Your guide to using vitamin C for acne

Acne vulgaris, commonly known as acne, is a skin condition that causes inflammation and painful breakouts, most commonly on your face. It usually happens when your pores are clogged with oil, dead skin cells, or bacteria.

In severe cases, doctors recommend medications to manage acne. But they usually recommend lifestyle and self-care measures, including incorporating an acne-friendly skin care routine. Vitamin C may be an effective addition to this routine.

Vitamin C is a common ingredient in many skin care products, as it has many benefits for your skin health. It’s unlikely to completely cure your acne, but it may have many benefits for your skin. These include reducing symptoms and improving the appearance of acne.

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Benefits of vitamin C for acne

Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is important for many aspects of our health, including skin health. It’s not naturally produced by the body, so you must get it from other sources, such as in your diet or in serums.

According to some 2018 research, vitamin C is essential for various aspects of skin health, including forming the skin barrier and fighting against skin oxidation. Skin oxidation is skin damage caused by exposure to oxidants like ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun.

The researchers also suggest that vitamin C may be beneficial for acne specifically. When combined with other treatments, it can help improve the appearance of acne scarring and even aid in the treatment of some forms of acne.

One of the key features of acne-prone skin is inflammation. Vitamin C has anti-inflammatory properties that can work throughout the body, including in the skin.

Another symptom of acne is hyperpigmentation, which happens when inflammation triggers your skin to make too much melanin. This leads to dark spots on your skin after the acne heals. Vitamin C can help by blocking the enzyme (a protein) that produces melanin.

Vitamin C can’t cure acne. But its properties may help ease symptoms and reduce its appearance. So vitamin C may be a helpful option for you.

How to use vitamin C for acne

Because your body can’t naturally produce vitamin C, you need to get it from other sources. These sources include your diet, supplements, or skin care products, which may be more useful for treating acne.

Vitamin C is available in many over-the-counter (OTC) skin care products, like serums, moisturizers, and creams. The stronger forms of vitamin C are considered unstable and difficult to store for a long time, so they’re often modified in skin care products. They may also be combined with other ingredients and vitamins.

Typically, you’ll apply these products directly to your skin daily. If you have any concerns, speak with a healthcare professional like a dermatologist for advice.

There’s currently no evidence that vitamin C from foods or dietary supplements can help with acne.

Acne treatments

When creating a treatment plan for acne, doctors will often recommend a mix of self-care and medical strategies. Some common recommendations include the following:

• Use a mild, acne-friendly skin care routine that may include vitamin C.
• Keep your skin clean using a mild cleanser, avoiding harsh chemicals.
• Avoid rubbing, touching, or squeezing your pimples or lesions.
• Take care when shaving, as this may irritate your skin more.
• Use lukewarm water when cleansing and showering.

Next, you might consider incorporating some OTC remedies. These products come in many forms, such as creams, moisturizers, serums, and gels, and include:

• Retinoids: Retinoids are molecules derived from vitamin A. Mild versions are available OTC to help with skin conditions. You can use retinol and adapalene (Differin) to manage acne.
• Azelaic acid: Azelaic acid (Finacea) may help manage your symptoms and fade scarring.
• Benzoyl peroxide: Many OTC acne products contain benzoyl peroxide (Enzoclear) as their active ingredient, starting at around 2.5% strength.
• Salicylic acid: Salicylic acid is another common ingredient in OTC acne products like cleansers or creams. It can help unclog your pores.

In milder cases, these options are often enough to manage your acne. But in more severe cases, doctors might also try prescription treatments.

If your acne is caused by bacteria, a doctor may prescribe topical antibiotics, like clindamycin 1% (Cleocin) or erythromycin 2% (Erythrocin). In very severe cases, doctors might prescribe oral antibiotics like doxycycline (Vibramycin Hylate) or minocycline (Minocin).

Another common medication for acne is isotretinoin (Absorica). This is a strong vitamin A retinoid, and doctors mostly recommend it for very severe or recurrent acne. Because of its strength, it can have severe side effects. So dermatologists will usually regularly monitor you for the course of your medication.

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Online care for acne

Alongside physical effects, acne can have a range of psychological effects, including depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. But it’s a very common and treatable condition.

Online care services, including Optum Perks Online Care, may make getting treatment easier. With these services, you can submit an online form answering a few questions about your symptoms, and a US-licensed healthcare professional will respond soon after to prescribe a treatment plan.

Summary

Acne is a very common inflammatory condition of the skin, causing breakouts of lesions, usually on your face. Alongside medical management, doctors often recommend self-care strategies, including an acne-friendly skin care routine.

Vitamin C is important in maintaining your skin’s health by strengthening its barrier and helping with collagen production. It’s a common ingredient in many skin care products, and it may be beneficial for acne by reducing inflammation and hyperpigmentation.

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Download the free Optum Perks Discount Card to save up to 80% on many prescription medications. Plus, you can now get them delivered to your home in as little as 3 days. Search for your medication here.