We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

How do I Use Pantothenic Acid for Acne?

By Angela Crout-Mitchell
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 11,841
Share

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.

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.

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.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
By anon324410 — On Mar 10, 2013

@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!

By ddljohn — On Feb 09, 2012

@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?

By burcidi — On Feb 09, 2012

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.

By serenesurface — On Feb 08, 2012

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!

Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/how-do-i-use-pantothenic-acid-for-acne.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.