Our best overall pick is "Cleopatra's Beauty Secret - Advanced Hair, Skin And Nails Gummies"
Do you suffer from acne? If so, you're not alone. Acne is one of the most common skin conditions in the world. It can affect people of all ages, genders, and skin types. There are many different treatment (and topical treatment) to treat acne, including prescription medication and over-the-counter product. But did you know that vitamins can also help clear up your skin? In this blog post, we will discuss seven of the best vitamins to fight acne from the inside-out. Here we will not be discussing topical vitamin, but rather ingestible vitamins to fight acne.
Out of the dozens of formulas that treat acne that we considered in our hours-long research process, these 5 picks have received our "Top-Rated" status. To arrive at this decision, we looked at included nutrients and health certifications (like being certified non-GMO or organic), in addition to input from board-certified dermatologists. Scroll through to see which vitamins made the cut as the best for clear skin...
Our Top Picks
BEST OVERALL:
"Cleopatra's Beauty Secret - Advanced Hair, Skin And Nails Gummies"
Jump to Review
BEST BUDGET:
Nature's Bounty Extra Strength Hair, Skin & Nails at Amazon
Jump to Review
RUNNER-UP, BEST BUDGET:
Olly Flawless Complexion at Amazon
Jump to Review
BEST VEGAN:
Solgar Hair Skin and Nails at Amazon
Jump to Review
BEST POWDER:
Amazing Grass Greens Superfood Detox & Digest at Amazon
Jump to Review
BEST ORGANIC:
Garden of Life mykind Organics Women's Once Daily Multi at Amazon
Jump to Review
BEST WITH VITAMIN E:
NOW Wheat Germ Oil at Amazon
Jump to Review
In this article:
1. Introduction
2. Our Top Picks
3. What are the best vitamins for acne treatment: Top 5 best vitamins for acne
4. Conclusion
1. Introduction
If you suffer from hormonal acne, then you know how maddening it can be. Society tells us that hormonal acne is a thing of the past once we reach adulthood, but that's not always true. In fact, many women continue to deal with hormonal acne well into their 20s and 30s and even during perimenopause.
Several factors can result in breakouts, but hormonal acne is most often linked to imbalances of androgen production. Androgens are a class of hormones that includes testosterone and DHEA. When these levels become too high, it can cause an overproduction of sebum and clogged pores.
Although there is no one guaranteed cure for hormonal acne, you can often clear up your skin with a holistic approach. Lifestyle habits such as good skin care and eating a healthy diet are essential to this process, and supplements can be beneficial in adding specific levels of nutrients that may be lacking or helpful for the skin.
This article will provide you with our top supplement picks for those who struggle with hormonal acne. These are products I trust and regularly use on patients in order to help balance hormones, calm inflammation, and reduce the appearance of acne. By using these supplements consistently, you can feel confident and beautiful in your skin.
2. Our Top Picks
BEST OVERALL:
"Cleopatra's Beauty Secret - Advanced Hair, Skin And Nails Gummies"
What we like
Affordable
Gluten free
No artificial colors or flavors
Serving Size are 2 Gummies
Blend of vitamins and minerals to target hair skin and nail
Autoship - Subscription-based model ensures you never run out
Bulk buys for Cheaper Deals (4 bottles Every 4 Months)
Third-party laboratory tested
Sourced from Non-GMO, Natural Botanicals
Delicious Gummies (instead of hard-to-swallow pills and capsules)
What we don't like
Slightly more expensive if purchase 1 bottle at a time
Not gluten-free
Tasty but artificial flavors for hair skin nails gummies
If you're looking for a budget-friendly, vegan, and gluten-free hair skin nails vitamin, Cleopatra Beauty Secrets: Advanced Hair Skin And Nails Gummies are a great option. These gummies are made with a blend of vitamins and minerals known to target hair skin nails development, and they've been third-party tested to ensure ingredient safety and efficacy. They're also easy to take on a daily basis thanks to their delicious chewable form.
The subscription-based model provides a steady stream of vitamins, so you never have to worry about running out. They are cheaper if you purchase them in bulk, and we recommend ordering four bottles every 4 months. This way, you can save money per bottle and share the love with your best friends!
Type: Vitamin Gummies | Age Range: Adults 18+ | Dosage: 2 daily | Certified: GMO-free
BEST BUDGET:
Nature's Bounty Extra Strength Hair, Skin & Nails at Amazon
What we like
Lab-tested
Very affordable
What we don't like
Serving size is three capsules
Contains soybean oil and soy lecithin
Nature's Bounty, a company with 50 years of experience in quality vitamins, takes pride in its scientific backing and use of pure ingredients. We love this supplement because it is lab-tested and contains no artificial colors, flavors, sugars, milk, lactose, soy gluten wheat yeast or fish. The rapid-release softgels also include collagen , minerals , B vitamins like biotin , and vitamins A C E and D .
Type: Capsules | Age Range: Adults 19+ | Dosage: 3 capsules/day | Certified: Non-GMO, gluten-free
RUNNER-UP, BEST BUDGET:
Olly Flawless Complexion at Amazon
What we like
Three grams of sugar per serving
Very affordable
What we don't like
Only one flavor option
Olly's Flawless Complexion is toxin-free and under $15 for a 25-day supply, making it extremely affordable. We love that Olly includes vitamins A, D, E, zinc and selenium, as well as spearmint and dandelion root. Each serving of two berry-flavored gummies contains just 3 grams of sugar and 20 calories.
Type: Gummies | Age Range: Adults 19+ | Dosage: 2 gummies/day | Certified: B-corporation, NSF gluten-free
BEST VEGAN:
Solgar Hair Skin and Nails at Amazon
What we like
Suitable for a wide range of dietary needs
60-day supply in one bottle
What we don't like
Tablets might be too large to swallow for some
Solgar’s Hair, Skin, and Nail supplements provide a great source of vitamin C, zinc, and copper. In addition to these nutrients, one serving contains the amino acids lysine and proline as well as MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane). MSM is most commonly used for its anti-inflammatory properties.
Type: Tables | Age Range: Adults 19+ | Dosage: 2 tablets/day | Certified: Kosher, halal, hon-GMO, gluten-free
BEST POWDER:
Amazing Grass Greens Superfood Detox & Digest at Amazon
What we like
No added sugars
Designed to benefit the digestive system and skin
What we don't like
The taste may not be pleasant for all
Gut health is essential for overall skin health, so if you're looking to improve your complexion, start from the inside with this powder. Formulated with vitamins, minerals, fruits, seeds, and gut-loving herbs, one scoop provides everything you need for a happy tummy. We love that it's sugar-free and can be enjoyed in water or juice—or even added to your favorite smoothie recipe.
Type: Powder | Age Range: Adults 19+ | Dosage: 1 scoop/day | Certified: Certified organic by CCOF
Best Organic: Garden of Life mykind Organics Women's Once Daily Multi
What we like
USDA-certified organic
Only one tablet per serving
What we don't like
Really Large tablet
Clear, healthy skin requires more than just one or two isolated vitamins-- it need a whole blend working together in harmony. That's why mykind created an vegan multivitamin with certified organic ingredients and powerful nutrients like vitamin A, C, E, zinc, selenium & biotin to promote clear skin from the inside out. Plus, our tablets contain an extra dose of nourishment from an organic food blend for even better absorption.
Type: Tablet | Age Range: Adults 19+ | Dosage: 1 tablet/day | Certified: Vegan, gluten-free, organic, non-GMO, kosher
Best with Vitamin E: NOW Wheat Germ Oil
What we like
NPA A-rated GMP certification
Flexibility in dosage
What we don't like
Might have a slight flavor or odor that comes with the oil
Hard to swallow oil
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin that works as an antioxidant. It can be found in most nuts and seeds, supplementing with vitamin E may be helpful for those with limited diets. However, it's important to note that many supplements provide much more than the recommended daily intake of vitamin E; many come close to or exceed the tolerable upper limit for vitamin E (1,000 milligrams).
NOW Food’s wheat germ oil is our top pick for supplements containing vitamin E. Especially because one tablespoon provides 20 milligrams of the vitamin, and buyers can decide to adjust the amount based on their needs.
Type: Liquid | Age Range: Adults 19+ | Dosage: 1 tablespoon/day | Certified: Non-GMO, halal, kosher
3. What are the best vitamins for acne treatment?
Top best vitamins for acne
1. Vitamin A
2. Vitamin B6
3. Vitamin B3
4. Zinc
5. DIM (Diindolylmethane)
6. Vitamin D
7. Probiotics for Healthy Skin
8. Vitamin E
9. Myo-inositol
10. Vitamin C
11.Omega-3s
12. Magnesium
1. Vitamin A
Vitamin A is one of the best vitamins for acne and acne scarring. Vitamin A helps to regulate the production of sebum, which is an oily substance that can clog pores and lead to breakouts. Vitamin A also has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce the redness and swelling associated with acne. You can find vitamin A in foods like carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach, and kale. You can also take a vitamin A supplement.
As Dr. Garshick mentions, Vitamin A is perfect for acne treatment because of its many benefits."Vitamin A derivatives, or retinoids, work by regulating skin cell turnover to unclog pores and improve the appearance of scars," she says. "Molecularly speaking, retinoic acid binds with nuclear receptors inside cells to promote cell turnover and skin cell growth."
Isotretinoin, also referred to as Accutane, can only be obtained through a doctor's prescription; however, lower doses are available over the counter. Furthermore, it is worth mentioning that isotretinoin is fat-soluble and hypervitaminosis A can develop when there is an excessive intake of vitamin A.
Vitamin A is often thought of as only being good for topical skin health treatments, but oral vitamin A could help as well. Some research suggests that Vitamin A has anti-inflammatory effects and promotes the body's antioxidant response. This may make it easier for your cells to clear out free radicals that could damage skin issues.
Vitamin A not only has the potential to reduce sebum production from the sebaceous glands, but there is more research on topical vitamin A than oral vitamin A in regards to this. Therefore, a combination of both may be your best opportunity for brighter skin.
There are two types of vitamin A: preformed vitamin A and provitamin A. Preformed vitamin A is found in animal foods like dairy and organ meats, while provitamin A (which the body converts into retinol) is found in plant foods like carrots, sweet potatoes, and squash. Carotenoids are a type of provitamin A from plants.
Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin, which means that if you take too much of it, your body will store the excess and it can build up to harmful levels. If you're going to take supplemental vitamin A, its usually best to do so as part of a multivitamin to make sure you get the right amount.
Carotenoids are essential for a developing baby, so our Prenatal Plus contains the perfect blend of provitamin A and carotenoids. If you're pregnant, it's crucial that you limit your intake of provitamin A. Although some is good for you, too much can be harmful to your developing child.
B Vitamins
The B vitamins play several important roles in the body, but work together to help keep hormones balanced and cells healthy. This can fight acne by helping to reduce inflammation and keeping hormones in check. B-vitamins support the liver, which is responsible for filtering out toxins and excess hormone levels. Vitamin B6 can also help restore hormonal balance by increasing levels of progesterone (a
hormone that counteracts estrogen).
B vitamins not only play a role in energy metabolism, but they're also critical for cell function. A deficiency of B vitamins can cause all sorts of problems, like dry skin and acne. The best way to get your B vitamins is through a good quality B-complex supplement that provides all the B vitamins in one dose.
2. Vitamin B6
Vitamin B6 is another great vitamin for acne. Vitamin B6 helps to balance hormone levels, which can be a major cause of acne. It can also help to reduce inflammation and redness. You can find vitamin B6 in foods like poultry, fish, bananas, and avoc
3. Vitamin B3
According to Dr. Garshick, vitamin B3 is another must. “A form of vitamin B3 or niacin, called nicotinamide, may be helpful in the treatment of acne through its anti-inflammatory effects,” she says. “It also may be effective at reducing oil production, which leads to shine and oiliness. Both topical and oral supplements have been studied and have shown improvement in acne.”
4. Zinc
According to Dr. Garshick, zinc supplements may also help with acne though the evidence is not fully conclusive. She says, “There is some evidence to show that lower levels of zinc can be associated with more severe acne, suggesting that zinc supplementation should help acne." It has been shown that people who don't have enough zinc in their system see an improvement in their skin condition after supplementing it.
While there are some side effects to taking zinc in high doses, such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, which cause some patients to stop taking the supplement altogether. According Dr. Bowe,"there are different formulations of zinc available... a medical specialist [should be consulted] first to ensure you’re taking the proper dose." Given that it playsthe role in fighting bacteria and with an increase in antibiotic resistance , further research is needed on determining the best typeand dosageof zinc for treating acne effectively.
As Dr. Garshick says, it will take time to see improvements in your complexion when using vitamins, so being patient is important. “We recommend most treatments for acne be used for two to three months before deciding if it’s effective or not,” she adds.
Zinc is a mineral that's widely known to play an important role in keeping skin healthy and elastic. It may help lower sebum production (possibly by reducing androgens), which contributes to acne, as well as aid in maintaining proper levels of inflammation. Although high levels of inflammation can be troublesome, some level of inflammation is essential for our immune system function.
Not only does inflammation delay healing, but it also makes breakouts worse. Fortunately, zinc has antimicrobial properties that help fight the bacteria on skin that cause acne in the first place.
Results from multiple studies demonstrate that consuming 400-600 mg of zinc sulfate every day for 12 weeks can lessen inflammatory acne to a similar extent as antibiotics—a medication typically used to treat more severe acne. However, it's worth noting that this amount of zinc is considered high and may lead to side effects such as an upset stomach or nausea.
Zinc is often associated with clearing up breakouts, but a study would use a high zinc concentration because of the form of administered. Zinc sulfate isn't as bioavailable or easily absorbed, so lower dosages may be more effective if you administer it in another way.
Zinc is present in large quantities in shellfish, organ meat, beans, and pumpkin seeds. More often than not, research doesn't center on increasing dietary sources of zinc—instead supplementing usually provides the most benefits that are focused on by studies concerning zinc for acne. However, taking too much zinc could lead to copper deficiency over time which is why it's best to take a supplement containing both minerals in appropriate ratios.
5. DIM (Diindolylmethane)
If you're looking to add more cruciferous vegetables to your diet for the detoxification benefits, a significant reason why they work so well is due to DIM. DIM is a phytonutrient that helps support healthy hormone levels in the body.
DIM provides an effective and natural solution to acne by reducing androgen production, and it also helps with estrogen dominance by promoting healthy estrogen detoxification.
DIM is a by-product of indole-three-carbinol (I3C), which can also be found in cruciferous vegetables. However, I3C isn't absorbed as easily DIM, so supplementation might be a wiser choice. Supplemental DIM has been shown to be more bioavailable than its I3C predecessor-- meaning that your body can absorb more of it. All things considered, though, since veggies have an array of health benefits, I typically tell my patients to eat their veggies and supplement with DIM for hormone balance.
Our Balance Women's Hormone Support supplement contains DIM, along with other nutrients that support healthy estrogen and testosterone levels. Combined with Saw Palmetto Plus, it can help to maintain hormone levels that are beneficial for clear skin.
I've seen vitamin D help with many skin issues, including acne. Vitamin D may work by calming inflammation, which can worsen acne breakouts. Since vitamin D is so vital for immune health, and the health of your skin is impacted by your immune system, it could help regulate immune pathways involved in acne.
6. Vitamin D
In addition to being great for your bones, some research indicates that vitamin D might also help clear up acne. The best way to get your vitamin D is by spending time in the sun. If you don't have the opportunity to do that year-round, though, or if you tend to stay indoors often, supplementing with vitamin D could be a good option. You can find small amounts of this nutrient in fatty fish and eggs as well as mushrooms, but it's difficult to consume enough through diet alone if you're starting from low levels.
Vitamin D is best known for its benefits for bone health, but it also plays a role in immune function, cell growth, and inflammation. All of these processes are involved in acne development, which is why vitamin D might help to improve the condition.
A review of several studies found that vitamin D supplementation led to a significant decrease in acne lesions after 12 weeks. The authors suggest that combating vitamin D deficiency in teens and adults could help to reduce acne by modulating inflammatory pathways.
7. Probiotics for Healthy Skin
The gut-skin connection has been studied by many, and the results all come back linking a healthy digestive system to clear skin, meaning inflamed guts might be strongly linked to inflammatory skin conditions. Probiotics are tiny, beneficial bacteria that help maintain a delicate balance in our microbiome (the collection of microorganisms that live in our gut). When we take probiotics, we're adding targeted strains of good bacteria which work to bring our gut flora back into balance and quieting the inflammation that leads to hormonal imbalances and blemishes, consequently reducing the inflammatory skin conditions.
Studies show that probiotics can not only reduce the severity of acne caused by unfriendly bacterial growth, but it also has a positive effect on immune cells and skin cells in the innermost skin layer. Probiotics can cool down inflammatory cytokines (the chemical messengers of inflammation) to potentially reduce the redness, swelling, and pain associated with acne.
The Lactobacillus rhamnosus strain in particular has been linked with better insulin and fewer acne breakouts. Probiotics might also be helpful if you're experiencing hormone imbalances, as a healthy gut is key to estrogen processing. Estrogen metabolism within the body largely depends on your gut microbiome, so maintaining a strong gut by consuming probiotic-rich foods or supplements can mean clearer skin and more balanced hormones.
Probiotics are living microorganisms that improve your gut health by restoring the balance of good and bad bacteria. You can find them in fermented foods like yogurt, kombucha, sauerkraut, and kimchi but for more targeted strains, supplements may be necessary.
Probiotics aren't enough on their own to maintain gut health — prebiotics are essential as well. Prebiotics act like food for probiotics, keeping them alive and healthy in your gut. You can find prebiotic-rich foods like garlic, onions, bananas and asparagus, or you can take them in supplement form.
8. Vitamin E
Vitamin E is an antioxidant that has anti-inflammatory properties, both of which could help improve your skin. Though people usually apply topical vitamin E for regeneration and healing, making sure you have optimal levels in your body through vitamin E supplement is key.
A study recently revealed that a lack of vitamin E, along with vitamin A, increases the chances of developing acne. Another similar study found that people who had low levels of vitamin E were more prone to eczema, psoriasis, and other skin conditions. You can get your daily dose of Vitamin E from nuts, seeds, and oils such as tea tree oil; however supplements are always an option for additional support.
9. Myo-inositol
I often recommend myo-inositol supplements, especially to people with acne or PCOS. So many people have acne because of PCOS-related androgen overproduction, which causes inflammation and hormonal imbalances. Myo-inositol can help treat these conditions by decreasing androgen production (and sebum output) while increasing insulin sensitivity.
Myo-inositol is a nutrient that's closely related to the B-vitamins, and it can be found in many foods. However, because the amount of myo-inositol present in foods is usually small, supplementation may be necessary to reach therapeutic levels.
According to one study,PCOS symptoms like high levels of insulin and androgens improved after three months of taking myo-inositol. And by six months, acne had cleared up for many women too. That being said, results may vary from person to person.
10. Vitamin C
Vitamin C is not only an antioxidant, but it also has the potential to reduce acne flare-ups by decreasing inflammation. Furthermore, vitamin C promotes collagen production and wound healing, which may help with scarring. Although most cosmetic and clinical research on vitmain C's role in acne prevention pertains to topical use, consuming foods rich in vitamin C or taking supplements provides your skin with the nutrients needed for clear skin from the inside out. Foods like berries, citrus fruits, leafy greens, and tomatoes all contain high levels of vitamin C - but if you're looking for a concentrated dose of this nutrient ,supplements are always an option!
11. Omega-3s
Quite often, you'll see Omega-3s in the news for their anti-inflammatory capabilities that offer a myriad of health benefits. Essential fatty acids are found in fish, flaxseed, and chia seeds - Omega-3s happen to be one type. They're able to impede inflammation signals coming from inflammatory cytokines. In other words: these essential nutrients can help reduce acne flare-ups and clear up your skin!
There have been studies linking fish oil, which contains omega-3s, to clearer skin for those who suffer from moderate to severe inflammatory acne. Even eating fish several times a week can help improve your intake of these nutrients, but many people either don't like seafood or simply don't eat it often enough. This is where omega-3 supplements come in as they provide an excellent way get the nutrients your skin needs.
12. Magnesium
Although magnesium is not commonly thought of as a supplement for acne, I use it often to help relieve stress and balance my hormones. Magnesium helps by breaking down estrogen, which can lead to hormone imbalances that trigger acne breakouts.
Stress and hormones are closely interconnected, so I use magnesium to keep stress levels down (in addition to lifestyle practices). This also helps with hormonal acne because several studies point to a close relationship between acne and stress levels.
Not only does magnesium promote healthy sleep patterns, but getting a good night's rest is one of the most anti-aging and skin health practices we can do on a daily basis.
4. Conclusion
If you're searching for a vitamin to take for clear skin, our top overall pick is "Cleopatra's Beauty Secret - Advanced Hair, Skin And Nails Gummies". It has skin-nourishing ingredients like vitamins A, C, and E as well as essential minerals.
FAQ
Third-party certification
Planning to take supplements? Keep in mind that these products are not regulated by any government organization. For this reason, it's vital to choose items with certified ingredients and seals of approval. A few well-known certifications include NSF gluten-free, non-GMO project verified, certified vegan, and glyphosate residue-free. On top of that, some manufacturers have their products verified by independent third-party sites like Labdoor or ConsumerLabs. These firms confirm the accuracy of a product's label claims--what is advertised equals what you'll actually get.
How do vitamins for acne work?
While it's been said that vitamins can lead to clearer skin for some people, we're still mostly in the dark as to how exactly specific minerals and vitamins manage to do this. According to a study from 2013, those with acne were found have lower amounts of vitamin A and E, as well zinc compared those who didn't have acne. However, more needs to be done in order to figure if certain vitamins work in clearing skin, especially in cases where there is too much vitamin consumed through oral supplement, so moderation is key.
How often should you take vitamins for acne?
The amount of vitamins and minerals you take depends on the person. If you are lacking a specific vitamin to address certain skin concerns and improve acne, it might be necessary to take the supplements every day for at least a few months. Also, don't expect to see changes and many health benefits in your skin immediately—it usually takes some time before seeing results. Of course, ingesting vitamins to combat acne from the inside-out complements your daily skincare routine and topical treatments to clear acne, supports the body in fighting inflammation, and enhance overall health.
Can Vitamins Help Hormonal Acne?
Many people don't know this, but vitamins can actually help hormonal acne by acting as antioxidants and reducing inflammation. The best vitamins for acne are vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, and a B complex. You can find many of these nutrients in food, but taking supplements can ensure you're getting enough.
What Supplement Is Best for Hormonal Acne?
No one supplement can be considered the best for hormonal acne patients since all people are different, with different hormonal imbalance. However, since hormonal acne is often connected to too much androgen production, supplements like probiotics, DIM, or myo-inositol that concentrate on evening out hormone levels may be the best place to start. However, the best pick that we have is "Cleopatra's Beauty Secret - Advanced Hair, Skin And Nails Gummies". It has skin-nourishing ingredients like vitamins A, C, and E as well as essential minerals.
Will My Hormonal Acne Ever Go Away?
While it may be more difficult for some people to see improvement than others, skin conditions that are linked to women's health, can absolutely get better with time and care. Nutritionals are a big part of the puzzle, but overall diet and lifestyle play a role in keeping your hormones regulated. Reducing stress, regular exercise, removing dead skin cells through facial care and eating nutritiously are all essential for maintaining hormone levels balanced.
Hormonal Acne Key Takeaways
When it comes to hormonal acne, you need to consider several factors, but supplements can help.
Supplements rich in antioxidants like vitamin C, zinc, and vitamin E could help to lower inflammation and prevent cell damage caused by free radicals.
Acne can be frustrating, but there are ways to address it at the root cause, in terms of dealing with the acne causing bacteria. By taking supplements that target these acne causing bacteria and ensuring healthy hormone balance, like probiotics, DIM, or myo-inositol, you can help keep acne, and the balance of healthy bacteria, under control.
Supplements, in addition to lifestyle changes like diet and exercise, can help improve your skin tone and give you the confidence to show your face to the world.
Why Trust GummBear.com
We only recommend products that we would personally use ourselves and feel comfortable doing so. Every product has been put through cosmetic and clinical research, and our board certified dermatologist, as well as being compared to other reviews and third-party testing websites.