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. Although dosages of vitamin A below 300,000 IU a day for a few months rarely cause toxicity symptoms, early recognition is important. Refer to Avoiding vitamin A Toxicity for complete information about using high-potency vitamin A supplements.
Some herbs heal the skin and soothe inflammation and itching.
Chinese herbalists may recommend echinacea, calendula, tea tree oil, and goldenseal tincture or blue flag, which works well with echinacea. Drinking tea of nettles and cleavers tincture may be effective. If stress may be contributing to your acne, relax with a cup of lavender or chamomile tea. A facial steam treatment with these herbs two or three times a week may help. Topical treatments with bentonite masks three times a week, use of calendula soap, and the draining of comedones with a comedo extractor will help.