Can You Really Treat Acne With Supplements?

Acne can feel like a frustrating puzzle with far too many pieces—topical treatments, prescriptions, lifestyle changes, and, of course, the ever-expanding world of supplements. If you’ve ever found yourself staring at a bottle of zinc or DIM and wondering, Could this be the thing that finally clears my skin?—you’re definitely not alone.

Supplements for acne are often marketed as natural solutions to a complex problem. And while some can be supportive, especially when used alongside a medical-grade treatment like AviClear®, others may be ineffective—or even make things worse.

In this guide, we’ll break down the most commonly recommended acne supplements, help you separate hype from evidence, and explain how these options might fit into your bigger skincare picture. If you’ve been wondering whether to add something to your routine or just want to understand how supplements compare to a treatment like AviClear®, this article is for you.

WHY CONSIDER SUPPLEMENTS FOR ACNE?

First, let’s acknowledge something important: acne is a medical condition. It’s not just about what you put on your skin—your oil production, hormones, immune system, and even gut health all play a role. This complexity is why supplements have gained attention. They offer a way to support internal systems that might be contributing to breakouts.

Supplements may be especially helpful if you’re dealing with mild to moderate acne, breakouts linked to hormonal shifts, or chronic inflammation. In these cases, specific nutrients can offer subtle but meaningful support. They’re not magic pills, and they won’t cure acne overnight, but they can help create the right conditions for clearer skin—particularly if your body is missing something it needs to function optimally.

SUPPLEMENTS THAT MAY HELP WITH ACNE

ZINC

Zinc is one of the most well-researched nutrients when it comes to acne. It plays multiple roles in the body, including supporting immune function and reducing inflammation—two factors closely tied to breakouts. It also has antibacterial properties that may help calm active acne and prevent future flare-ups.

While zinc won’t stop acne completely on its own, many people see noticeable improvements, especially if they were deficient to begin with. The form of zinc you take matters too; zinc picolinate and zinc methionine (also sold as OptiZinc) are generally more absorbable than other types.

Of course, more isn’t always better. High doses can interfere with copper absorption, so it’s smart to stay within the recommended daily range unless directed by a healthcare provider.

OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS

Best known for their benefits to heart and brain health, omega-3s also have powerful anti-inflammatory effects—and that’s where they shine when it comes to acne.

When the skin is inflamed, breakouts tend to be more red, painful, and persistent. Omega-3s, typically from fish oil supplements, may help ease that inflammation and support hormonal balance. Many people with adult acne or hormonally-driven breakouts find them especially helpful.

You can get omega-3s from food (like salmon, walnuts, and flaxseed), but if those aren’t part of your regular diet, a supplement can be a great way to fill the gap.

DIM (DIINDOLYLMETHANE)

DIM is a compound found in cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and Brussels sprouts. It’s gained popularity as a supplement for hormonal acne because of how it supports estrogen metabolism.

For women who notice deep, cystic breakouts around their jawline or chin—especially around their menstrual cycle—DIM can help by reducing the hormonal fluctuations that trigger excess oil production. It’s not for everyone, though. Because DIM influences hormone activity, it should be used cautiously and ideally under guidance from a healthcare provider.

PROBIOTICS

We’ve learned a lot in recent years about how gut health impacts skin, and probiotics have taken center stage. The idea is that when your gut is imbalanced, it can trigger systemic inflammation, which may show up as acne.

By restoring healthy gut bacteria, probiotics may help reduce inflammation and improve immune function, which in turn may reduce acne severity. This won’t be a quick fix, but for some people—especially those with digestive issues or stress-related flare-ups—probiotics can be a helpful piece of the puzzle.

Not all probiotic supplements are created equal, so look for one that offers a variety of strains and a sufficient CFU count (generally in the 5–10 billion range).

VITAMIN D

Low vitamin D levels are common, especially in people who don’t get a lot of sun exposure. While vitamin D isn’t an acne treatment per se, there is a link between deficiency and inflammatory skin conditions, including acne.

Vitamin D plays a role in immune regulation and helps your body manage inflammation. If you’re deficient, restoring optimal levels may help reduce the frequency or severity of breakouts. It’s always best to get your levels tested before supplementing, since too much can be harmful.

SUPPLEMENTS THAT MIGHT HELP (BUT NEED MORE RESEARCH)

VITAMIN A (IN LOW DOSES)

Vitamin A is essential for skin health and cell turnover, and in high doses, it’s the active ingredient in prescription treatments like Accutane®. Some people take low-dose vitamin A supplements in hopes of achieving similar results with fewer side effects.

While there is potential, vitamin A supplementation comes with risks—especially if overused. It’s fat-soluble and can build up in the body, leading to toxicity. Unless directed by a healthcare provider, it’s better to stick to food-based sources or topical vitamin A (like retinoids) instead.

SPEARMINT TEA EXTRACT

Spearmint has been studied for its ability to slightly reduce androgen levels, which can influence oil production and hormonal acne. Drinking two cups of spearmint tea daily has shown promising results in small studies, particularly for women with adult acne.

That said, results are usually subtle and gradual. It’s a gentle option—not a cure—but may be worth exploring if your breakouts seem hormonal in nature.

N-ACETYLCYSTEINE (NAC)

NAC is an antioxidant that supports detoxification and reduces oxidative stress, both of which may be helpful in calming acne-prone skin. Early studies suggest that NAC could reduce acne severity, but it’s not yet widely used or studied enough to be a first-line approach.

Still, if you’re already addressing your acne with other treatments and looking to support your skin through additional anti-inflammatory pathways, NAC might be worth a conversation with your provider.

SUPPLEMENTS THAT LIKELY WON’T HELP

Not all supplements marketed for skin health are acne-friendly.

Biotin, for example, is commonly found in “hair, skin, and nails” blends, but it can actually make acne worse for some people. That’s because it competes with vitamin B5, a nutrient important for oil regulation and skin barrier function.

Collagen supplements are great for skin elasticity and hydration, but they haven’t been shown to improve acne. And high doses of B12—especially in supplement blends—have been linked to breakouts in some individuals.

When trying new supplements, it’s always helpful to introduce one at a time so you can monitor how your skin responds.

CAN YOU JUST TAKE SUPPLEMENTS INSTEAD OF TREATING ACNE?

This is a common question—and an understandable one. If there’s a natural solution that might work, why not start there?

The answer depends on your acne. For very mild cases or breakouts tied to clear hormonal triggers or deficiencies, some people do see modest improvement with supplements alone. But for persistent, moderate to severe acne, supplements usually aren’t enough.

They don’t target the oil glands, which are at the root of most acne. That’s where professional treatments like AviClear® make all the difference.

HOW AVICLEAR® COMPARES TO SUPPLEMENTS

AviClear® is the first ever FDA-cleared laser treatment that works by directly shrinking the oil glands in your skin. These glands are the source of acne—responsible for clogged pores, bacterial overgrowth, and inflammation. While supplements may help support your body in an indirect way, AviClear® goes straight to the root of the problem.

Another key difference is consistency. Supplements often require daily use and can take months to show subtle results—if any. And even then, they may not be strong enough to address moderate or severe acne. AviClear®, on the other hand, offers long-lasting improvement with just three treatments. Most clients begin to see results around the six-month mark, with full clearance typically visible within nine to twelve months.

Unlike some supplements, which can carry risks when taken in high doses, AviClear® has minimal side effects. And while some clients choose to take things like zinc or omega-3s during their AviClear® journey to help reduce inflammation or support their skin through the purge phase, those additions are entirely optional. AviClear® is highly effective on its own—no supplements required.

FINAL THOUGHTS

The world of supplements for acne is filled with possibilities—and plenty of pitfalls. While ingredients like zinc, omega-3s, DIM, and probiotics can offer real benefits in some situations, they rarely solve the problem on their own.

If you’ve been experimenting with supplements and still dealing with breakouts, it might be time to try a solution that’s designed to go deeper. AviClear® offers long-term results by treating acne at its source—no daily pills, no guesswork.

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