Acne Scars & Vitamins for Renewal of the Skin

Acne scars often appear around the nose

Acne--specifially acne vulgaris but also called pimples, spots, blemishes and zits--is a common skin problem. Acne typically affects the areas of the skin with the most sebaceous glands (the face, upper chest and back). Sebaceous glands are microsopic skin glands which secrete sebum, an oily substance that helps lubricate the skin. Acne often scars the face, but there are a number of treatments available for facial scarring.

Types of Acne Scars

Acne often leaves small scars, either as indentations or small mounds. Many refer to physical acne scars as "icepick" scars because acne commonly tends to leave a deep pits in the surface of the skin.
Another type of acne scar is called a "box car scar." These are angular scars that occur on the forehead and cheeks. Similar to chickenpox scars, boxcar scars can be superficial or quite deep. Scars with a wave-like appearance are called "rolling scars," and the very thick puffy scars are called "hypertrophic" or "keloid" scars.

Treating Acne

Before treating acne scars, it is important to alleviate the skin problems that cause those scars. There are many causes of acne, and often persons with acne suffer from more than one of these causes. Acne causes include hormones, genetics, stress, infection and diet. Often a diet higher in fruits, vegetables and water will help with acne. If the acne is hormonal, using birth control pills (for women) or other hormones can help.

Vitamins and Skin Renewal

Because acne and acne scars results from a matrix of issues, those interested in taking vitamins for skin renewal must often take several different types. Many aestheticians and vitamin professionals recommend taking Omega-3 fatty oils and vitamin C. There are a number of vitamin-based topical treatments as well, including Retinol and Co-Enzyme Q10.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 Fatty Acids are a dietary supplement usually found in fish (like salmon, mackerel, herring and halibut). Tuna and shrimp also contain Omega-3 fatty acids. Flaxseed oil, another source of Omega-3, is often taken to resolve skin problems. Flaxseed oil helps hydrate the skin, which may be beneficial to sufferers of acne, eczema, dryness and rosacea. The hydration offered by Omega-3 will also help with scarring issues.

Vitamin C Serum

Vitamin C serum builds collagen, the protein that strengthens skin. Application of the serum helps repair sun damage and impede signs of aging. Some skin experts also suggest combining Vitamin C serum with Vitamin E serum, since Vitamin E aids the effectiveness of Vitamin C.

References

• Healthy Skin Shop: Acne Solutions
• Vitamins and Nutrition Center: Vitamins Guide