Pantothenic Acid (vitamin B5) for Acne Treatment

Clinical researchers have found that specific vitamins and minerals can help anti-acne skincare routines when taken in the proper doses. For example, it is believed that taking Pantothenic Acid (B5) can be helpful with acne treatment.

What is Pantothenic Acid?

Pantothenic acid (B5) is one of the B-complex vitamins. The main role of pantothenic acid (B5) in the body is to convert lipids, protein, and carbohydrates into energy, which helps maintain healthy hair, healthy skin, and healthy eyes. It was also shown to increase skin oil breakdown, which reduces overall oil and sebum production and reduces stress levels.

How Does Pantothenic Acid Help with Acne?

Through coenzyme A (CoA) metabolism, pantothenic acid reduces the synthesis and secretion of oil and promotes sebum breakdown in the skin's oil glands.
Pantothenic acid (B5) was also shown to improve epidermal barrier function, which in turn helps to reduce acne breakouts.
Pantothenic acid is believed to support stress reduction, which may indirectly aid acne.

Is there clinical research on vitamin B5 and Acne?

One study found that volunteers with acne who took a daily oral dose of a pantothenic acid-based dietary supplement reduced 50% of the number of acne pimples after 8 weeks of treatment. A second, larger randomized controlled study has validated the results. This study showed a 67% reduction in the number of acne lesions after 12 weeks of supplementation.

Is pantothenic acid safe to use?

Vitamin B-5 supplements are water-soluble. As with other water-soluble vitamins, the urinary tract system would flush any excess of pantothenic acid. The US NIH site confirms that pantothenic acid is safe, even at high doses. That said, taking very high doses of pantothenic acid supplements (10,000 mg /day) can cause an upset stomach and diarrhea and change the urine's color to bright yellow.

Are there any know interactions with pantothenic acid?

The NIH confirms that pantothenic acid is not known to interfere or interfere with any medicines.

Pantothenic acid (B5) vs. Accutane

Accutane derived from Vitamin A is definitely the most effective oral medication used for acne. Having said that, Accutane is a very potent drug with quite a few side effects. Therefore, it requires a Dermatologist's prescription and should be used only in severe acne vulgaris or severe cystic acne that did not respond to topical treatment or acne supplements.

How much pantothenic acid should one take?

There are currently no formal recommendations about what dosage of vitamin B5 you should take to treat acne. A few studies that looked into acne treatment with pantothenic acid suggested a mega-dose of Vitamin B5 of 2-4 grams a day. Others believe that a starting dose of 250 mg per day would be more appropriate. If needed, this dose can be increased to 500mg per day (2 capsules).

What is the best form of pantothenic acid?

Many complain about the bulkiness and aftertaste of regular pantothenic acid tablets. Vegetable capsules are a much more convenient way to take pantothenic acid supplements. These capsules allow taking the full needed dose in one capsule a day. In addition, these capsules are much easier to swallow than regular tablets and don't leave an aftertaste. If the capsules are too big for you, they can also be opened and sprinkled on food.

Which type of pantothenic acid supplement should I take?

The efficacy of vitamin B5 is closely related to the amount used. MDacne's skin clearing vitamins contain a high amount of the active form of pantothenic acid (d-calcium pantothenate).
For best results, pantothenic acid should be combined with a small amount of Vitamin B1. Adding B1 improves the absorption of B5 in our gastrointestinal system. Adding other vitamins such as vitamin A, B1, B2, and B3 and the minerals zinc, selenium, and chromium are believed to enhance the effect of B5 on the skin and help reduce acne breakouts and help maintain clear and healthy skin. Beware that acne supplements should contain only a small amount of biotin. Large amounts of biotin that are frequently added to "one size fit all" skin and hair supplements cause more acne breakouts.

Can I combine Vitamin B5 supplements with topical acne treatment?

The optimal acne treatment combines topical and oral treatments. For best results, one should use in addition to acne supplements, a good acne cleanser, moisturizer, and medical-grade acne anti-acne cream. The best topical anti-acne treatment would help unclog the sebaceous glands and reduces skin redness (anti-inflammatory). Check this link for the best anti-acne treatments for teen acne and adult acne.

For a long, how should I take my acne supplements?

With MDacne's skin clearing vitamins, one can expect initial improvement around the 4-6 week mark with significant results by 12 weeks. For best results, Dermatologists recommend using these supplements for a period of at least 6 months.

More info: The best vitamins and minerals for people with acne

References:

Feasibility, Tolerability, Safety, and Efficacy of a Pantothenic Acid-Based Dietary Supplement in Subjects with Mild to Moderate Facial Acne Blemishes Journal of Cosmetics, Dermatological Sci. Vol.2 No.3, September 2012.

Yang et al. A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study of a Novel Pantothenic Acid-Based Dietary Supplement in Subjects with Mild to Moderate Facial Acne. (Dermatol Ther. (Heidelb.). 2014 Jun; 4(1): 93–101.

Kelly GS. Pantothenic Acid. Monograph. Altern. Med Rev. 2011;16(3):263–274.

Kobayashi D, Kusama M, et al. The effect of pantothenic acid deficiency on keratinocyte proliferation and the synthesis of keratinocyte growth factor and collagen in fibroblasts. J Pharmacol. Sci. 2011;115(2):230-4.

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