Vitamins for Good Skin

Treating acne requires a diversified approach. A solution can not be found simply in good personal hygiene, the taking or medication, or the application of topical remedies as isolated treatments. Diet is also a key influence in achieving clear skin naturally. While embarking upon my own Skin B5 Clear Skin Journey, I am choosing to make conscious decisions about my diet to ensure I’m getting the essential vitamins and minerals for the health of my skin. Vitamins are the molecules in what we consume that benefit us at a cellular level, they act like connectors, cofactors, between our body’s enzymes. What are enzymes? Good question, I’m no scientist but I understand from my googling that they’re essentially the catalyst for the chemical reactions that occur within our bodies. Enzymes have grooves, or nooks, which neatly fit molecules such as vitamins and minerals, and as they connect the chemical reaction between the molecules facilitated by the enzyme. The production of collagen is a great example, as the enzymes combine vitamin C with other elements to form the protein which keeps our skin firm and helps us to heal wounds. What are these vitamins? I’ve listed below the key vitamins found in SkinB5 and their benefits.

Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B5)

Vitamin B5 is an essential vitamin that helps the body to metabolise proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. In 1995 a small study conducted by Dr. Lit-Hung Leung, how found that high doses of vitamin B5 resolved acne. Pantothenic acid can also be found in foods such as avocado, yogurt, eggs, meat, legumes and whole grain cereals.

Nicotinamide (Vitamin B3)

At a glance, it may read like nicotine, but this is vitamin is a friend, not a foe! Found naturally in meat, fish, mushrooms, and nuts, studies have found Vitamin B3 to have anti-inflammatory qualities, which treats acne.

Folic Acid (Vitamin B9)

Identified as playing an important role in mental health, vitamin B9 provides relief of stress, tension, and anxiety. It has also been found to be an effective treatment for acne when combined with zinc, copper, and nicotinamide, all of which are in SkinB5.

Vitamin A

An essential for the functioning of the immune system, Vitamin A is often referred to as the anti-infective vitamin. Vitamin A is found naturally in fruits such as cantaloupe, apricots, and mangos, vegetables including carrots, pumpkin, and kale.

Biotin (Vitamin H)

Essential for hair and skin health, Vitamin H is also helpful in the absorption of B vitamins. A deficiency of Vitamin H can result in hair loss and has been related to mental health issues such as depression and hallucination.

Who is Nick Bell? Nick joins SkinB5 as a writer, contributing monthly to the blog. A mid-twenties Melburnian cliche, the bearded student suffers wanderlust, a soft spot of his city's cafe culture and a love of cycling. He writes from experience, having suffered acne himself throughout both high school and university, and it's something he still battles today. Nick also writes a personal blog where he is documenting his journey for clear skin with SkinB5, having previously given up after years of ineffective products and medications.