Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B5) for Acne: Does it Work and How to Use it?

What is Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B5)?

The essential nutrient pantothenic acid, also known as vitamin B5, is available as a dietary supplement, is added to some foods, and occurs naturally in others. This water-soluble B vitamin [1] gets primarily used in producing acyl carrier protein and coenzyme A (CoA). It helps the body break down food, such as complex carbohydrates, into simple forms of sugar, such as glucose, as well as fats and proteins, which in turn provide energy for performing various bodily functions. In the adrenal glands, it also aids in the production of numerous hormones, new red blood cells, and cholesterol.

Pantothenic acid, also known as vitamin B5, is crucial for converting energy for several bodily functions. Additionally, it assists in transforming other B vitamins into different forms for your body to use. Vitamin B5 also strengthens the immune system and brain functions, thus identifying itself as a powerful antioxidant and neural compound. Additionally, it helps with stress reduction and fat metabolism.

Importance of Vitamin B5 for Skin Health

There remain a select few hydrating ingredients that consistently receive attention, such as hyaluronic acid. However, the advent of panthenol has altered the landscape of skincare. Due to its excellent moisturizing properties [3], this vitamin, also known as provitamin B5, can be found in several skincare, makeup, and haircare products. It performs several different tasks, including attracting and retaining water in the skin as a humectant and smoothing and softening the skin as an emollient. Dermatologists concur that panthenol is worthwhile to look for even though it rarely gets featured in skincare products. Here are some reasons why panthenol, or vitamin B5, is crucial for healthy skin.

Panthenol has some other notable effects. In addition to its excellent hydrating advantages, it concerns calming the skin and accelerating wound healing.

• Panthenol reaches the deeper layers of the skin and infuses water into the cells, retaining moisture within the tissue.
• It aids in stimulating cells that improve skin barrier function in addition to helping the skin retain moisture.
• Panthenol is frequently used to treat minor skin injuries because the cells that improve skin barrier function are crucial for wound healing.
• Panthenol is frequently present in sunburn ointments because research has shown that it has an anti-inflammatory effect on UV-induced redness.

Benefits of Pantothenic Acid for Acne

You can incorporate pantothenic acid or panthenol into your skincare routine for many reasons. But reducing and preventing acne is one of the most frequent reasons experts advise taking this vitamin. Even though it might not be immediately apparent, there is a clear connection between pantothenic acid and acne upon closer examination.

Let’s examine the benefits [2] of pantothenic acid and its anti-acne effects.

1. Reduces inflammation

It is ideal for yeast and other acne-causing bacteria to flourish when your skin is inflamed. It is because inflammation makes your body’s oil glands work overtime. However, using panthenol on the affected area helps reduce redness, irritation, and inflammation while calming inflammation. It stops the bacteria that cause acne from developing into a pimple.

2. Improves moisture levels

Pantothenic acid has a high moisturizing capacity. By reducing dryness, roughness, and texture – the use of skin care products containing panthenol is a great way to increase your skin’s moisture levels. Your skin can become supple and soft thanks to pantothenic acid. Additionally, when your skin gets adequately moisturized, it aids in regulating sebum production and lowers your risk of developing breakouts.

3. Strengthens skin barrier

One of the essential conditions for achieving clear, glowing, and problem-free skin is a healthy skin barrier. A damaged skin barrier, however, is less able to shield your skin from free radicals caused by various environmental irritants. In addition, a damaged skin barrier makes your skin more vulnerable to damage – and, consequently, acne. However, pantothenic acid aids in intensely hydrating your skin and minimizing inflammation. Pantothenic acid also does a great job of controlling acne because healthy, problem-free skin is synonymous with well-hydrated skin.

4. Aids in skin repair

Pantothenic acid helps with skin repair and restoration because of its anti-inflammatory, moisturizing, and strengthening properties. Pantothenic acid speeds up the healing process after an injury or damage to your skin by reducing inflammation and providing enough moisture.
Pantothenic acid [2] is said to improve skin elasticity and preserve its health and youth for an extended period if used regularly, according to research.

Does Pantothenic Acid Work for Acne?

Acne is a common skin condition that affects the hair follicles and gets linked to an oil gland. Up to 95% of people will experience facial lesions due to acne during their lifetime, which frequently begins in adolescence but persists or starts in adulthood. Aside from prescription medications, over-the-counter items, and procedures like laser therapy, there are numerous common treatments for acne lesions. Additionally, there has been a rise in interest in using natural skin care products like vitamin C, other antioxidants, botanicals, and omega-3 fatty acids. Pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) is one substance that has demonstrated the potential [4] for facial acne lesions reduction.

A water-soluble member of the B vitamin family, pantothenic acid is transformed into 4′-phosphopantetheine and then into coenzyme A (CoA) by the action of adenosine triphosphate. Through the metabolism of CoA, pantothenic acid controls keratinocyte differentiation and the function of the epidermal barrier. A recent clinical trial also showed that topical products containing pantothenic acid soften skin [5]. Additionally, a recent feasibility study has demonstrated that it is both – feasible and safe to take nutritional supplements containing pantothenic acid orally every day for eight weeks. Throughout the 8-week study period, secondary endpoints of that study showed a decrease in the overall number of facial acne lesions.

How to Use Pantothenic Acid for Acne?

There aren’t any standard guidelines for vitamin B5 dosage for the treatment of acne as of yet. A few studies recommend a mega-dose of Vitamin B5 of 2-4 grams per day that investigated the use of pantothenic acid to treat acne. Others think a daily starting dose of 250 mg would be more suitable. The dosage of vitamin B5 has a direct impact on its effectiveness. You can combine pantothenic acid with a small amount of Vitamin B1 for the best outcomes. B1 supplementation enhances our gastrointestinal system’s ability to absorb B5. The effect of vitamin B5 [1] on the skin may get enriched with the addition of other vitamins like vitamin A, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, and vitamin B3, as well as the minerals zinc, selenium, and chromium. These additions may also help maintain clear and healthy skin.

Maximizing the effectiveness of panthenol has less to do with the other ingredients involved and more to do with how you use it because it generally plays well with other elements. It works best on freshly cleaned skin, so wash your face, use a toner to remove any remaining grime, and apply a panthenol-containing lotion or cream.
Most people tolerate panthenol well. Because pantothenic acid is water soluble, there is little chance that your body will overdose because the urinary tract system will filter and eliminate any excess. Although it’s unlikely, allergies are always possible with this ingredient, as with any other. Before applying it all over your complexion, you can always test a small amount on another part of your body if you’re worried.

Other Ways to Incorporate Pantothenic Acid in your Skincare Routine

Acne has to be the one skin issue that frustrates you and even lowers your self-esteem, leaving behind permanent scars. Having acne as an adult can be very annoying and challenging to deal with – because it gets brought on by several factors, including stress, oily skin, blocked pores, poor lifestyle choices, and improper skincare practices.

The vitamin B5 compound pantothenic acid improves your skin’s ability to retain moisture, aids skin barrier repair, and prevents harmful toxins from entering your body. According to research, pantothenic acid, or more precisely, panthenol, is a great way to treat and prevent acne. Here are a few other ways to incorporate pantothenic acid into your skincare routine.

1. Foods rich in pantothenic acid

Almost all foods naturally have pantothenic acid. Some foods, such as breakfast cereals and beverages, also contain it as an additive (such as energy drinks). You can eat a variety of foods to get the recommended amounts [3] of pantothenic acid, including the following:

• Caviar

Even though fish eggs and caviar are typically not on people’s regular grocery lists, they are among nature’s best sources of pantothenic acid. The amount of pantothenic acid in just a half cup of fish eggs is 4.8 mg, or 48% RDV.

• Liver

Although pantothenic acid levels are high in all meats and poultry, they are high in dark meat and animal livers. A slice of beef liver (2.4 ounces) contains 50% of the RDV for pantothenic acid.

• Shiitake Mushrooms

All mushrooms contain large amounts of pantothenic acid. The average yield of pantothenic acid per 100 grams (2.5 ounces) of mushrooms is between 10% and 15% of the RDV. The shiitake mushroom, which offers 37% RDV pantothenic acid for every 100 grams of mushroom, is the star of this group.

• Avocado

This “fatty” vegetable remains packed with vital vitamins and minerals. Avocados also contain a tremendous amount of vitamin B5. 20% RDV of pantothenic acid can get obtained from one medium-sized avocado.

• Baker’s Yeast

The amount of nutrition you can find in just one tablespoon of Baker’s yeast may surprise you. Numerous vitamins, including folate, niacin, thiamin, and pantothenic acid, are present in high concentrations. One tablespoon contains 14% of the RDV for pantothenic acid.

• Egg Yolk

One whole egg per day will not increase cholesterol levels, despite the negative reputation that egg yolks have. Recent studies also support it. Additionally, essential nutrients like choline and pantothenic acid get found in egg yolks. One large egg’s yolk contains 5% of the RDV for pantothenic acid.

2. Other supplements that complement the use of Vitamin B5 for acne

Only pantothenic acid dietary supplements, B-complex dietary supplements, and some multivitamin/multimineral supplements are all sources of pantothenic acid. Pantothenic acid remains frequently found in dietary supplements such as calcium pantothenate or pantetheine. There are eight different types of vitamin B, collectively known as vitamin B, and some are real acne-fighting powerhouses. B5 and B3 are the B vitamins to adopt if you suffer from acne.

Your skin’s sebaceous glands frequently produce too much oil, which contributes to acne. B5 lessens acne by lowering the surplus oil. According to some studies, people with mild to moderate acne who took vitamin B5 saw noticeable reductions [2] in their spots. Niacin, also known as vitamin B3, is used to treat many skin conditions, including rosacea, dermatitis, hyperpigmentation, and acne. Niacinamide is a popular skincare ingredient and a type of vitamin B3 that is present in many creams and serums used to treat acne.

FAQs about Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B5) for Acne

Salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide are two tried-and-true ingredients that come to mind when you think of anti-acne skin care. In the world of ingredients that fight acne, there is one rising star that you should be aware of today. Pantothenic acid, also known as vitamin B5, is a popular ingredient[6] in many skin-care products because of its hydrating and anti-inflammatory qualities. Science demonstrates that this modest vitamin can help you get the clear skin you’ve always wanted by eradicating acne breakouts from your face. But the genuine concern on everyone’s mind is whether vitamin B5 effectively treats acne. Let’s find out the answers to a few of these queries.

Q1. Is there clinical research on vitamin B5 and acne?

According to one study, after eight weeks of treatment, volunteers with acne who took a daily oral dose of a dietary supplement containing pantothenic acid experienced a 50% decrease in acne. The findings have confirmation from a second, bigger, randomized controlled study. According to this study, supplementation for 12 weeks resulted in a 67% decrease in acne lesions.

Q2. Is pantothenic acid safe to use?

Since pantothenic acid is water soluble, your urine can very easily remove from your body. As a result, even in higher doses, it is generally safer and less likely to have serious side effects. The recommended dosage for adults is only 8 to 11 mg. But, if you exceed this amount, it can result in side effects like diarrhea.

Q3. How much pantothenic acid should one take?

The safe pantothenic acid dosage for adults is 8 to 11 milligrams. To be safe, as was previously mentioned, always check with your doctor before taking any supplements or medications. It will aid in avoiding any unanticipated harmful effects.

Q4. What is the best form of pantothenic acid?

The regular pantothenic acid tablets’ aftertaste and bulk are frequent complaints. A much more practical way to take pantothenic acid supplements is in vegetable capsules. These capsules enable taking the entire recommended dosage in a single daily pill. These capsules also don’t have an aftertaste and are much simpler to swallow than regular tablets. You can also open the capsules and sprinkle the contents on food if they are too large for you.

Q5. Can pantothenic acid help with acne?

The vitamin B5 compound pantothenic acid improves your skin’s ability to retain moisture, aids skin barrier repair, and prevents harmful toxins from entering your body. According to research, pantothenic acid, or more precisely, panthenol, is a great way to treat and prevent acne.

Conclusion

It is entirely acceptable to want to get rid of acne permanently as a response. To want to have a clear, healthy, radiant, and glowing complexion means that you’ve had enough of struggling with your skin condition. Fortunately, you can opt for other options besides harsh prescription drugs if you want clear skin. You can get your diet back in balance by looking at it more closely and making minor adjustments. You can finally get the clear skin you deserve by including a few extra vitamins and supplements.

Vitamin B5 is nothing short of miraculous for treating acne. Acne is no longer something you must tolerate. If you want the clear skin you have always wanted, you should opt for a straightforward natural remedy. Taking vitamin B5 for acne is well worth it because you have nothing to lose and so much to gain.

Vitamin B5 Shots at City Doctor

You can contact City Doctor in Dubai if you have vitamin B5 deficiency or acne. We can assist with getting you the appropriate treatment and vitamin shots. After receiving just one call from you, our team will dispatch a member to your location, conduct an extensive examination, and arrange for the required vitamin shot. Our team consists of doctors, nurses, and other medical experts with extensive training, credentials, and experience. In the UAE, we are accessible around the clock. You can reach us by phone at 800 5060 or send a WhatsApp message to +971 54 5060 704.