Try these expert-recommended vitamins to help remove acne scars

Acne affects millions of Americans every year, sometimes causing stubborn scarring that can be difficult to remove. An expert told Fox News Digital that certain vitamins, including vitamin A, can help remove acne scars.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology website, fifty million Americans struggle with acne each year. Acne is the most common skin condition and occurs at all ages, although it usually begins during puberty.

When acne happens, there is a risk of leaving scars. Acne scars can be difficult to remove and can affect your self-esteem.

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“Acne occurs when tiny hair follicles on the skin become blocked and dead skin cells, dirt and oily material build up deep in the pores. A pus-filled lump then forms, which bursts and causes inflammation in the surrounding skin. ” Dr. Ife J. Rodney, founder of Eternal Dermatology + Aesthetics in Fulton, Maryland, told Fox News Digital via email.

“This inflammation damages both the collagen deeper in the skin as well as the superficial layers of cells,” Rodney added. “When the surface is damaged, discoloration (brown or red spots) may appear, and when collagen deep in the skin is damaged, uneven textures and 'icing' acne scars may appear.”

There is no one universal way to remove acne scars. Each person's treatment is different.

Several vitamins and minerals can help remove acne scars. Read below to learn more about them.

1. Zinc
2. Vitamin C
3. Vitamin B3

1. Zinc

Zinc is a mineral that users may find helps reduce acne scars.

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According to Rodney, it can be effective in removing acne scars by reducing sebum production and skin inflammation.

“It also helps with wound healing and collagen production, which is a key step in treating acne scars,” Rodney said.

It is important to be careful when using zinc, as too much zinc can do more harm than good.

Excess zinc can cause copper deficiency and acne breakouts caused by increased testosterone levels, Rodney told Fox News Digital.

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The Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS) recommends 8–11 milligrams of zinc per day. Consult your doctor or dermatologist.

2. Vitamin C

Vitamin C is rich in fruits and vegetables and can be taken in supplemental form.

Vitamin C can help treat acne scars because it “brightens the skin and also increases collagen production and helps the body repair damaged cells,” Rodney said.

To prevent acne scars before they appear, it's important to avoid touching your blemishes. Try not to pop pimples as this can increase the risk of scarring.

Vitamin C can be easily incorporated into your daily diet by eating more fruits and vegetables or taking supplements. (iStock)

“When an acne lesion appears, whether it's a blackhead, blackhead, pus-filled bump (pimple), or even an acne cyst, don't try to pick or squeeze the bump,” Rodney said.

“This only causes more damage to the skin and increases inflammation, which results in more severe scarring that takes longer to heal.”

3. Vitamin B3

Vitamin B3 is also often used to remove acne scars.

Vitamin B3, “also known as niacinamide, stimulates collagen production and fights hyperpigmentation, improving both skin tone and texture,” Rodney told Fox News Digital.

While vitamins and minerals can play a role in reducing acne scars, remember that to alleviate acne scars, you probably need more than just vitamins.

Vitamins can promote overall skin health, but working with a dermatologist will help you determine a treatment plan that will work best for you.

“Treating acne scars is a gradual process.”

“Vitamins alone cannot remove acne scars. They work by creating a healthy environment in the skin, which gives you the best chance of improving scars. The most effective treatments for acne scars are in-office treatments performed by a dermatologist, Rodney said.

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Acne treatments include microneedling, laser treatments, and chemical peels.

“The specific treatment regimen we recommend depends on many factors, including the type and extent of acne scarring, skin type and the duration of scarring,” Rodney said.

“For all of these treatments, we usually recommend a series of 4-6 treatments spaced a month apart. It is important to understand that treating acne scars is a gradual process. There are no results overnight.”