High-chromium yeast is known to improve glucose tolerance and enhance insulin sensitivity. In an uncontrolled study, chromium was reported to induce rapid improvement in patients with acne. Some alternative therapies for acne attempt to reduce inflammation and fight infection. Other approaches use herbal or dietary measures to control factors, such as stress, that may promote acne. For mild or moderate acne, these approaches may make sense, but acne vulgaris and rosacea respond much more slowly than most other ailments to any therapy.
Many acne treatments take up to a year to produce results.
A 50 mg zinc supplement daily may contribute to reducing inflammation and healing damaged skin. Chromium supplements are said to boost the body's ability to break down glucose. Vitamin E, an antioxidant, may also be included at doses of 200 to 400 IU daily. Vitamin A retinols, including oral vitamin A, have been shown in many studies to reduce sebum production and the hyperkeratosis of sebaceous follicles. Retinol has been shown to be effective in treating acne.