Zinc
Across the board, one of the most fundamental nutrients for health; Zinc is involved in over 80 different enzyme systems! Among its many functions, Zinc is important for skin health by facilitating immune function and wound healing. It has been reported as being severely out of balance in at least 50% of acne patients.
Zinc can be found in beef, ginger, liver, oysters, sunflower and pumpkin seeds as well as whole grains. But supplementation may also be required so it is a good idea to be tested. Zinc supplementation to adequate levels has been shown to be as effective as antibiotic therapy (tetracycline).
Vitamin A
Acne patients are often advised to increase Vitamin A rich foods such as cod liver oil, carrots, apricots and green leafy vegetables (especially spinach) but it also appears that there may be a defect in Vitamin A metabolism that contributes to the acne problem. In some people, even though they have adequate intake, the metabolites of Vitamin A are not reaching the skin tissue. This is why supplementation with specific oral Vitamin A (nutritional or medical) and Vitamin A creams has an effect on severe acne. You must be under the care of a specialist dermatologist and/or naturopath as Vitamin A has toxicity precautions. Prescriptions need to take into account the dosage required and contra-indications. With creams, the age and type of skin (oily or dry) will determine whether a cream or gel is best suited.
Vitamin A increases resistance to infection, is involved in steroid hormone synthesis and mucopolysaccharide (MPS) synthesis. MPS can be applied topically using fresh aloe vera gel to normalise the skin surface by helping to "unplug" the pores and also enhance healing to reduce scars.
B Vitamins
A multi-vitamin containing all the B group is highly recommended for two reasons. Firstly to counter the effects of stress on the nervous system. Secondly, B vitamins all work together, so providing a basic platform is very important before adding extra doses of any of the single B vitamins. The most significant of the B group for acne are:
B12 – general metabolism of fat, protein and carbohydrates
maintenance of skin cells
B5 - with co-enzyme A is involved in many reactions important to the skin
deficiency of B5 results in buildup of fat droplets in the sebaceous glands
B6 - for women – with Folic Acid is important for pre-menstrual acne
for men – affects the uptake and sensitivity to testosterone
B2 - specific for acne rosacea which is often seen in middle aged women
Antioxidants
Vitamin E, Selenium and Vitamin C work as antioxidants to reduce free radical damage, detoxify and increase immune function. This seems to be more significant for males than females due to differing sex hormone profiles.
Essential Fatty Acids
Our bodies need fat but we need the good kind! Essential fatty acids (EFAs) are important for reducing inflammation. There are many types in many foods, but supplements are often used – Omega 3 fish oils, evening primrose oil (EPO) gamma linolenic acid (GLA) etc.
Source Address:- http://www.articlesbase.com/acne-articles/nutrients-and-acne-3538207.html
Across the board, one of the most fundamental nutrients for health; Zinc is involved in over 80 different enzyme systems! Among its many functions, Zinc is important for skin health by facilitating immune function and wound healing. It has been reported as being severely out of balance in at least 50% of acne patients.
Zinc can be found in beef, ginger, liver, oysters, sunflower and pumpkin seeds as well as whole grains. But supplementation may also be required so it is a good idea to be tested. Zinc supplementation to adequate levels has been shown to be as effective as antibiotic therapy (tetracycline).
Vitamin A
Acne patients are often advised to increase Vitamin A rich foods such as cod liver oil, carrots, apricots and green leafy vegetables (especially spinach) but it also appears that there may be a defect in Vitamin A metabolism that contributes to the acne problem. In some people, even though they have adequate intake, the metabolites of Vitamin A are not reaching the skin tissue. This is why supplementation with specific oral Vitamin A (nutritional or medical) and Vitamin A creams has an effect on severe acne. You must be under the care of a specialist dermatologist and/or naturopath as Vitamin A has toxicity precautions. Prescriptions need to take into account the dosage required and contra-indications. With creams, the age and type of skin (oily or dry) will determine whether a cream or gel is best suited.
Vitamin A increases resistance to infection, is involved in steroid hormone synthesis and mucopolysaccharide (MPS) synthesis. MPS can be applied topically using fresh aloe vera gel to normalise the skin surface by helping to "unplug" the pores and also enhance healing to reduce scars.
B Vitamins
A multi-vitamin containing all the B group is highly recommended for two reasons. Firstly to counter the effects of stress on the nervous system. Secondly, B vitamins all work together, so providing a basic platform is very important before adding extra doses of any of the single B vitamins. The most significant of the B group for acne are:
B12 – general metabolism of fat, protein and carbohydrates
maintenance of skin cells
B5 - with co-enzyme A is involved in many reactions important to the skin
deficiency of B5 results in buildup of fat droplets in the sebaceous glands
B6 - for women – with Folic Acid is important for pre-menstrual acne
for men – affects the uptake and sensitivity to testosterone
B2 - specific for acne rosacea which is often seen in middle aged women
Antioxidants
Vitamin E, Selenium and Vitamin C work as antioxidants to reduce free radical damage, detoxify and increase immune function. This seems to be more significant for males than females due to differing sex hormone profiles.
Essential Fatty Acids
Our bodies need fat but we need the good kind! Essential fatty acids (EFAs) are important for reducing inflammation. There are many types in many foods, but supplements are often used – Omega 3 fish oils, evening primrose oil (EPO) gamma linolenic acid (GLA) etc.
Source Address:- http://www.articlesbase.com/acne-articles/nutrients-and-acne-3538207.html
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