Do Diet Supplements Help Clear Bad Acne?
The acne product market is full of creams and cleansers, but did you know there are also pills meant to target breakouts? Here’s an overview of some of the most popular vitamins that claim to fight acne from the inside out. Keep in mind the reason they’re called “supplements” is because they are meant to supplement an already healthy diet. We do not specifically support or recommend any of these products, we just want to give our patients an overview of what’s out there.
Murad Pure Skin Clarifying Dietary Supplement
The claim: Reduces blemishes by 55% in 6 weeks with nutrients to support the production of healthy skin at the cellular level.
What’s inside: Vitamins A, C and E, Yellow Dock, Burdock and Zinc. Also includes soybeans and fish.
Our thoughts: The prescription acne-fighting drug Accutane is a derivative of Vitamin A, so it’s easy to think that vitamin A itself will help clear acne. Vitamin A itself, while a great vitamin for maintaining the skin, is not proven to fight conditions such as acne.
AcnEase Herbal Supplements
The claim: Treats and prevents different types of acne with a formula made up of herbs from Eastern medicine.
What’s inside: Gardenia Fruit, Houttuynia, Dandelion, Balsam Pear and Mustard Leaf.
Our thoughts: We would rather see a patient take a prescription drug for acne, such as tetracycline, than rely on the efficacy of an herbal supplement. We feel it is extremely important to be under a board certified medical doctor’s (MD) guidance when taking any oral medications.
Perricone MD Skin Clear Supplements
The claim: Helps support clear skin and a healthy immune system with antioxidant protection.
What’s inside: B Complex, Vitamin C, Alpha Lipoic Acid, Omega 3, Chromium, Zinc, Calcium, Magnesium.
Our take: While all of the key ingredients in this supplement are important parts to any diet, it’s hard to say what role they play in specifically fighting acne. As a daily supplement though, these vitamins and minerals are all great additions to the diet.
Hyland’s ClearAc 100% Natural Acne Tablets
The claim: A homeopathic combination or the management and symptomatic relief of symptoms of pimples, blackheads, and blemishes associated with common acne.
What’s inside: Echinacea, Berberis Vulgaris, Sulphur iod,
Our thoughts: There is no scientific evidence to support the claim that Echinacea will effectively treat acne. The directions say to “use in conjunction with a high quality skin cleanser” which makes us a little suspicious.
Learn more about vitamins and acne.
*Please note we are not endorsing these products, we just want to help you make informed decisions on how to treat acne.
