Can vitamin c cause acne

Can Vitamin C cause acne?

Can vitamin C cause acne?

Many people have heard about how vitamin C prevents wrinkles and brightens your skin. Because of this, people are very eager to add it to their skincare routine.

However, if you have oily acne-prone skin, you might be wondering if your skin will be able to handle it or is it going to produce some adverse effects like acne?

So, the question “Can vitamin C cause acne?” may be lingering on your mind if you are one of such people. Let’s take a look at if Vitamin C can cause acne.

 

What is acne?

Acne is a skin disorder that occurs when oil and dead skin cells clog your hair follicles. It causes pimples, whiteheads, and blackheads. Teenagers are the most affected by acne, yet it affects people of all ages.

According to a study, acne affects of the world’s population. Even though it does not pose a substantial threat to your general health, it can be painful, especially if you have severe acne. Acne can leave scars if left untreated.

 

What are the types of acne?

You may notice a number of pimple varieties if you have acne. The most common acne lesions are whiteheads and blackheads, known as comedones.

 Blackheads

Blackheads, also known as open comedones, appear on the skin’s surface. The tops of these pimples appear darker due to oxygen in the air (not dirt).

 Whiteheads

Whiteheads, also known as closed comedones, appear as raised bumps beneath the skin’s surface. They don’t change hue; they’re still flesh-colored.

The following are examples of inflammatory lesions that are more prone to induce skin scarring:

Papules

These are small, red, raised bumps caused by inflamed or infected hair follicles.

 Pustules

These are small red pimples with pus-filled tips.

 Nodules

These are firm, often painful lumps that form beneath your skin’s surface.

Cysts

These big lumps under your skin frequently contain pus and are painful.

 Symptoms of acne

Acne can appear practically everywhere on your body. However, outbreaks are often seen on your:

  • Back
  • Shoulders
  • Chest
  • Face
  • Neck

You can also experience

  • Swelling
  • Inflammation
  • Skin discoloration (dark spots)
  • Pain when pimples are touched

 Causes of acne

Acne develops when your skin’s pores become clogged with oil, dead skin, or germs. A follicle consists of hair and sebaceous (oil) glands. Oil glands in the skin produce sebum (oil).

This oil travels up the hair shaft, out of the pore, and onto your skin. Sebum keeps your skin supple and moisturized. One or more errors in the lubrication process can also cause acne.

Acne can appear when one of the following things happens:

  • Dead skin cells and germs build up in your pores because your follicles create too much oil.
  • Accumulation of dead skin cells in your pores

Vitamin C

Experts claim vitamin C is one of the safest and most effective supplements. Vitamin C may protect against immune system inadequacies, cardiovascular illness, prenatal health difficulties, eye disease, and even skin aging, yet it is not a treatment for the common cold.

Role of Vitamin C

All bodily tissues require vitamin C, commonly known as ascorbic acid, for growth, development, and repair. It is engaged in many body activities, including collagen creation, iron absorption, immune system function, wound healing, cartilage, bone, and tooth maintenance.

Vitamin C is one of many antioxidants that can protect you from free radicals, hazardous chemicals, and pollutants like cigarette smoke. Free radicals can accumulate in the body and lead to the development of diseases like cancer, heart disease, and arthritis.

How is acne affected by Vitamin C?

Acne causes swelling, redness, and pustules—an inflammatory lump containing pus. There is proof that these skin disorders respond well to vitamin C.

Here is how vitamin C influences acne:

It may reduce hyperpigmentation.

Acne, UV radiation, or other damage can cause hyperpigmentation, a harmless condition. Vitamin C can help minimize hyperpigmentation by interfering with an enzyme called tyrosinase, responsible for the synthesis of a natural skin pigment, melanin.

Furthermore, vitamin C is a brightening agent that helps lessen the appearance of darker spots while maintaining your skin’s natural color.

It may reduce acne-related inflammation.

A combination of risk factors such as age, genetics, and hormones can cause acne. Specific strains of the common skin bacterium Cutibacterium acnes (C. acnes) have been linked to the development of this disorder.

Because vitamin C is anti-inflammatory, it can help reduce acne-related redness and swelling when applied topically. As a result, it has the potential to improve the look of acne lesions.

About 61 percent of individuals who used a lotion containing 5 percent sodium ascorbyl phosphate (SAP) saw substantial improvements in acne lesions after research in 50 people when compared to a control group.

 Can Vitamin C cause acne?

No. As it stands now, there is no scientific evidence that vitamin C can cause acne. You can, however, switch to Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, a type of Vitamin C known to decrease acne if you have oily, acne-prone skin.

 Health benefits of Vitamin C

  • Supplementing with vitamin C has been related to a lower risk of heart disease. These supplements may help reduce heart disease risk factors like high blood levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol and triglycerides.
  • Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that can help increase the antioxidant levels in your blood. This could lower the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease.
  • Reduced blood uric acid levels and a lower incidence of gout have been related to vitamin C-rich diets and supplements.
  • Iron is a vital nutrient that serves many purposes in the body. It is required for producing red blood cells and oxygen transportation throughout the body. Supplementing with vitamin C can aid in iron absorption from the diet.
  • Because vitamin C is involved in many aspects of the immune system, it is one of the most common reasons people take vitamin C supplements. For starters, vitamin C promotes the formation of white blood cells called lymphocytes and phagocytes, which assist the body fight illness.

Second, vitamin C improves the function of these white blood cells while also shielding them from potentially hazardous substances like free radicals.

Vitamin C is also an important component of the skin’s defense mechanism. It is transported to the skin, where it can work as an antioxidant and aid in strengthening the skin’s defenses.

 The takeaway from this article

Currently, there is no definite proof that vitamin C causes acne. However, it is very effective in treating acne resulting in a smooth and fresh feel for your skin.

WRITTEN AND EDITED RESPECTIVELY BY:

Michael Sarfo
Content Creator at Wapomu

Michael Sarfo is a graduate of the University of Ghana, Legon. He is a content creator for enochkabange.com and a writer for Wapomu

Dr. Solomon Kwesi Otchere (Pharmacist)
Pharmacist

Dr. Solomon Kwesi Otchere is a Pharmacist by profession in Ghana. He is passionate about informed healthy lifestyle and diet options necessary for preventing many disease conditions. He also empowers patients and clients to make savvy choices on medications needful to promote good health.

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