiotic species, such as Lactobacillus casei and Lactobacillus rhamnosus, have been studied for their potential to reduce inflammation, regulate the immune system or strengthen the skin barrier (7-9).
So in certain synergistic formulations, these microorganisms have been combined with other nutrients good for them or for the skin (one such example being Derma Relief, in which these two probiotics are combined with fructo-oligosaccharides and vitamin C).
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