What vitamin deficiency causes breakouts?

Author: Emmett Zboncak V  |  Last update: Tuesday, April 22, 2025

A Vitamin B deficiency can wreak havoc on your skin, causing acne, rashes, dry and flaky skin, cracked lips, and wrinkles. It can also make your skin more sensitive to sunlight, personal care products, and other potential aggressors, and can accordingly lead to redness and irritation.

What vitamin deficiency causes skin breakouts?

A 2016 study found that people with acne have lower levels of vitamin D than those without the skin condition. This deficiency may be a factor in the development of acne. According to a study from 2014, Vitamin D also blocks P. acnes from affecting skin cells.

What does B12 acne look like?

High-dose vitamins B6 and B12 have also been linked to rosacea fulminans, a condition that looks like acne. Rosacea is marked by large red bumps and pustules that typically appear on the nose, chin, and/or cheeks.

What vitamins helps with breakouts?

Vitamin A, particularly in the form of retinoids like isotretinoin, is effective for treating acne. It helps regulate skin cell turnover, reducing clogged pores and inflammation. Other vitamins beneficial for acne include vitamin D, vitamin E, and vitamin C, which have antioxidant properties that support skin health.

Can a B12 deficiency cause acne?

Vitamin B12 and skin

If you have a very low level of B12, you may be subject to hyperpigmentation (dark spots) on your skin, as well as to vitiligo (light patches on your skin), mouth ulcers, eczema, and acne. On the other hand, too much B12 in your body can also give you vitiligo, mouth ulcers, eczema, and acne.

The Top Vitamin Deficiency with Acne

Will my acne go away if I stop taking B12?

The lesions usually tend to resolve two to three weeks after the cessation of vitamin B12, and can flare up after its reintroduction [9], which has not been necessary to date for our patient.

Can low vitamin D cause acne?

Vitamin D has a regularity effect on the immune system. In addition, it regulates the proliferation and differentiation of keratinocytes and sebocytes. Furthermore, antioxidant and anti-comedogenic properties are features of vitamin D. Thus, vitamin D deficiency may contribute to the pathogenesis of acne.

Which vitamin is best for acne prone skin?

A multivitamin containing zinc, vitamin A, vitamin D, selenium and B-vitamins provides essential skin-boosting nutrients to help regulate oil production, inflammation, hormone balance and antioxidant status for preventing acne.

How to balance hormones for acne?

6 Ways To Fight Your Hormonal Imbalance Acne
  1. Over-the-counter Cleansers. Over-the-counter cleansers are often the first line of defense to try against pesky pimples. ...
  2. Topical Retinoids. ...
  3. Oral-contraceptive Pills. ...
  4. Spironolactone (Anti-Androgen Drugs) ...
  5. Accutane. ...
  6. Clean Up Your Diet.

Does magnesium help acne?

Studies have shown that correcting magnesium deficiencies can affect the inflammatory response of the body, and so it has been theorized (but not proved) that consuming suitable magnesium may help to reduce the inflammation seen in cases of acne.

What are the facial signs of B12 deficiency?

The deficiency of vitamin B12 can cause specific skin manifestations, such as hyperpigmentation, vitiligo, angular stomatitis, and hair and nail changes [1].

Can ashwagandha cause acne?

In some cases, ashwagandha can lead to skin problems, including acne. This typically happens due to factors such as hormonal changes—especially an increase in testosterone levels—and allergic reactions. Additionally, overconsumption of ashwagandha can negatively impact the skin's health.

Can B12 cause weight gain?

Contrary to common assumptions, Vitamin B12 deficiency doesn't directly lead to weight gain. However, it can indirectly influence weight through its impact on energy metabolism. Insufficient B12 can lead to fatigue and weakness, which may reduce physical activity levels and, in turn, lead to weight gain.

Why do vitamins break me out?

Regular consumption of multivitamins can lead to ingestion of too much iodine, a common ingredient in multivitamins, causing an influx of whiteheads and inflammatory acne on the face, as well as on the chest and back due to inflammation of the oil glands and a change in the chemistry of the oil caused by iodine.

How to stop breakouts on face?

How to get clearer skin
  1. Keep your face clean. ...
  2. Don't scrub with a washcloth ... ...
  3. 3. ... and avoid exfoliating brushes. ...
  4. Eat a healthy diet. ...
  5. Don't ignore your hair. ...
  6. Shower and wash your face right after working out. ...
  7. Use moisturizers and sunscreens specifically made for the face. ...
  8. Use water-based, oil-free makeup.

Is it okay to take 1000 mcg of B12 a day?

Even the lowest doses in B12 supplements are many times the recommended dietary allowance. Doses up to 1,000 mcg, though unnecessary, aren't harmful. Fortified foods. Many breakfast cereals, soy products, and yeasts are fortified with B12.

What to drink for hormonal acne?

Spearmint Tea

Spearmint not only has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, but it can help correct hormonal imbalances too. Studies have shown that regular consumption of spearmint tea can reduce your acne problems by 25 to 50%.

What is the root cause of acne?

How acne develops. Acne develops when sebum — an oily substance that lubricates your hair and skin — and dead skin cells plug hair follicles. Bacteria can trigger inflammation and infection resulting in more severe acne.

What age is acne the worst?

Acne is a common issue for many people, especially for teenagers and young adults in their 20s. Some have mild symptoms, while others can have very severe issues. Acne effects around 90% of adolescents with the prime age across all genders being the teenage years of 14-19 years old.

Is there a vitamin that clears acne?

Yes, vitamins can help hormonal acne by acting as antioxidants, reducing inflammation, and supporting healthy hormone balance. The best vitamins for acne are vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, and a B complex. You can find many of these nutrients in food, but taking supplements can ensure you're getting enough.

What kills acne bacteria fast?

Benzoyl peroxide works as an antiseptic to reduce the number of bacteria on the surface of the skin. It also helps to reduce the number of whiteheads and blackheads, and has an anti-inflammatory effect.

What do most dermatologists recommend for acne?

Drugs that contain retinoic acids or tretinoin are often useful for moderate acne. These come as creams, gels and lotions. Examples include tretinoin (Avita, Retin-A, others), adapalene (Differin) and tazarotene (Tazorac, Avage, others).

What is lymphatic acne?

When the lymph system is blocked and fluid is building then your skin can be what suffers. As the toxins are stuck under the skin around the neck and jawline it can cause large breakouts of acne.

What are three symptoms of not enough vitamin D?

Symptoms of vitamin D deficiency may include:
  • Fatigue.
  • Not sleeping well.
  • Bone pain or achiness.
  • Depression or feelings of sadness.
  • Hair loss.
  • Muscle weakness.
  • Loss of appetite.
  • Getting sick more easily.

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