Research shows that some vitamins and minerals help fight acne scars. Although there is no single silver bullet to restore the skin's smooth and radiant appearance, proper skin care combined with supplementation can significantly reduce the visibility of skin lesions.
Acne scarring is often inevitable. They appear regardless of skin type. As acne heals, fibroblasts in the dermis produce collagen fibers that support the skin. When fibroblasts produce too many or too few fibers, scars form. Acne scars appear under the upper layer of the skin, so thanks to vitamins and minerals it is possible to heal them from the inside.
Acne can lead to decreased self-esteem, problems with accepting one's appearance and certain imperfections. That's why it's so important to focus not only on treating acne, but also on reducing the scarring it can leave behind. Vitamins, combined with appropriately selected local skin care, play an important role in the treatment of acne scars. Although there is no single and universal method used to treat acne scars, research shows that vitamin C, vitamin A and zinc play a positive role in their healing.
Read also: Hormonal acne – symptoms and treatment. How to recognize hormonal acne?
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is often recommended to people struggling with acne and those trying to get rid of unsightly spots. It is perfect for skin care, e.g. in the fight against blackheads, pimples, lumps and overproduction of sebum. Interestingly, vitamin C also helps prevent acne scars. It is also used in their treatment.
Vitamin C creates additional bonds between collagen fibers that are formed during acne healing, making the dermis stronger. It helps the skin produce collagen and also develops new blood vessels that help transport nutrients to wounds for faster and better healing. This vitamin has a very beneficial effect on the condition of the skin. Unfortunately, the body cannot produce vitamin C on its own – it must obtain it through diet or supplements.
Vitamin C helps heal acne scars both under and on the skin. The epidermis, the top layer of the skin, contains high levels of vitamin C, which plays a key role in protecting it and producing new skin. Moreover, the anti-inflammatory properties of vitamin C help reduce redness and swelling.
Zinc
It is one of the most important elements for skin, hair and nails. It has both antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, making it ideal for reducing skin redness and swelling. Zinc is used to fight acne. Research has shown that people struggling with severe acne breakouts tend to be zinc deficient.
Zinc helps in the treatment of scars remaining after acne breakouts. It is an antioxidant that reduces the skin's inflammatory response and effectively helps keep pores clear. What's more, zinc helps proteins in the body convert vitamin A – an acne-fighting and wound-healing vitamin – into retinol. Retinol helps repair lesions and scars by stimulating collagen growth and increasing cell turnover.
There is a reason why zinc is one of the most frequently studied vitamins and minerals in the treatment of acne. Studies have shown that zinc supplementation reduces both bacterial and inflammatory forms of acne and unlike some acne treatments. Zinc is safe for both sensitive and irritation-prone skin.
Vitamin A
It is not without reason that vitamin A is often recommended to people struggling with acne. It is a strong antioxidant that prevents cell damage caused by free radicals. Additionally, it reduces skin inflammation and sebum production, supports the growth of skin cells, accelerating the healing of lesions and scars. Gives the skin a smoother and more even appearance.
Vitamin A helps create new blood vessels and connective tissue, making it crucial for proper wound healing. Research carried out by scientists has shown that vitamin A deficiencies are associated with skin inflammation and a reduced ability of the skin to renew its upper layer, which hinders the healing of scars. Vitamin A binds to retinoic acid receptors, renewing damaged skin capillaries and fibroblasts, promoting faster and better scar healing.
