What actually helps with acne
Inflammatory skin condition characterized by pimples, blackheads, and cysts, often driven by hormonal fluctuations, diet, and oxidative stress.
Zinc reduces 5-alpha reductase activity (lowering DHT-driven sebum), inhibits P. acnes bacterial growth, modulates inflammatory TLR-2 signaling, and reduces keratinocyte activation and comedone formation. Comparable to low-dose antibiotics.
Dose: 30–50 mg
Vitamin A normalizes keratinocyte differentiation preventing follicular hyperkeratinization (comedones). It reduces sebaceous gland activity, modulates inflammatory gene expression, and supports skin cell turnover to prevent pore clogging.
Dose: 5000–10000 IU
Omega-3 fatty acids (especially EPA) inhibit leukotriene B4 and prostaglandin E2 production, both key mediators of acne inflammation. They also modulate IGF-1 signaling and reduce sebocyte lipogenesis driven by the Western diet.
Dose: 1000–2000 mg
Silymarin supports hepatic detoxification of hormones and toxins, reducing systemic inflammation that contributes to acne.
Dose: 140–420 mg
NAC replenishes glutathione, the master antioxidant that neutralizes reactive oxygen species driving acne inflammation. It also reduces NF-kB-mediated inflammatory signaling, decreases sebum lipid peroxidation, and supports liver detoxification pathways.
Dose: 600–1200 mg
Supports liver phase II detoxification pathways, reduces oxidative stress in skin cells.
Dose: 250–500 mg
Balances hormonal fluctuations, prostaglandin E1 provides anti-inflammatory effects, modulates sebum composition.
Dose: 240–480 mg
Blocks androgen receptors and 5-alpha reductase, reducing sebum production and sebaceous gland activity.
Dose: 160–320 mg
Coenzyme A drives lipid metabolism, reducing sebum production and sebaceous gland hyperactivity in acne vulgaris.
Dose: 1000–2500 mg