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Do supplements help with acne? A doctor explains what works—and what doesn’t

By SL Aesthetic Clinic
  • Published Date:
Last Updated:
August 26, 2025
A Woman Holding an Acne Supplements

TL;DR 

  • Supplements like zinc, vitamin A, D, E, and omega-3s may support acne management when deficiencies or inflammation are present, but they’re not a standalone cure.
  • Acne is a multifactorial condition that often requires a more holistic treatment plan.
  • If you’re struggling with persistent acne, the best place to start is with a doctor or skin specialist who can help you evaluate crucial factors such as your hormones, diet and overall health.

Table of Contents

Acne is one of the most common skin conditions worldwide, yet it is also one of the most frustrating. Whether it appears as stubborn hormonal breakouts along the jawline or persistent whiteheads on the cheeks, many of us have tried everything from topical creams to strict skincare routines in hopes of achieving clearer skin.

Recently, there has been a surge in supplements that claim to treat acne from the inside out—names like Aegles, Monday Muse, and other vitamin blends are trending on social media. But do they work?

Here’s the science on acne supplements and whether they work.

Which supplements are best for acne?

Several vitamins and minerals are commonly associated with supporting the management of acne, including zinc, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium, omega-3 fatty acids, and the vitamin B complex.

Many of these nutrients are recognised for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which help reduce acne-causing bacteria and improve skin healing.

But before we jump into a supplement regimen, it’s essential to understand one thing:

Getting proper nutrition through diet and supplements helps alleviate inflammatory skin conditions (such as acne and eczema) as long as it improves the skin’s ability to heal more effectively with reduced inflammation. However, acne formation is multifactorial, so there is no one-size-fits-all supplement to help or cure acne.

Also Read: Oral Antibiotics For Acne in Singapore

So, yes, the right supplements can support your skin—but they’re not magic pills. Acne is a complex condition that is caused by a combination of factors, including hormonal imbalances, genetics, stress, gut health, lifestyle, and dietary habits.

A single vitamin won’t clear it up overnight. Still, let’s explore what the research shows about these popular nutrients.

Zinc

Zinc is often touted as one of the most effective minerals for fighting acne, and for good reason. It plays a role in controlling inflammation and supports wound healing, making it a valuable nutrient for inflammatory skin conditions.

Some studies have shown that people with acne tend to have lower zinc levels. Supplementing with zinc (either orally or topically) has been shown to reduce acne severity in some instances.

However, excessive zinc intake can lead to side effects such as nausea or interfere with copper absorption. The bottom line is to always check with your doctor.

Vitamin A

Vitamin A, especially in its retinoid form, is a well-known acne treatment—think topical retinoids, such as tretinoin. Meanwhile, vitamin A supports cell turnover and reduces excess oil production when taken orally.

But here’s the catch: high doses of active vitamin A (aka isotretinoin) need to be carefully prescribed and monitored by a certified doctor due to their potential side effects. Pregnant individuals should avoid excess vitamin A as it can cause congenital disabilities.

Vitamin E and Selenium

Both vitamin E and selenium are antioxidants, which help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the body.

  • Vitamin E supports skin repair and may help reduce post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and scarring.
  • Selenium may help alleviate acne by reducing inflammation and supporting hormonal balance, particularly in individuals with low selenium levels.

Small studies have found that individuals with acne often have low levels of vitamin E and selenium; however, the evidence is limited. Additionally, selenium deficiency is a relatively rare condition.

In short, these nutrients are essential, but they shouldn’t be the first-line approach.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D may help alleviate acne by reducing inflammation, enhancing skin barrier strength, and regulating immune control over acne-causing bacteria.

Some research suggests that individuals with acne may have lower vitamin D levels, but it remains unclear whether supplementing with vitamin D directly improves acne outcomes.

A safe approach is to check your levels with a blood test and supplement only if you are deficient.

Vitamin C and B-complex

Vitamin C supports collagen production and helps fight free radicals, which may aid in healing acne scars; however, it’s more effective when applied topically than when taken orally.

One study has shown that daily use of a vitamin C formulation for three months improved the appearance of fine and coarse facial wrinkles and neck wrinkles, as well as overall skin texture and appearance.

B vitamins (especially B5) have been explored in acne treatment, but results vary widely. In particular, some forms of B12 have been suspected to trigger acne.

Fish Oil (Omega-3s)

Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish oil, have anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce the severity of acne, especially inflammatory types such as cystic acne.

Some studies have shown that omega-3 supplementation can have a positive effect on acne, particularly when combined with a healthy, low-glycemic diet.

While fish oil is generally safe, it’s not foolproof—some people experience digestive side effects like bloating, nausea, or fishy burps, and high doses may thin the blood, which can be risky if you’re on anticoagulants.

In rare cases, it may even trigger breakouts, especially if the supplement is low quality or oxidised. Fish oil is also unlikely to help with non-inflammatory acne (like blackheads) and may be ineffective if the EPA content is too low.

Are supplements necessary if I eat a healthy diet?

The above is true only if we are eating a well-balanced diet, and sometimes we may need a more concentrated or active form of those vitamins/antioxidants for them to work specifically towards a particular skin condition.

In general, a balanced diet rich in whole foods should give your body what it needs. 

However, if you have digestive issues, food restrictions, or higher nutritional needs due to stress or skin conditions, a supplement can serve as a helpful booster.

That said, supplements are not a substitute for a balanced diet or proper medical care.

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What is my body lacking when I have acne?

Acne is often associated with nutritional deficiencies, but it’s essential to emphasise that acne is multifactorial, meaning it’s caused by a combination of factors rather than a single root issue.

Hormones, genetics, stress, gut health, inflammation, skin microbiome imbalance, and even skincare habits all contribute to the appearance of acne. That said, certain micronutrient deficiencies have been observed more frequently in individuals who experience persistent breakouts. 

The most common are zinc, vitamin D, vitamin E, vitamin A and selenium. 

While correcting these deficiencies may help improve acne symptoms, it’s not the whole picture. Nutritional imbalances often coexist with hormonal fluctuations (such as elevated androgens), stress, poor sleep, gut dysbiosis, or inflammatory diets.

That’s why treating acne successfully often requires a holistic approach—not just supplements, but also considering food choices, stress management, skincare routines, and, when necessary, medical therapies.

Will supplements help clear acne?

The short answer: They may help, but not on their own. There’s rarely a single missing piece. Instead, think of acne as a puzzle where nutrition is just one part of the picture, not the whole story.

This study shows some correlation between vitamin E and zinc and acne. However, the keyword here is “correlation.” That means some people with acne may experience improvement when they increase their intake of specific nutrients, but we cannot claim a direct cause-and-effect relationship.

It’s also worth noting that supplements work best when combined with other acne management strategies, including:

  • Good skincare
  • In-clinic treatments
  • Hormonal evaluation (especially for adult acne)
  • Stress reduction
  • Gut health support
  • Dietary changes, and more

What foods or habits should I avoid if I have acne?

These dietary and lifestyle choices have more substantial evidence linking them to acne flare-ups:

The above foods can trigger hormonal spikes and inflammation, both of which can worsen acne.

What does help acne, according to research?

Here’s a quick summary of acne-fighting supplements with some scientific backing:

  • Low glycemic diet
  • Omega-3 fatty acids (e.g., fish oil)
  • Zinc
  • Vitamin A (used carefully)
  • Vitamin D
  • Probiotics (especially for those with gut-related acne)

Should I try acne supplements?

Supplements can play a helpful role in managing acne, especially when there’s a confirmed deficiency or inflammation-related skin issue. However, they’re not singular solutions, and they should never replace a well-balanced diet, a proper skincare routine, and trusted medical advice.

If you’re struggling with persistent acne, the best place to start is with a doctor or skin specialist who can help you evaluate the whole picture, beginning with examining crucial facets such as your hormones, diet, and overall health.

When it comes to your skin, tailored, inside-out support can make a difference. Contact us today for the guidance your skin deserves.

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