Vitamin or Herbal Treatment for Acne

by Kristin Wood

Overview

Acne can be an embarrassing, inconvenient and sometimes even painful problem. Luckily, your cure doesn't have to be expensive. Before you empty your wallet on high-priced creams or doctor visits, try these home remedies instead. Many acne cases can be solved by a simple change in diet or vitamin supplements. If your face still needs some extra help, there are herbal solutions as well.
Vitamin A

Vitamin A keeps your skin strong and healthy. It repairs damaged tissue, and it is an antioxidant. By limiting your sebum production, vitamin A effectively guards against acne. Dr. George Obikoya recommends taking 10,000 IU a day. If you are pregnant, make sure you don't take more than 5,000 IU.

Vitamin B Complex

There are various types of B vitamins, and each kind will help your skin in its own way--from enhancing your immunity to improving your circulation. Not only are people deficient in B vitamins prone to break outs, the B vitamins can help reduce stress, which will also help to control your skin.
Zinc

Zinc fights acne by regulating your oil glands, healing tissue and improving your immune system. Like vitamin A, Zinc is also an antioxidant. To make sure your acne is not being caused by a Zinc deficiency, try taking 25 to 30 mg daily.
Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil can be used as a topical agent against acne. According to James A. Duke, Ph.D., tea tree oil is just as effective against acne as benzoyl peroxide, but without irritating or drying out your skin. Mix equal parts of tea tree oil with water or vegetable oil and apply to skin.
Chamomile

Drinking two or three cups of chamomile tea will do wonders for your skin and your nerves. Since stress is a common cause of acne, chamomile puts up double the fight. Chamomile can also help reduce the visibility of acne scars.
Chasteberry

If your acne problems seem to flair up in rhythm with your menstrual cycle, chasteberry might be your answer. Chasteberry affects your pituitary gland; stabilizing your hormones and balancing your cycle. Take two capsules, 560 mg each, twice a day, or 30 to 40 mg of the dried fruit, 20 mg if you can find the fruit fresh.