What Are the Pros and Cons of Brewer's Yeast for Acne?

Taking brewer's yeast, a one-celled fungus often used to make beer, to treat acne can be very effective, but it does have some drawbacks as well. Research has shown that brewer's yeast can work very well at clearing acne, probably due to the high level of chromium it contains. It can serve as a natural alternative to acne medications and is readily available in several forms as a dietary supplement. 

The effectiveness of brewer's yeast for acne is typically attributed to its high chromium content. The mineral is known to help stabilize blood sugar levels by improving both insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance. Studies have shown that controlling the glucose levels of those with severe acne with brewer's yeast can greatly improve their complexions.

Another pro of taking brewer's yeast for acne is that it offers a natural option for treatment. Acne sufferers are often dependent on medications, both topical and oral, and may even need to take prescription drugs. Taking brewer's yeast may help them avoid this. It is readily available in flake, powder, tablet, and liquid forms. In addition to chromium, it also contains protein and a number of B vitamins that are important for overall good health.

Brewer's yeast is a nutritional supplement that contains a wealth of vitamins and minerals. It is rich in thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, pyridoxine, folic acid, and biotin.

Redness of acne is a sign that your skin is inflamed. Redness can occur because of the acne itself, but it can also be caused by the presence of bacteria or a reaction to an ingredient in your skincare product. Redness can be temporary or long-term, depending on the severity of the inflammation and whether or not you have broken skin from picking at your acne.

If you have red, irritated acne-prone skin, thiamine could help clear up those zits and bumps. Thiamine helps to reduce inflammation and promote healing in the skin. 

In order to prevent acne and clear up existing acne, you need to keep your pores unclogged. 

Riboflavin can help with this by promoting collagen production in your skin. Collagen gives your skin structure, so it has a smooth surface that doesn't clog pores easily. 

Niacin is a vitamin that helps maintain the moisture in your skin. It is especially important for people with dry skin, rosacea, and acne as it also helps improve the skin barrier. 

A healthy skin barrier is key to preventing breakouts and ensuring that your pores are clean and clear. When your skin barrier is too weak or damaged, it loses its ability to regulate oil production and keep dead skin cells at bay. 

Acne is believed to be caused by the bacteria Propionibacterium acnes, which live in the pores of the skin. This bacteria produces enzymes that break down oil and dead skin cells, causing inflammation and irritation. B5 helps to reduce this inflammation and irritation by increasing the production of ceramides in your skin. Ceramides are natural compounds found in the skin that help protect it from infection and water loss.

Vitamin B6, or pyridoxine, is one of the best vitamins for hormonal acne. This vitamin helps regulate hormones and can help to reduce the amount of oil produced by your skin. While there are numerous different causes of acne, it is believed that hormonal imbalances are one of the main causes of acne.

A comedonal acne is a form of acne that occurs when hair follicles are clogged. This can happen when dead skin cells, oil, and bacteria build up in the pores. Comedonal acne is often mistaken for blackheads, but it's actually caused by a different process. 

B7 or biotin helps improve and prevent comedonal acne and is one of the nutrients your body needs to produce new skin cells and protect itself from damage. It also helps regulate your hormones and make sure they're working properly.

Excess sebum can clog pores, causing inflammation and irritation that leads to acne. When your body becomes deficient in folic acid, your sebaceous glands can't produce enough sebum.

Sebum production has been found to be a contributing factor in acne's appearance, and folic acid has been shown to reduce this production. Natural oil secreted by the skin, sebum, aids in the preservation of skin's hydration and health.

There are many different medications for acne that you can purchase over-the-counter or by prescription. However, many of these medications are expensive, and some require a prescription that must be renewed every month or so. This can be inconvenient and costly as well as time-consuming if you have to travel to see your doctor or dermatologist each time you need a refill.

Brewer's yeast is a less expensive treatment for your acne. It is available at most grocery stores, health food stores, and online retailers. As a food and beverage ingredient, you don't have to restrict your search to pharmacies.

Another common type of acne is called cystic acne. It's different from other types of acne because it produces pus-filled lesions that can be painful and difficult to treat. The main cause of cystic acne is a bacteria called Propionibacterium acnes. If you have cystic acne, you may also experience scarring and discoloration in addition to inflammation and redness.

There are many treatments for this kind of acne, but one option that may help fight off P. acne is Brewer's yeast. Brewer's yeast contains antibacterial properties that can help fight off P. acnes and reduce inflammation associated with acne breakouts.

On the con side, using brewer's yeast for acne can be risky for people with certain condition, including those with yeast allergies, those prone to yeast infections, or those taking certain medications. Also, though most people tolerate it well, brewer's yeast can cause side effects, particularly if one takes too much.

Some medical conditions may make it impossible for sufferers to use brewer's yeast for acne, as can taking some types of medication, so it is probably best to check with a doctor before starting a regimen. Those who are allergic to yeast should avoid it, and it may lead to yeast infections in those who get them often. People with Crohn's disease may not be suited for use of the supplement. Since it can lower blood sugar, it may cause hypoglycemia in those taking diabetes medication. It can also lead to a dangerous increase of blood pressure in those taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors, or MAOIs, and the narcotic meperidine.

Using brewer's yeast for acne can also cause some unpleasant side effects. The most common, gas and bloating, are typically rather mild but may cause discomfort, particularly if one takes too much. Excessive use can also lead to severe headaches similar to migraines.