Clear Skin
Acne, established treatments, and the limitations of supplement evidence.
What does this page cover?
This page covers acne, not every possible cause of changes in skin appearance.
How does acne appear?
Acne includes blackheads and inflamed pimples. Severe acne can cause painful nodules and scarring. Hormones stimulate sebum production. 1
When does medical treatment matter?
Severe acne or failure of standard treatment calls for other treatment options; AAD includes isotretinoin in these situations. Treatment selection should involve a dermatologist. 2
Nutrients with the strongest ratings
Sorted by the largest rated effect. Bars show effect size, the letter is the evidence grade.
Every ratingEvery nutrient rated for clear skin, with search
How strong is the zinc evidence?
A 2018 literature review examines different zinc formulations. Its abstract does not provide a pooled effect estimate and cannot establish a reliable dosing regimen. 3
What has stronger guideline support?
AAD recommends treatments including benzoyl peroxide and topical retinoids. Evidence was insufficient for recommendations on vitamins, plant products, or dietary changes. 2
Other supplements
Pycnogenol and chaste tree are not evaluated here.
Questions people ask
Are blackheads dirt?
Their dark color results from melanin reacting with oxygen. 1
Can acne leave scars?
Severe acne can cause scarring. 1
Are vitamin supplements recommended?
AAD found insufficient evidence to recommend them. 2
What role does zinc have?
Zinc formulations have been studied, but the review assessed here does not establish a general supplementation recommendation. 3
Sources
- Akne IQWiG
- American Academy of Dermatology issues updated guidelines for the management of acne American Academy of Dermatology, 2024
- The role of zinc in the treatment of acne: A review of the literature Dermatologic Therapy, 2018 · Study record