Despite all our efforts to maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle, few of us are getting the vitamins and minerals we need from diet alone. Poor nutrition will affect every aspect of our lives- including the health of our skin. Not only can a vitamin supplement help us feel energized and invigorated, it can improve the health and functionality of every organ in our bodies, skin included. There are a few particular vitamins and minerals that especially help the treatment and control of acne.

When looking for an acne treating multivitamin, probably the most important vitamin to locate is Vitamin A. It is so effective in treating and controlling acne that one of the most prominent medicines for acne, Accutane, is a man made mimic of vitamin A. An antioxidant, vitamin A helps the body rid itself of toxins. It also works to strengthen the skin’s tissues and reduce the production of sebum. Care should be taken in dosage, however; too much vitamin A can dry the skin out and cause damage.

The group of B-Complex vitamins is essential to beating acne at its roots. Pantothenic acid (B5) is nearly as important to your acne fighting multivitamin as vitamin A. Its function is to reduce stress and hormonal imbalances that can cause acne. It also works to help skin heal after breakouts. Vitamins B1 (Thiamine), B2 (Riboflavin), B3 (Niacin) and B6 (Pyrodoxine) are all complementary vitamins that aid digestion and metabolization of foods to be sure your body processes them correctly. They also help the body clear out toxins that may increase contaminants in the skin.

Other vitamins important to your skin’s health are C, E and K. Vitamin C is important to your general health, which will help your body to fight and prevent acne. Its ability to fight infection gives it an antibiotic effect against bacteria. Vitamins E and K both play important roles in the healing of skin tissue.

Along with your vitamin supplement, you may also want to look for the minerals Chromium, Selenium and Zinc. Chromium aids in absorption of vitamins, and eating lots of sugar can decrease the amount of chromium you have in your body. Selenium protects vitamin E and aids your skin’s elasticity. Finally, Zinc will maintain the levels of oil that your skin produces.

Exercise caution when taking any supplement. Too much of any vitamin or mineral can cause serious adverse reactions. It is recommended to consult a physician before beginning any vitamin or mineral supplementation regimen.