An article by Pinar Cavus

Having clear skin while growing up can make it disappointing when acne suddenly appears in
your twenties or thirties. Sometimes, consulting experts and attempting various solutions – including dermatologist appointments and topical creams, or even taking oral medications may not work if your acne is caused by hormonal imbalances or internal problems. If you find yourself in an ongoing battle with acne, there is a rising trend worth considering: all-in-one supplements claiming to banish acne within a couple of months. Sounds slightly skeptical, right? However, science shows that these supplements may be pretty promising! Let’s delve deep, explore together the ingredients these supplements contain and find out if these supplements truly live up to the hype. If you are interested in exploring more holistic approaches to manage acne, after reading about their composition you might be tempted to give these supplements a shot.
What are all-in-one supplements and why should be incorporatethem to our daily life?
All-in-one supplements, also known as combination supplements, are rich in natural vitamins
and minerals; pro and prebiotics, which were recently shown in scientific articles to be deficient in patients with persistent acne.

To effectively treat hormonal acne, a comprehensive strategy is necessary. This strategy
should address internal issues, such as hormone imbalances and vitamin deficiencies. Before
choosing a more aggressive treatment like prescribed medications, trying these supplements
might be a potential solution to your acne, particularly when it comes to addressing internal
issues.
Before delving into the most used ingredients in combination supplements, here is a reminder
to remember consulting a professional before incorporating any dietary supplements to your
daily routine to avoid any undesired effects.
How is the effectiveness of all-in-one supplements assessed in this article?
This article assessed combination supplements by comparing the most commonly
incorporated ingredients, vitamins, and minerals. Additionally, scientific articles on each
component have been examined to find out if there is substantial evidence for their positive
impact on acne-prone skin. The aim is to explore the potency of these combination
supplements and ascertain if they align with their claimed effectiveness.
Composition:
1. Omega-3:
The first commonly used ingredients are fatty-acids, especially omega-3. These fatty acids are
typically abundant in fatty fish such as salmon and tuna; furthermore, they can be
supplemented through fish oil. Moreover, according to scientific research, omega-3 plays a
crucial role in maintaining skin moisture, preserving the integrity of the skin’s natural oil
barrier, and reducing inflammation1 . Additionally, a study investigating the progress of acne
in mild to moderate cases found positive effects when a daily omega-3-based dietary
combination supplement was incorporated2 . In particular, the self-administration of
eicosatetraenoic acid and antioxidants seemed to improve both inflammatory acne and overall
well-being, implying that omega-3 may be an essential component for enhancing your acne conditions. However, you might want to double check if your supplement also contains omega (another fatty acid), which is proven to induce a pro-inflammatory reaction2 and can potentially worsen your acne. Therefore, it’s essential to pay attention to the fatty acids in your chosen supplement, as this can significantly impact the effectiveness of your acne management.

2. Probiotics:
The second component on the list is probiotics. Probiotics are living microorganisms, more
like friendly bacteria, which can be found mostly in fermented foods. They have a lot of
health benefits when taken daily. The presence of acne lesions has been found to be
significantly influenced by our intestinal microbiota. The health of the digestive tract and its
microbiome is closely linked to acne development. Scientific research suggests that
incorporating probiotics to enhance the natural flora of the gut microbiota can lead to a
decrease in acne breakouts3 .
You might wonder, with numerous brands and compositions available, how to determine the
best bacteria strains for your condition. While implementing probiotics in your daily
supplements is generally beneficial, two scientifically proven strains with probiotic effects are
Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. Opting for a supplement containing various strains of
these two bacteria can contribute to the overall equilibrium of your gut health, potentially
aiding in the clearance of your skin5 .

3. Zinc:
Another ingredient, which seems to be one of the most important components is the mineral zinc, which can be naturally found in shelly seafood like muscles and oysters, beef, eggs, and dairy products. Interestingly, research indicates that zinc levels in patients with acne are significantly lower compared to control individuals (which means people without acne). By using orally taken zinc supplementation a noteworthy decrease in the average papule count and clinical improvement have been shown in moderate to severe acne patients, due to its anti-inflammatory properties. This means that choosing a supplement containing zinc can be helpful when it comes to managing your acne4 . However, it’s important to note that long-term use of zinc may lead to copper deficiency 5 . To avoid this condition, it’s recommended to supplement with copper alongside with zinc. But
you don’t need to worry, there are several combination supplements available on the market
that combine both zinc and copper to prevent any potential deficiencies.
4. Vitamin A:
Vitamin A is the next crucial component found in combination supplements, naturally found
in green leafy vegetables, orange-colored vegetables such as sweet potatoes, carrots and
pumpkin and animal liver. Vitamin A contributes to the reduction of acne due to its
antioxidant properties, which protect the cells against free radicals and supports slow aging of
the cells, leading to a younger looking skin6 .
Isotretinoin, one of the most potent prescribed acne medications, is a derivative of Vitamin A.
However, it is a very aggressive treatment, coming with a range of side effects. Several
studies have explored the effectiveness of using vitamin A as an alternative to the intense
treatment with isotretinoin, demonstrating significant improvements in lesion occurrence
among patients7 . So, looking for a supplement containing vitamin A can be advantageous in
promoting clear skin.
5. Niacin (Vitamin B3):
Next ingredient on our list is Niacin, also known as vitamin B3. Niacin can be naturally found
in a variety of foods, ranging from red meat and fish to legumes, nuts and bananas.
Furthermore, there is a better studied form of vitamin B3, nicotinamide, which is also widely
used and has shown significant results in reducing acne symptoms. A study comparing the
effects of nicotinamide and niacin, revealed the superior potency of niacin in treating acne8 .
Both nicotinamide and niacin exhibit anti-inflammatory properties that contribute to
alleviating the swelling and redness associated with acne. Whether applied topically or taken
as a part of a supplement, vitamin B3, in any form, offers promising results in managing acne
symptoms.

6. Pantothenic acid (Vitamin B5):
Finally, let’s move on to the last most commonly used component: pantothenic acid, also
known as Vitamin B5. You can find natural sources of vitamin B5 in organ meats like liver,
chicken, and beef, as well as mushrooms and avocados. In a 12-week study comparing
pantothenic acid to a placebo in individuals with moderate to severe acne, the results showed
a significant reduction on total facial lesion counts among patients treated with orally taken
pantothenic acid9 .
The antibacterial and skin-softening properties of pantothenic acid contribute to its efficacy in
acne treatment. Additionally, Vitamin B5 is widely known for its moisturizing capabilities,
providing the skin with a protective barrier effect. In summary, seeking supplements that
contain pantothenic acid can assist in maintaining skin hydration and enhancing the overall
texture of your skin.

Conclusion:
After comparing different brands and compositions, and reviewing scientific papers on acne treatment ingredients, we showed that these supplements can greatly benefit those struggling with maintaining clear skin. When seeking a suitable supplement for you, it is important that you give priority to look for products containing scientifically backed ingredients. Additionally, considering a blood test to identify any deficiencies can help tailor the choice if supplement more effectively. While the number of brands on the market may seem overwhelming, focusing on finding the ingredients highlighted in this article can simplify the decision-making process. Furthermore, consulting with a professional is always advisable when incorporating supplements and complementing them with topical treatment may enhance overall results.
Lastly, I want to underline that treating acne requires time and consistency. Most brands on
the market warn the patients about the fact that it might take up to two months to observe
results after incorporating these supplements into your daily routine. So, don’t lose hope;
patience and persistence are the key in the journey clearer skin.
References:
1 Pappas, Apostolos. “The relationship of diet and acne: A review.” Dermato-
endocrinology vol. 1,5 (2009): 262-7. doi:10.4161/derm.1.5.10192
2 Rubin, M.G., Kim, K. & Logan, A.C. Acne vulgaris, mental health and omega-3 fatty acids:
a report of cases. Lipids Health Dis 7, 36 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1186/1476-511X-7-36
3 https://www.mdpi.com/2075-1729/12/3/422
4 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9887131/
5 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7495772/
6 https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/vitamin-a-for-acne#how-to-use
7 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35674761/
8 https://www.researchgate.net/publication/314425582_High_dose_niacin_in_the_treatment_o
f_acne_vulgaris_a_ pilot_study
9 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24831048/