Vitamin A Reduce Sebum Production

Did you know that a deficiency in vitamin A can actually cause acne? Vitamin A may influence the activity of sebaceous glands in such a way as to reduce sebum production. It is recommended you take up to 10,000 IU of vitamin A to successfully combat acne but don’t take more than 5,000 IU if you are pregnant. A high-quality liquid multivitamin is a good source for vitamin A, as well as the other vitamins that help with preventing acne.

To get plenty of vitamin A in your diet, reach for liver, oily fish, milk, cheese, and whole eggs. Beta-carotene, a compound found in orange and dark green produce, is converted to vitamin A in the body and helps you meet your daily requirements. Foods rich in beta-carotene include carrots, sweet potato, winter squash, broccoli, collard greens, kale, spinach, apricots, cantaloupe, peaches, nectarines, mango and papaya.

Vitamin A with carotenoids strengthens the protective tissue of the skin and prevents acne formation by reducing sebum production. Vitamin A is essential for the maintenance and repair of the tissue which the skin and mucous membranes are made of. Vitamin A is also a powerful antioxidant that relieves your body of oxidative stress caused by free radicals.

Keep in mind of the side-effects of very high doses of vitamin A on acne. Because vitamin A is fat soluble, the body stores it, and too much vitamin A taken for a period can be toxic. If you take a supplement, do not exceed 10,000 international units (3.3 milligrams) per day unless supervised by your physician. Pregnant women must avoid vitamin A supplements since high doses can cause birth defects.