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How do I Use Pantothenic Acid for Acne?

Angela Crout-Mitchell
Angela Crout-Mitchell

The most common methods for using pantothenic acid for acne treatment are cream, topical ointment, tablets, and capsules. This water-soluble vitamin is found in most foods, and people very rarely experience a deficiency in this nutrient. It has been proven effective for many people when treating particularly stubborn acne and is often suggested when other more conventional acne treatments have failed to yield therapeutic results. This essential nutrient was discovered as an acne treatment ingredient when Dr. Lit-Hung Leung performed a clinical trial with long term acne sufferers ranging in age from 10 to 30 years old and observed impressive results. In addition to reducing the appearance of acne blemishes, some patients have also reported the occurrence of smaller skin pores.

One of the biggest advantages of using pantothenic acid for acne treatment is the low occurrence of side effects. Since the body is accustomed to the presence of this protein synthesis nutrient, allergic reactions or adverse drug interactions are virtually nonexistent. Most medical experts are comfortable with acne patients using these products, especially because the body can tolerate almost unlimited supplies of pantothenic acid with no risk or side effects. As with any supplement or treatment, any problems that arise should be reported to a doctor as quickly as possible.

Pantothenic acid may be obtained from a pharmacy with a prescription from a doctor.
Pantothenic acid may be obtained from a pharmacy with a prescription from a doctor.

Many people choose to use pantothenic acid cream for acne. This version of the medication can be found in some local drug stores, reputable online resources, and may be obtained from the pharmacy with a prescription from a doctor or dermatologist. Most creams contain a therapeutic dose of 20% pantothenic acid and are well tolerated by the skin, leaving no unsightly red or inflamed areas. The pantothenic cream is most effective when applied to affected, clean skin twice a day, normally in the morning and again before bed.

Pantothenic acid has been shown to be effective in treating stubborn acne.
Pantothenic acid has been shown to be effective in treating stubborn acne.

Capsules or tablets are another popular form of pantothenic acid and can be used alone or with the cream for the best results. It is recommended the acne sufferer take a total of 10 grams of pantothenic acid dispensed in four doses throughout the day. When used regularly and correctly along with the pantothenic acid cream, most patients notice visible differences in the health of their skin in three to four weeks. It is important to continue with the treatments after the skin is clear, as most people who stop treatment report their skin reverts back to its original state. In addition to being effective, using pantothenic acid for acne is also affordable.

Discussion Comments

anon324410

@burcidi: I think it's possible (especially given the dryness issues you reported) that maybe you have a different type of acne than what the pantothetic acid is suggested for? I don't understand it to be suggested for any and all acne, just the sebaceous kind (acne vulgaris).

There are a lot of studies and reports from doctors and other types of practitioners who have seen significant successes in the treatment of that kind of acne with pantothetic acid; it's not merely a few people's experiences, but again, I think it depends on the type of acne.

I have two teens with complexion issues; one with just regular teenage acne (and mild, at that), and the other with sebacious acne. The latter is the one using the pantothetic acid and we noticed a difference within a matter of just a few doses.

Hopefully, you will find something that helps you!

ddljohn

@burcidi-- Of course, there is no guarantee that a treatment is going to work for every single person. But when it comes to vitamin pantothenic acid, I think enough people have been getting good results that makes it worth of mention. I'm also one of them.

I agree with you that 10 grams might be too much initially. When I started my supplements, I started at a low dose- 2 grams. Then, I slowly worked it up to 10 grams over two months. After six months, I was able to reduce it to 5 grams and I've been continuing with this dose since.

I had chronic acne for three years before I tried vitamin pantothenic acid. It was able to clear up my acne completely in several months.

I'm sorry it didn't work for you. But maybe you can try again with a lower dose?

burcidi

I think pantothenic acid benefits for acne are exaggerated. I've used it and it did nothing for me. My pores were still enlarged and I still had acne afterward.

I also think that the recommended dose of 10 grams can be too much. When I was taking this dose, I felt like I was throwing most of it out through urine. And at the end of the treatment, my hair, nails and scalp became extremely dry, brittle and flaky.

I didn't really benefit from pantothenic acid and I think that a few people's experience with it is being generalized for everyone.

serenesurface

I heard about this treatment on a acne forum. Some people reported that it reduced their sebum (oil) production greatly and they've been having less breakouts since taking the supplements.

I decided to try it and purchased pantothenic acid in 500mg tablets. I've been taking four of these tablets per day (2000mg or 2 grams) for the past four weeks.

My face is really less oily and I am getting less breakouts. I used to have to wash my face three times a day and also use oil absorbing sheets throughout the day. Now it's enough if I wash once in the morning and once at night. I've only had 2 breakouts the whole month. I used to get a breakout every other day before!

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    • Pantothenic acid may be obtained from a pharmacy with a prescription from a doctor.
      By: Minerva Studio
      Pantothenic acid may be obtained from a pharmacy with a prescription from a doctor.
    • Pantothenic acid has been shown to be effective in treating stubborn acne.
      By: olavs
      Pantothenic acid has been shown to be effective in treating stubborn acne.
    • Pantothenic acid can be used in in ointment form to treat acne.
      By: Coprid
      Pantothenic acid can be used in in ointment form to treat acne.