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|  The most common form of acne (acne vulgaris) includes blackheads (glands plugged with excess oil that discolours), whiteheads (small collections of pus within glands) and raised red blemishes with semi-solid centres (inflamed areas of more extensive infection). A more severe form (cystic acne) has symptoms that include painful, fluid filled cysts and firm, painless lumps under the skin. Both of these forms of acne have the potential to permanently disfigure the skin and, whilst they can erupt at any age, are prevalent during adolescence. Nearly 85 percent of people between the ages of 12 and 24 get acne. For most people, acne goes away by age 30.
Acne affects the glands in the skin that secrete the lubricant sebum. These sebaceous glands are first activated at puberty by the hormone testosterone and start to produce oil to lubricate the skin, but the pores can become blocked resulting in spots – particularly on the face, back, shoulders and chest. Additionally, stress, some medicines, steroids and heavy make-up can be the cause of acne. In some cases it is thought to be genetic. Care should be taken when washing or cleansing as abrasive products and exfoliants can damage spots and spread infection and astringent products dry out the skin and promote the production of more oil to compensate. MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane) is a naturally occurring organic sulphur compound that is found in all living plant and animal tissues. It promotes the regeneration of healthy skin by helping the formation of collagen and elastin. It is also a powerful anti-inflammatory. Combined with vitamin C, this supplement is especially effective at helping the skin heal more quickly and prevents new blemishes forming. Vitamin C also aids absorption of MSM. Selenium is essential for a healthy immune system and, when combined with vitamin E at a level of 200mg per day (at age 7 years and above), it appears to have greater anti-inflammatory benefits. Vitamin B6 supplements at 50mg per day can help decrease skin oiliness and improve acne. This vitamin is particularly useful for girls who experience acne flaring up just before menstruation. Vitamin E functions as an anti-oxidant and may inhibit the bacteria responsible for the inflammatory aspects of acne. Studies have shown that vitamin E may also help reduce the appearance of scars left by acne. Those who suffer with severe acne have been found to have significantly reduced vitamin E levels compared to healthy control groups. Vitamin C fights free radicals that can lead to the occurrence of acne. It also helps to reduce the associated inflammation, whilst stimulating the growth of healthy new skin tissue and toning the skin. Zinc supplements have been shown to reduce the severity of acne and in one trial it was found to be as effective as oral antibiotics. Doctors sometimes suggest acne sufferers take 30mg of zinc twice daily for 3 months and then once a day. It can take anything up to 3 months before an improvement is seen. Taking zinc long-term requires copper to be taken at a ratio of 15:1 as well, so a supplement containing both in the correct amount (e.g., 15mg zinc & 1mg copper) should be used.
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