by Julie Gabriel

Created on: January 19, 2009

In treating acne, many minerals vitamins work to clear up the skin by boosting the immune and elimination body systems while gently regulating hormonal levels.

Here are some vitamins that are especially beneficial for acne-prone skin. These vitamins and minerals can be taken as an intensive course while you are working to eliminate acne, and you can also incorporate them into your daily diet to maintain clear complexion.

Vitamin A helps rebalance hormone production, while protecting cellular membranes from harmful radicals. For acne, studies found that very high doses of vitamin A, taken in course for one month, can greatly diminish acne symptoms. However, you should never take vitamin A supplements if there's even a slight chance of you being pregnant. Vitamin A is known to cause fetal malformations at doses higher than 20,000IU a day. Topical vitamin A preparations are also helpful. Among the best topical treatments are the vitamin A derivatives (Retin-A and Differin, to begin with) that help unclog pores. You have to be patient with topical retinoids, because they can irritate skin and causes redness. You might look worse before you look better. It can take six to eight weeks to get the effect you want.

Vitamin A can be found naturally in eggs, orange, red and green leafy vegetables such as red bell peppers, spinach, watercress broccoli, cantaloupe, carrots, and also in cod and halibut.

Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that promotes healing and tissue repair. Through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, topical vitamin E may enhance wound healing, although the benefits remain controversial. Vitamin E also helps protect red blood cells and is important for the proper function of nerves and muscles. If you suffer from PMS, this vitamin will reduce breast tenderness, nervous tension, headache, fatigue, depression, and insomnia as symptoms of PMS.

Zinc is the most important skin clearing mineral. It reduces inflammation, helps immune function, and keeps hormone levels in check. Zinc woks by increasing the level of white blood cells which are important in fighting off infections caused by bacteria. Zinc is found naturally in generous amounts in brewer's yeast, whole grains, Brazil nuts and pumpkin seeds.

Another powerful acne fighter is magnesium. It is essential for metabolism, aids in growth of bones and is the major electrolyte in the body. Magnesium is helpful in relieving stress and is responsible for the health of the heart, blood circulation, blood pressure and overall relaxation and we all know that stress is the major enemy of healthy skin! Magnesium rich foods are meats, seafood, green vegetable, dairy products, nuts, bananas, peanut butter and potatoes. Milk of magnesia is an excellent topical treatment for inflammed, irritated skin.

Make sure to consult your doctor before embarking on any vitamin treatment course for acne. Everything is good in moderation, and many vitamins can harm when taken in excessive amounts for a long time.

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