Oily Skin can be a hassle at the best of times. It requires special makeup and cleaning techniques to keep that greasy shine at bay. But what if your oily skin is more than just a part of your daily routine? Could oily skin be a Vitamin deficiency? Well, yes, in some cases it can. That’s why diet is such a big part of your body’s health, skin included. Unhealthy food can lead to excess oil, which then causes acne and other skin problems. So, which vitamins should you watch for to keep your skin clear? Keep reading to find out!

What Causes Oily Skin?

Oily skin can be caused a variety of issues. Genetics is a top cause. If your parents are plagued with oil, you’ll likely suffer from the same issue. Hormonal changes, like puberty or pregnancy, can lead to excess sebum production. Certain medications can also lead to oily skin. When it comes to vitamin deficiencies, this is usually due to an unhealthy diet. What you put into your body needs to have a purpose, to make all your organs run smoothly. This includes your sebaceous glands, which are responsible for balanced oil levels. If you are lacking in some key vitamins, your face will show it with a shiny, acne-prone complexion.

Oily Skin Treatments

To keep your oily skin under control, you can try the usual methods. Wash your face twice a day, use toner, and finish up with an oil-free moisturizer. Keep blotting papers in your pocket for that midday shine. And choose makeup carefully so you don’t clog your pores. But though this is all good advice, none of these measures are actually solving the problem. If a vitamin deficient diet is a cause, you’ll need to alter it or add some supplements to your daily routine. So, which vitamins might you be lacking in, causing your oily skin issues? It could be one alone or a few together.

Vitamins That Lead to Oily Skin and Acne

If you think your oily skin is caused by more than just your bodily changes, a vitamin deficiency may be the cause. Lacking in any of the following vitamins can lead to a variety of skin issues. But some of them only work best when used with others, so be sure you have the proper amounts of all of them in your diet.

#1 – Vitamin A:

Vitamin A is one of the most important vitamins when it comes to the health of your skin. It promotes a healthy balance of your natural sebum production. It strengthens the outer layer for firmer skin. Vitamin A is also a key element in natural exfoliation. It removes the dead skin cells, increasing skin turnover. This vitamin supports a healthy immune system, which reduces acne for clear skin. If you are deficient in Vitamin A, your skin will show it. You’ll be dealing with sun damage, age spots, and frequent breakouts. To increase your Vitamin A levels, eat a diet that includes carrots, eggs, spinach, and broccoli. You can also try taking Vitamin A supplements to meet your needs.

#2 – Vitamin B2:

Vitamin B2 is the simple name for Riboflavin. It helps metabolize fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. It is also essential for proper growth and mitochondrial functions. When it comes to skin, the proper amounts can prevent excessive oil production in your skin. People are rarely deficient in just B2. In fact, if you’re deficient in this vitamin, you are probably lacking in all the B vitamins. Along with oily skin, you may also notice split nails, dull or oily hair, and wrinkles lining your face and arms. There are normal regular conditions that can lead to low Vitamin B2 levels. Pregnancy and breastfeeding can cause it. Normal growth can also do it. But illnesses like vomiting and stress can also cause a deficiency. To boost your levels, eat some almonds, sunflower seeds or cook up some leafy veggies.

#3 – Vitamin B5:

Pantothenic acid, or Vitamin B5, helps clear up acne and oily skin in a few different ways. The first is that it can shrink large pores, similar to the actions of an astringent. But unlike these products, it won’t dry out your skin, triggering an increase in oil. The smaller pores also force the sebum buildup out of the pores. This way, it can be sloughed off along with any dead skin cells as you wash your face. This reduces the appearance of acne. It also helps get rid of any pimples you may already have, giving you clear skin after only a short time. Another benefit of Vitamin B5 is its ability to increase your Coenzyme A production. This speeds up your body’s fat metabolism, reducing what’s in your sebaceous glands. This means less oil. If you notice an increase in oil and blemishes, you can try an oral supplement or a topical treatment.

#4 – Vitamin B6:

Deficiencies of Vitamin B6, or pyridoxine, are rare in North America. But it doesn’t mean it can’t happen if you aren’t eating decent meals every day. When it comes to your skin, lacking in this vitamin has nasty side effects. You’ll know it by the yellow, sticky, mucus-like sebum that coats every inch of you. This will likely result in increased acne. To keep your skin clear, you need to make sure you are getting daily doses of Vitamin B6. You can do this by ingesting ample levels of it. Some sources of this vitamin are hot or bell peppers, liver, poultry, fish, or dried prunes. This vitamin is also water-soluble. This means if you eat too much, it won’t cause any negative reactions. The excess will be removed naturally a few hours later when you use the bathroom.

#5 – Vitamin B12: 

Because the body stores Vitamin B12 in the liver for years at a time, very few people will suffer from a deficiency. It is mainly those who have made certain physical choices that require extra. This includes alcoholics, smokers, or pregnant women. Strict vegetarians are missing out on these vitamins due to the lack of meat in their diet. The elderly and those with medical conditions like Crohn’s or anemia may also not be able to absorb it well. Though excessive oil may not result from a lack of Vitamin B12, or Cobalamin, it can cause other skin issues. Dark patches from hyper-pigmentation can be the result. Vitiligo causes white patches. Skin lesions may also occur. Proper levels of B12 can help balance out your moisture levels, giving you a smooth texture. Meat, cheese, fortified soy milk, and shellfish are all good sources of Vitamin B12.

#6 – Vitamin C:

When you think scurvy, you probably think of historical sea voyages with a lack of fruit. But it is still possible to get this illness these days. And the results affect your skin in a few different ways. Vitamin C is a natural antioxidant, so it protects against free radical damage. Without it, you could suffer from premature aging and an increase in acne. Ascorbic acid, as it’s also called, also regulates collagen production. Collagen is necessary for repairing skin damage. Without it, your skin won’t be able to fight off toxins and bacteria. You can increase your Vitamin C levels by taking daily oral supplements. It has also been known to improve the effects of oral antibiotics used as an acne treatment. Eating plenty of citrus fruits, kiwis, broccoli, and peppers is also a good idea.

#7 – Vitamin D:

The best way to get a healthy dose of Vitamin D is to sit out in the sun, soaking up the full benefits of those rays. But in the northern hemisphere, when winter comes, this may not be an option. Unfortunately, you can’t get the recommended dose of Vitamin D from food alone. An oral supplement is necessary along with your dietary intake. Without it, you may have an increase in insulin levels, which could lead to acne. Vitamin D is also an anti-inflammatory and boosts your immune system. Without it, your blemishes could increase in size and occurrences. You need around 5000 IU each day, so be sure to take Vitamin D supplements to avoid a Vitamin D deficiency.

#8 – Vitamin E:

Vitamin E is another antioxidant, fighting off damage caused by free radicals. When it comes to acne, it helps in a few different ways. It prevents clogged pores by reducing hardening of the sebum in your glands. It also repairs damage and stabilizes your skin’s protective barrier. Sources of this vitamin are vegetable oils, nuts, leafy greens, and margarine. Because of its common occurrence in our food, a deficiency is rare. But if you notice an increase in acne, you may want to check your levels, just in case.

Oily Skin and Vitamin Deficiency Final Thoughts

Vitamins work within your body in many ways to keep you healthy, both inside and out. Oily skin and acne can result from an improper diet lacking in these vitamins. It may not be apparent right away, but if you suspect a deficiency in any of these, seek medical advice as soon as you can. Thanks for reading! If you are looking for more hair care articles check out our hair care buyer’s guides.

Footnotes:

• NCBI: The relationship of diet and acne
• Progressive Health: 10 Vitamins for Acne

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