The importance of a nutritional treatment approach for acne

Our skin is an outward sign of health

Skin is the largest organ of the body and indicates underlying wellness and balance. For healthy skin, the right building blocks are required with adequate nourishment.1

An impaired nutritional status alters the structural integrity and biological function of skin, resulting in skin abnormalities.2

Hormonal imbalance, quality and quantity of sebum, stress, and bacteria (P.acnes), just to name a few, can contribute to acne formation. Our nutritional status can have an impact on all these factors.3

Treating underlying causes

If you have an underlying deficiency of key vitamins or minerals essential for skin and hormone health, treating the skin with creams and washes from the outside will never correct the underlying nutritional requirements for long-lasting effectiveness.

SkinB5 has developed a specific formula that provides a therapeutic amount of essential nutrients to correct deficiencies that may be seen in those with acne. SkinB5 has combined these nutrients in a tablet form to address imbalances from the inside, where skin problems often start.

Taking a holistic approach, SkinB5 has also developed a balancing skincare products to restore the health of skin barrier from the outside in.

Key vitamins and minerals required for healthy skin

Pantothenic acid (Vitamin B5) is essential for our ability to cope with stress — an aggravating factor in acne lesions1 — by supporting the adrenal glands in making of hormones that counteract stress response. It’s involved in the metabolism of fats and is required for the synthesis of steroid hormones.2 Issues with metabolising fats may affect the sebum in the skin.

Zinc is extremely important for our skin renewal processes, wound healing, immune function, and hormonal imbalances.3 Our diets can often be lacking in this important mineral due to soil deficiencies.

Deficiencies in nutrients such as Vitamin A and Niacin (Vitamin B3), can result in skin and hormonal problems.6 Folic acid deficiency can also produce changes in the skin.6

Adequate levels of Folate (Vitamin B9) are required for the synthesis of new cells, which promotes the vital processes of skin turnover, barrier formation and wound healing.7

Silica is a component of collagen, and is essential for the strength and resilience of connective tissue. It is therefore required for the proper integrity of the skin.8

Copper is important for production of elastin, connective tissue and collagen and help protect the body from the damaging effects of free radicals.9

Biotin contributes to the maintenance of normal skin.10

Vitex agnus-castus (Chaste tree) is a berry, traditionally used in herbal medicine for hormonal acne.11

Pssst – don’t forget water!

If you are not sufficiently hydrated, your body may struggle to transport nutrients12 and to remove toxins!

References

1. Leung, LH. Stone that Kills two Birds: How Pantothenic Acid Unveils the Mysteries of Acne Vulgaris and Obesity. Journal of Orthomolecular Medicine Vol. 12, No. 2, 1997
2. Braun L and Cohen M. Herbs and Natural Supplements An Evidence Based Guide, 4th ed. Elsevier Mosby
3. National Institute of health Monographs. US Department of health and Human services. Zinc.
4. Alloway, B.J. Soil factors associated with zinc deficiency in crops and humans. Environmental Geochemistry and Health. 2009, Volume 31, Issue 5, pp 537–548
5. Sharma, A et al. Zinc – An Indispensable Micronutrient. Physiol Mol Biol Plants 2013 19(1):11–20
6. National Institute of Health. National Institute of health Monographs. US Department of Health and Human Services. Folate 2012
7. Watson, RR & Zibadi, S. Bioactive Dietary Factors and Plant Extracts in Dermatology. Nutrition and Health. Humana Press. 2013
8. GlobinMed. Global information hub on integrated medicine. Silica 2011
9. Higdon, J. An Evidence-Based Approach to Vitamins and Minerals. Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc. pp. 116-122
10. Health Canada. Multivitamin/Mineral Supplements Monograph. Biotin. 2016
11. Bone K. A Clinical Guide to Blending Liquid Herbs. Churchill Livingston. 2003
12. Gropper, S and Smith, J, Advanced Nutrition and Human Metabolism, Wadsworth 6th Ed. 2013. pp.