Why Your Vitamins Could Be Causing your Breakouts

The controversial link between diet and acne has been an age-old debate.  Scientific studies have shown the most common causes of acne include excess sebum production, hyperkeratosis, an increase in inflammatory mediators present in the skin and the presence of p-acnes  (Propionibacterium acnes). Other factors that predispose an individual to acne include genetics, abnormal hormone production, specifically, excess androgens, immunological disorders, stress, anxiety and environmental causes. And yes, diet also plays a role, with studies suggesting dairy, a high GI diet and sugar can trigger acne. But what about your supplements?

While vitamins such as zinc vitamin A, C, E and vitamin D are known to have a protective effect on our skin from conditions such acne, pollutants and environmental stressors more recent studies have shown vitamin B12 can promote acne by changing the gene expression of the most commonly found bacteria in the skins microbiome, the p-acnes. This causes an inflammatory response in some individuals, leading to breakouts. According to some older research, B6 is also thought to cause acne in those with no prior history but the how and why remains unclear. While more studies are certainly needed to validate the link between these B vitamins and acne, there is no doubt that what we eat and drink has the ability to impact the microbes that inhabit our skin and body. Food sources of B vitamins should not be avoided, they are absolutely necessary for most metabolic processes in the body but being aware of how your skin feels following the consumption of a certain food or beverage can help determine whether that particular food is right for you and your resident bacteria. For every cell in the human body, we have 10 bacterial cells and the more we learn about the bacteria that colonise the different regions of our own personal eco-system the more we realise what an integral role they have in our overall health and wellbeing.