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Which vitamin A supplement for acne is best?
When your skin pores get clogged with oil and dead skin, it can trigger inflammation and cause acne. Treating these acne breakouts can be tricky. Even though some remedies say they take care of acne, they lack scientific evidence to back their claims.
According to the National Library of Medicine, vitamin A has been linked to improving skin health and may also help treat acne. To choose the right acne-fighting vitamin A supplement, go for one that blends vitamin A with other beneficial skin care vitamins. The ACNEtane All Natural Vitamin Supplement is a top choice.
What to know before you buy a vitamin A supplement for acne
Types of vitamin A
There are two main types of vitamin A: retinol and beta-carotene. Retinol is the pure active form of vitamin A and usually comes from animal sources, such as fatty fish, meat and dairy. When taken in high doses, retinol can be toxic, as it increases the risk of bone loss, hip fracture and birth defects. Beta-carotene is found in fruits and vegetables like mango, carrot and spinach. It is converted by the body into vitamin A and is non-toxic, even in high doses.
When looking for an ideal vitamin A supplement, choose a product with a significant amount of vitamin A in the form of beta-carotene to prevent issues of toxicity.
Forms
While most vitamin A supplements come in the form of beta-carotene or retinoids, some products contain other forms of carotenoids, like alpha-carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin. Vitamin A supplements can be taken orally or as an intramuscular injection. The oral forms come as either capsules or liquid.
Third-party testing
Third-party testing is a process where independent labs verify the quality and purity of a supplement. If you choose a vitamin A supplement that isn’t certified by a third-party organization, it may be difficult to ascertain the safety and efficacy of the product. To avoid this uncertainty, choose a product that has a certification stamp on the packaging to validate its claims. For instance, if you’re looking for an organic vitamin A supplement, a USDA Organic statement or seal on the label verifies the supplement is made with organic ingredients.
What to look for in a quality vitamin A supplement for acne
Special diet
If you are on a diet that limits your intake of certain food sources, such as vegan, gluten-free or soy-free diets, check the vitamin A supplement label to ensure it is free of these ingredients.
Some plant-based diets increase your risk of vitamin A deficiency because they don’t typically contain enough naturally-occurring vitamin A. Taking a vitamin A supplement can help you meet your daily requirement.
Toxicity
Because vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin, taking an extremely high amount of the retinol-form can be very toxic, and even deadly. The beta carotene form is typically non-toxic. Only take the recommended amount of vitamin A each day.
Serving size
Most people don’t usually read their supplement label, which may cause them to take more or less than the recommended daily allowance of certain vitamins and minerals. For example, if the serving size of your vitamin A supplement is one capsule and the RDA is 50%, it means you need to take 2 capsules of the supplement to meet your daily requirement.
How much you can expect to spend on a vitamin A supplement for acne
If you are taking the capsule form of vitamin A, prices generally run from $4-$25 per bottle. Be sure to note the number of servings per bottle to make a fair comparison of costs between brands.
Vitamin A supplement for acne FAQ
How long does it take for vitamin A to work on acne?
A. Just like other acne treatments, you should allow some time before determining if the supplement is working or not. Typically, you should start seeing the beneficial effects within a few weeks, though it can take up to 12 weeks in some cases.
Can I take a vitamin A supplement even if I don’t have acne?
A. Besides fighting acne, vitamin A works as an antioxidant to neutralize free radicals, which can help boost your overall skin health. It is best to discuss using vitamin A as an acne treatment with your doctor before you start taking this supplement.
What are the best vitamin A supplements for acne to buy?
Top vitamin A supplement for acne
ACNEtane All Natural Vitamin Supplement for Treating Acne
What you need to know: This supplement is designed to reduce excess oil formation, disintegrate clogged pores, stop the formation of acne and prevent new blemishes.
What you’ll love: It comes as odorless, easy-to-swallow softgels. It also combines vitamin A with other key vitamins like vitamin B5, L-Carnitine and coenzyme Q10 to produce the perfect formula to help clear pimples, bumps and blackheads. It is completely free of artificial ingredients that may cause unwanted side effects.
What you should consider: Some users complained of heartburn after taking it.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Top vitamin A supplement for acne for money
Clear Skin Vitamin Pack Acne Supplement
What you need to know: This supplement combines acne-fighting ingredients, like vitamin A and zinc, with skincare vitamins, like vitamin D3, pantothenic acid and evening primrose oil.
What you’ll love: It uses a high-quality, more absorbable form of zinc called zinc picolinate, which is highly effective at fighting acne. It is made to meet the highest standards as it has been manufactured and packaged in NSF certified facilities and in compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices, also known as GMP.
What you should consider: People that have trouble swallowing might find the pills too large.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Worth checking out
Skin Discipline Acne Vitamin Supplement
What you need to know: This gluten-free acne-specific supplement is formulated to resolve non-cystic acne from the inside.
What you’ll love: It utilizes a special cap-in-cap technology that allows you to take multiple supplements in one capsule.
What you should consider: It contains niacin which can cause a reaction in some users, marked by itching and skin rash.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
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Ayotola Ogunsipe writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
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