Acne and Vitamin Supplements

By:Kerwin Chang

Since the majority of the worlds population suffer from acne at some point in their lives, there is no surprise that such efforts are invested in finding out how to it. While there have been some definitive answers on whether acne is hormonally induced (yes), and what can be done to prevent it (prescription drugs, certain herbal remedies, etc), there are still many unknown factors that cause acne.

However, of all the many acne questions that science is yet to find answers to, the most controversial is whether or not diet has an effect on acne.

Historically, diet was thought to be linked to acne. Doctors and housewives alike believed that a high fat content in ones diet would cause an oilier complexion, and this in turn would create acne breakouts.

However, as time went on, science found no directly link between a diet high in lipids (fat), and acne. Since acne is caused by a bacterial growth in sebum trapped in clogged pores, there is no such thing as “extra oil secretion”. So, for at least the last 15 years, western medicine has claimed there is no connection between diet and acne.

However, a study conducted in 1997 has rekindled the flame in the “diet causes acne” argument, and this time, with a bit more heat.

This study, conducted by Dr. Lit Hung Leung, states that Acne breakouts are because the body cannot create enough of Coenzyme A to break down the fatty acids that create sebum. The reason is, Coenzyme A is probably the single most needed enzyme in the body. This Coenzyme-A is what synthesizes sex hormones, and what breaks down fatty acids.

The only part of Coenzyme-A that the body does not produce itself is vitamin B5. So, if there is a shortage of B5, there is a shortage of Coenzyme-A. And if there is a shortage of Coenzyme-A, the body will use it to synthesize sex hormones, not break down fatty acids.

So, you can see where this is going…more fatty acids, more sebum production, more acne.

Now, the interesting thing is that Dr. Lit Hung Leung substantiated this claim by testing it on 100 people. The group took 10 grams or more per day of pantothenic acid ( B5 ), and used a B5 topical cream of 20% by weight. After 2-3, sebum production was reduced, and many people with acne noticed a reduction. For those with more extreme acne, a higher dosage of B5 was used (approx. 15-20 grams per day), and treatment was prolonged to see an effect, sometimes up to 6 months.

So, while one study does not definitively prove whether B5 can prevent or reduce acne, it may well be worth considering, particularly for those who want a natural or herbal cure for acne, and do not want to use chemicals such as benzoyl peroxide, or other prescription acne treatments.

As with any medical treatment, it is best to consult a doctor before trying a B5 regimine.

Digg del.icio.us Blink Stumble Spurl Reddit Netscape Furl

Article keywords: acne, acnes, FAQS, FAQ, ACNE, ACNES, faq, faqs

Article Source: http://www.articles2k.com

Kerwin Chang writes for www.acnestuff.net where you can find out more about acne and other skin care topics.

Top Acne Articles
1). Home Remedies For Zits By : Kevin Pederson Eliminating zits is the most sought after treatment among the younger generation. Zit is a common and chronic skin inflammatory condition.
2). Cystic Acne - Putting the Best Face on It By : Mark Walters Cystic Acne - What is it and how to treat it.
3). Information On Boils And How To Treat Them By : Kevin Pederson As boils and acne is a common phenomenon among young people the increasing teen pressure it is hard for some to cope with it.
4). Acne Treatment: Options For A Solution For Young Women By : Oliver Turner There are many options for acne treatment. If you are like most, you have tried many and have not found the right solution to your needs. This is common for individuals simply because they do not know what they should be doing. Will the over the counter products work on your acne? Will you need to have a laser treatment in order to make it finally go away? The problem with acne treatment is that what works for one individual will not work for someone else.
5). How A Dermatologist Can Help With Acne Problems By : Acne Squad While a mild case of acne isn't necessarily a serious problem, it's still a good idea to see a dermatologist. They can give you helpful information about what could be causing your acne as well as the best treatments. Plus, there is another skin condition called keratosis pilaris that is sometimes mistaken for acne and a dermatologist can tell you if that is what you're dealing with, saving you the time and hassles of using the wrong treatment.
6). Cured My Acne With Non Prescription Medication By : Frank Vanderlugt Acne cures abound on drugstore shelves, behind the pharmacy counter and on the Internet. However, there is still plenty of acne in the world, so obviously many people still have not found the treatment that works for them. This article will present an overview of the most popular treatments, as well as the benefits and drawbacks of each. Acne occurs when skin on the face, back and chest react to the male hormones testosterone and dihydrotestosterone and grow too fast, a process known as hyperkeratois.
7). The Acne Issue - Best Acne Treatments By : Kirsten Hawkins Acne is one of the most common skin diseases that a person usually experience. Acne is defined as an inflammatory skin eruption that commonly occurs in or near the sebaceous glands of the different parts of the body including the neck, face, shoulders, and upper back. Though acne is a common problem, it is also one skin disease that is very easy to treat and prevent.
8). The Many Causes Of Acne By : Ron King Acne remains a bit of a mystery. It seems to be partly hereditary, but why some people are affected by it and others are untouched isn't exactly known. We do, however, understand some of the biology behind it. The main culprit is the excess production of sebum, an oily substance whose function is to keep skin and hair lubricated and supple. The production of the oily sebum blocks the skin's surface, which provides an ideal environment for bacterial growth.
9). Some Helpful Acne Tips By : Keith Wolfe What is Acne? Acne, most commonly known as pimples, is the worst nightmare for those too unfortunate to suffer. It is the most common skin disease today. In United States alone, nearly 60 million people are infected with acne, where 85 per cent of teenagers suffer from it. Acne is a disorder resulting from the action of hormones on the skin's oil glands (sebaceous glands), which leads to plugged pores and outbreaks of lesions commonly called pimples or zits.
10). The Truth About Acne Skin Care By : Acne Squad Let's face it, you are engaged in an ongoing battle when you are afflicted with acne. While acne treatments for a mild case of acne are usually successful, moderate acne is a greater problem. Even dermatologists cannot cure a severe case of acne but can only provide an acne treatment regimen. However, you can support your acne treatment efforts with proper acne skin care in order to reduce the recurrence of acne flare-ups and not aggravate existing acne.

New Acne Articles
1). Acne Prevention Begin With You By : Joshua Poyoh Acne breakouts are the concern of many people all over the world. Many people are beginning to take their acne breakouts very seriously. The problem is not always finding a cure; people tend to forget that prevention is always better than cure.
2). Maybe Laser Acne Treatment Is For You By : MITCHELL HAMPSON Are you afflicted with acne or acne scars? This is such a grueling confidence-crusher. No one wants to deal with zits or blemishes on a daily basis. There are just so many other things in life to grapple with already.
3). What Acne Treatment Is The Best For You By : Jeff Schuman If you are one of the thousands of people that suffer from acne problems there is no longer a need to worry with the wide variety of acne treatment available.
4). Organic Skin Care - Do Organic Skin Care Products Really Work? By : Mike Singh What are organic skin care products? Do these really work? Find out answers to these questions and more ...
5). Do Not Allow Acne to Govern You! By : Keith Londrie Disorder in the sebaceous glands cause acne. When the pores are blocked and outbreak of lesions leads to acne. Acne is not a serious health disorder, but in severe cases, acne might result in permanent scarring and disfigured face.
6). Can Vitamins Really Help Treat Acne? By : Rebecca Prescott Find out which vitamins are beneficial for acne, and how they work. Learn about the side effects of too much vitamin A, and how much of the skin vitamins are recommended for pustules and zits.
7). What Exactly Is Microderm Abrasion By : MITCHELL HAMPSON How would you rate your complexion? You know, on a scale from one to ten. The fact is our faces change as we age. While some of us suffer from horrific bouts with acne, others experience no blemishes what so ever.
8). Information Concerning Adult Acne By : Keith Londrie Normally most of the people get affected by acne in teenage life but when a man or women gets acne at age of 30 or 40 then it becomes difficult to come out of distressful situation.
9). Claim Your Beautiful Skin Today By Choosing the Right Acne Treatment By : Kevin Nelson Finding the right acne remedy can be a time consuming, frustrating task. Here are some tips to help you quickly determine which acne remedies might be right for you.
10). Acne Free Treatment By : Chelsea Aubin Acne is very common among teenagers, and adolescents. No one is really sure what causes acne, or why it is known to form in the teen years. Although scientists don't know what causes it but heredity is at the top of the list of possible factors. Heredity has long been thought to be a large roll in who gets acne. If someone in your family has had, or has, acne, then you are more then likely going to develop it.