Overview
SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Questionable
Based on 18 Researches
6.1
USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 12 Reviews
8.3
Supplement Facts
Serving Size: 1 Vegetarian Capsule
Amount Per Serving
%DV
Vitamin E (as D-alpha tocopheryl succinate)
20.1 mg
134%
Selenium (as Se-Methyl L-Selenocysteine, L-selenomethionine (yeast-free), sodium selenite)
200 mcg
364%
Top Medical Research Studies
8
We examined how selenium supplementation impacts acne among women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) through a rigorous 8-week trial. In a randomized double-blind and placebo-controlled setup, we compared 32 women taking 200 μg of selenium daily against 32 taking a placebo.
Notably, those receiving selenium showed a significant drop in acne rates, from 12.5% in the placebo group to 46.9% in the selenium group. This indicates that selenium might indeed help reduce acne, alongside other reproductive and health improvements. However, some hormonal factors didn't show notable changes.
Notably, those receiving selenium showed a significant drop in acne rates, from 12.5% in the placebo group to 46.9% in the selenium group. This indicates that selenium might indeed help reduce acne, alongside other reproductive and health improvements. However, some hormonal factors didn't show notable changes.
Read More
1
We explored the effectiveness of vitamin E alongside isotretinoin, a common treatment for severe acne. In an investigator-blinded, randomized study involving 82 patients, participants were divided into two groups. One group received isotretinoin alone, while the other combined it with 800 IU of vitamin E, over a period of 16 weeks.
Our main goal was to determine whether vitamin E could reduce the side-effects associated with isotretinoin, which are often bothersome for patients. Throughout the study, we assessed various mucocutaneous side effects, such as facial dryness and redness, as well as changes in serum lipid and liver enzyme levels.
Ultimately, we found no significant difference in the incidence or severity of side effects between the two treatment groups. This indicates that vitamin E did not provide any noticeable benefit when added to isotretinoin therapy for acne vulgaris.
While vitamin E is often suggested as a remedy to lighten the side effects of medications, our findings suggest that its use alongside isotretinoin may not be helpful.
Our main goal was to determine whether vitamin E could reduce the side-effects associated with isotretinoin, which are often bothersome for patients. Throughout the study, we assessed various mucocutaneous side effects, such as facial dryness and redness, as well as changes in serum lipid and liver enzyme levels.
Ultimately, we found no significant difference in the incidence or severity of side effects between the two treatment groups. This indicates that vitamin E did not provide any noticeable benefit when added to isotretinoin therapy for acne vulgaris.
While vitamin E is often suggested as a remedy to lighten the side effects of medications, our findings suggest that its use alongside isotretinoin may not be helpful.
Read More
7
Selenium temporarily aids acne improvement
We examined the impact of selenium and vitamin E on acne by analyzing erythrocyte glutathione-peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity in 42 men and 47 women with varying degrees of acne.
While treatment with selenium showed promising improvements, particularly in pustular acne patients with low GSH-Px activity, the benefits were temporary. After 6-12 weeks of taking selenium and vitamin E, levels of GSH-Px returned to baseline about 6-8 weeks following treatment cessation.
Overall, while some individuals did experience positive results, significant long-term benefits were not established.
While treatment with selenium showed promising improvements, particularly in pustular acne patients with low GSH-Px activity, the benefits were temporary. After 6-12 weeks of taking selenium and vitamin E, levels of GSH-Px returned to baseline about 6-8 weeks following treatment cessation.
Overall, while some individuals did experience positive results, significant long-term benefits were not established.
Read More
Most Useful Reviews
10
Folliculitis improvement
8 people found this helpful
I have been taking this supplement regularly for six months for my acne folliculitis. After visiting a dermatologist and trying various treatments without success, I started taking selenium. By the second week, my folliculitis improved significantly, and now, after two to three months, I no longer suffer from acne. I encourage others facing similar issues to give it a fair chance for at least two months.
Read More
10
Acne-free skin
This complex is fantastic! I took calcium, magnesium, and zinc alongside vitamins, leading to improved immunity, stronger hair, and better nails. Most importantly, my skin is now acne-free.
Read More
10
Cleared acne effectively
The selenium in this product has effectively cleared my face of acne, giving me a clearer complexion.
Read More
Medical Researches
SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Questionable
Based on 18 Researches
6.1
- All Researches
9
Lactoferrin and zinc reduce acne
We observed how a combination of lactoferrin, vitamin E, and zinc might affect mild to moderate acne. In a rigorously designed study, 168 participants aged 13 to 40 were randomly assigned to receive either a treatment capsule containing these ingredients or a placebo twice a day over the course of three months.
The results showcased that those taking the lactoferrin combination saw a notable reduction in acne lesions—an early 14.5% improvement after just two weeks, reaching a maximum of 28.5% reduction by week ten. While vitamin E was part of the treatment, it’s essential to understand that it was combined with lactoferrin and zinc. This means we can't pinpoint vitamin E's specific role in the improvements observed.
Throughout the trial, no adverse effects were reported, reinforcing the safety of the treatment. Overall, this study presents promising findings for those struggling with mild to moderate acne, particularly with the effective dosing of lactoferrin alongside vitamin E and zinc.
The results showcased that those taking the lactoferrin combination saw a notable reduction in acne lesions—an early 14.5% improvement after just two weeks, reaching a maximum of 28.5% reduction by week ten. While vitamin E was part of the treatment, it’s essential to understand that it was combined with lactoferrin and zinc. This means we can't pinpoint vitamin E's specific role in the improvements observed.
Throughout the trial, no adverse effects were reported, reinforcing the safety of the treatment. Overall, this study presents promising findings for those struggling with mild to moderate acne, particularly with the effective dosing of lactoferrin alongside vitamin E and zinc.
Read More
9
We explored the effects of vitamin E on acne by conducting an open-label study with 17 patients who had mild to moderate acne vulgaris. Over eight weeks, these patients followed a standard regimen involving salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide, with the addition of topical vitamin E in sunflower seed oil.
Throughout the study, we observed that all participants experienced clinical improvements, including a reduction in the number of acne lesions. Interestingly, significant improvements were noted as early as Week 2, indicating that vitamin E may play a beneficial role in managing acne symptoms. Furthermore, patients reported positive feedback regarding the ease of application and tolerability of the treatment.
Although we cannot definitively say vitamin E is a cure for acne, our findings suggest that it may help alleviate some symptoms when used alongside established treatments. This research sheds light on the potential of topical antioxidants like vitamin E in the ongoing battle against acne, inviting further exploration into their effectiveness and role in skincare.
Throughout the study, we observed that all participants experienced clinical improvements, including a reduction in the number of acne lesions. Interestingly, significant improvements were noted as early as Week 2, indicating that vitamin E may play a beneficial role in managing acne symptoms. Furthermore, patients reported positive feedback regarding the ease of application and tolerability of the treatment.
Although we cannot definitively say vitamin E is a cure for acne, our findings suggest that it may help alleviate some symptoms when used alongside established treatments. This research sheds light on the potential of topical antioxidants like vitamin E in the ongoing battle against acne, inviting further exploration into their effectiveness and role in skincare.
Read More
9
We looked into how a combination of RetinSphere® and vitamin E affects mild comedonal acne (MCA). In our study, we measured important factors like sebum oxidation and inflammatory markers before and after treatment in 18 patients with MCA and 10 healthy controls.
Our findings showed that while the amount of sebum and squalene was similar before treatment between the groups, patients with MCA had higher levels of lipid peroxidation and oxidized squalene. These elevated markers contribute to inflammation and acne formation.
After 4 weeks, there was a notable decrease in oxidized lipids and inflammation markers in the lesions, bringing them in line with unaffected areas. These changes were accompanied by visible clinical improvement in the patients by the 8-week mark.
Yet, it’s important to recognize that while vitamin E was part of the treatment mix, this study did not isolate its specific effects. Thus, while we observed positive results, we cannot definitively attribute all improvements directly to vitamin E alone.
Our findings showed that while the amount of sebum and squalene was similar before treatment between the groups, patients with MCA had higher levels of lipid peroxidation and oxidized squalene. These elevated markers contribute to inflammation and acne formation.
After 4 weeks, there was a notable decrease in oxidized lipids and inflammation markers in the lesions, bringing them in line with unaffected areas. These changes were accompanied by visible clinical improvement in the patients by the 8-week mark.
Yet, it’s important to recognize that while vitamin E was part of the treatment mix, this study did not isolate its specific effects. Thus, while we observed positive results, we cannot definitively attribute all improvements directly to vitamin E alone.
Read More
8
We examined how selenium supplementation impacts acne among women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) through a rigorous 8-week trial. In a randomized double-blind and placebo-controlled setup, we compared 32 women taking 200 μg of selenium daily against 32 taking a placebo.
Notably, those receiving selenium showed a significant drop in acne rates, from 12.5% in the placebo group to 46.9% in the selenium group. This indicates that selenium might indeed help reduce acne, alongside other reproductive and health improvements. However, some hormonal factors didn't show notable changes.
Notably, those receiving selenium showed a significant drop in acne rates, from 12.5% in the placebo group to 46.9% in the selenium group. This indicates that selenium might indeed help reduce acne, alongside other reproductive and health improvements. However, some hormonal factors didn't show notable changes.
Read More
8
We investigated the potential of a dietary supplement containing vitamin E and other ingredients to alleviate side effects from oral isotretinoin therapy in acne patients. The study involved forty-eight participants with nodular acne, divided into two groups. One group received isotretinoin combined with the supplement, while the other only received isotretinoin for six months.
Our findings revealed that the group taking the dietary supplement reported fewer side effects, experiencing less dryness and redness of the skin, as well as improved hydration levels. Participants also showed increased adherence to their treatment regimen when supplemented, which is encouraging for those battling the challenges of acne and its treatment.
The supplement's formulation, enriched with vitamin E and other antioxidants, seems to support skin health during isotretinoin therapy, helping to mitigate common discomforts like dry skin and erythema. This suggests that vitamin E plays a beneficial role when included in a combination supplement, enhancing overall treatment experience for patients undergoing isotretinoin therapy.
Our findings revealed that the group taking the dietary supplement reported fewer side effects, experiencing less dryness and redness of the skin, as well as improved hydration levels. Participants also showed increased adherence to their treatment regimen when supplemented, which is encouraging for those battling the challenges of acne and its treatment.
The supplement's formulation, enriched with vitamin E and other antioxidants, seems to support skin health during isotretinoin therapy, helping to mitigate common discomforts like dry skin and erythema. This suggests that vitamin E plays a beneficial role when included in a combination supplement, enhancing overall treatment experience for patients undergoing isotretinoin therapy.
Read More
User Reviews
USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 12 Reviews
8.3
- All Reviews
- Positive Reviews
- Negative Reviews
10
Folliculitis improvement
8 people found this helpful
I have been taking this supplement regularly for six months for my acne folliculitis. After visiting a dermatologist and trying various treatments without success, I started taking selenium. By the second week, my folliculitis improved significantly, and now, after two to three months, I no longer suffer from acne. I encourage others facing similar issues to give it a fair chance for at least two months.
Read More
10
Acne-free skin
This complex is fantastic! I took calcium, magnesium, and zinc alongside vitamins, leading to improved immunity, stronger hair, and better nails. Most importantly, my skin is now acne-free.
Read More
10
Cleared acne effectively
The selenium in this product has effectively cleared my face of acne, giving me a clearer complexion.
Read More
9
Skin health support
This product has been great for my skin health! It helped me resolve my acne issues and has made my skin noticeably softer. The combination of selenium and vitamin E supports skin repair effectively.
Read More
9
Highly effective treatment
It's effective against acne. I would recommend it for those struggling with acne like me.
Read More
Frequently Asked Questions
10
Folliculitis improvement
8 people found this helpful
I have been taking this supplement regularly for six months for my acne folliculitis. After visiting a dermatologist and trying various treatments without success, I started taking selenium. By the second week, my folliculitis improved significantly, and now, after two to three months, I no longer suffer from acne. I encourage others facing similar issues to give it a fair chance for at least two months.
7.5
Clearer skin achieved
I purchased this complex for my daughters to address their skin problems. It has been effective; their previously severe acne is now significantly reduced, and their skin appears clearer. However, this solution requires a long-term commitment involving both external and internal treatment.
9
Convenient treatment choice
I find this product excellent and convenient to take. I include it in my acne treatment routine while also boosting my immunity. I’m following a three-month course, and I’ve found it genuinely helpful.
7.5
Significant skin improvement
This product aids in combating skin sagging and features a good composition that is well absorbed. I didn’t experience any side effects and noted a marked improvement in skin quality, along with a reduction in acne.
6
Reduced acne outbreaks
The quality of this product is superb. The small capsules are easy to ingest. I have noticed my hair and nails grow faster, and my facial skin has improved immensely, becoming less oily with fewer acne outbreaks.
7.5
Effective selenium complex
48 people found this helpful
The pharmacist's opinion on this product is that it is the only selenium complex on iHerb with vitamin E, known for its synergistic effects, promoting optimal absorption. This combination is effective in treating conditions like psoriasis and acne. I appreciate the information and would recommend it.
7.5
Visible results
I find the combination of selenium and vitamin E to be excellent, particularly when taken with vitamin A. The results on my skin are immediately visible; it has become glossier with reduced acne.
9
Skin health support
This product has been great for my skin health! It helped me resolve my acne issues and has made my skin noticeably softer. The combination of selenium and vitamin E supports skin repair effectively.
10
Acne-free skin
This complex is fantastic! I took calcium, magnesium, and zinc alongside vitamins, leading to improved immunity, stronger hair, and better nails. Most importantly, my skin is now acne-free.
8
We examined how selenium supplementation impacts acne among women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) through a rigorous 8-week trial. In a randomized double-blind and placebo-controlled setup, we compared 32 women taking 200 μg of selenium daily against 32 taking a placebo.
Notably, those receiving selenium showed a significant drop in acne rates, from 12.5% in the placebo group to 46.9% in the selenium group. This indicates that selenium might indeed help reduce acne, alongside other reproductive and health improvements. However, some hormonal factors didn't show notable changes.
Notably, those receiving selenium showed a significant drop in acne rates, from 12.5% in the placebo group to 46.9% in the selenium group. This indicates that selenium might indeed help reduce acne, alongside other reproductive and health improvements. However, some hormonal factors didn't show notable changes.
4
We examined how selenium levels relate to acne and other skin diseases through a comprehensive review of 27 studies involving over 8,400 participants.
Our findings revealed that patients with acne and other conditions like psoriasis showed notably lower levels of selenium compared to healthy individuals.
However, while high selenium levels appeared protective for some skin diseases, there was no significant difference noted in selenium levels for acne patients versus controls.
Ultimately, this suggests that selenium’s role in acne may not be as impactful as previously thought.
Our findings revealed that patients with acne and other conditions like psoriasis showed notably lower levels of selenium compared to healthy individuals.
However, while high selenium levels appeared protective for some skin diseases, there was no significant difference noted in selenium levels for acne patients versus controls.
Ultimately, this suggests that selenium’s role in acne may not be as impactful as previously thought.
8
We aimed to understand how plasma levels of vitamins A and E relate to acne conditions. To do this, we compared vitamin concentrations in 100 newly diagnosed acne patients with 100 healthy individuals of similar age. We utilized high-performance liquid chromatography to ensure accurate measurements, and acne severity was evaluated using the Global Acne Grading System.
Our findings revealed that acne patients had noticeably lower levels of both vitamin A and vitamin E compared to the controls. Specifically, vitamin A levels were 336.5 µg/L for patients versus 418.1 µg/L for healthy individuals, while vitamin E levels were 5.4 mg/L in patients against 5.9 mg/L in controls.
Additionally, we observed a clear link: as the severity of acne increased, the plasma levels of vitamins A and E tended to decrease. This suggests that these vitamins may play a role in the condition's progression, highlighting their potential importance in acne management.
However, it's essential to consider that while the correlation between low vitamin levels and acne severity is significant, the study does not confirm that vitamin E supplementation alone can effectively treat acne.
Our findings revealed that acne patients had noticeably lower levels of both vitamin A and vitamin E compared to the controls. Specifically, vitamin A levels were 336.5 µg/L for patients versus 418.1 µg/L for healthy individuals, while vitamin E levels were 5.4 mg/L in patients against 5.9 mg/L in controls.
Additionally, we observed a clear link: as the severity of acne increased, the plasma levels of vitamins A and E tended to decrease. This suggests that these vitamins may play a role in the condition's progression, highlighting their potential importance in acne management.
However, it's essential to consider that while the correlation between low vitamin levels and acne severity is significant, the study does not confirm that vitamin E supplementation alone can effectively treat acne.
7
Selenium temporarily aids acne improvement
We examined the impact of selenium and vitamin E on acne by analyzing erythrocyte glutathione-peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity in 42 men and 47 women with varying degrees of acne.
While treatment with selenium showed promising improvements, particularly in pustular acne patients with low GSH-Px activity, the benefits were temporary. After 6-12 weeks of taking selenium and vitamin E, levels of GSH-Px returned to baseline about 6-8 weeks following treatment cessation.
Overall, while some individuals did experience positive results, significant long-term benefits were not established.
While treatment with selenium showed promising improvements, particularly in pustular acne patients with low GSH-Px activity, the benefits were temporary. After 6-12 weeks of taking selenium and vitamin E, levels of GSH-Px returned to baseline about 6-8 weeks following treatment cessation.
Overall, while some individuals did experience positive results, significant long-term benefits were not established.
References
- Lv J, Ai P, Lei S, Zhou F, Chen S, et al. Selenium levels and skin diseases: systematic review and meta-analysis. J Trace Elem Med Biol. 2020;62:126548. doi:10.1016/j.jtemb.2020.126548
- Razavi M, Jamilian M, Kashan ZF, Heidar Z, Mohseni M, et al. Selenium Supplementation and the Effects on Reproductive Outcomes, Biomarkers of Inflammation, and Oxidative Stress in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. Horm Metab Res. 2016;48:185. doi:10.1055/s-0035-1559604
- Michaëlsson G, Edqvist LE. Erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase activity in acne vulgaris and the effect of selenium and vitamin E treatment. Acta Derm Venereol. 1984;64:9.
- Liu X, Yang G, Luo M, Lan Q, Shi X, et al. Serum vitamin E levels and chronic inflammatory skin diseases: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS One. 2021;16:e0261259. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0261259
- Chan H, Chan G, Santos J, Dee K, Co JK. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to determine the efficacy and safety of lactoferrin with vitamin E and zinc as an oral therapy for mild to moderate acne vulgaris. Int J Dermatol. 2017;56:686. doi:10.1111/ijd.13607
- Mills OH, Criscito MC, Schlesinger TE, Verdicchio R, Szoke E. Addressing Free Radical Oxidation in Acne Vulgaris. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2016;9:25.
- Fabbrocini G, Cameli N, Lorenzi S, De Padova MP, Marasca C, et al. A dietary supplement to reduce side effects of oral isotretinoin therapy in acne patients. G Ital Dermatol Venereol. 2014;149:441.
- Capitanio B, Lora V, Ludovici M, Sinagra JL, Ottaviani M, et al. Modulation of sebum oxidation and interleukin-1α levels associates with clinical improvement of mild comedonal acne. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2014;28:1792. doi:10.1111/jdv.12431
- Goforoushan F, Azimi H, Goldust M. Efficacy of vitamin E to prevent dermal complications of isotretinoin. Pak J Biol Sci. 2013;16:548.
- Ozuguz P, Dogruk Kacar S, Ekiz O, Takci Z, Balta I, et al. Evaluation of serum vitamins A and E and zinc levels according to the severity of acne vulgaris. Cutan Ocul Toxicol. 2014;33:99. doi:10.3109/15569527.2013.808656
- Aktürk AŞ, Güzel S, Bulca S, Demirsoy EO, Bayramgürler D, et al. Effects of isotretinoin on serum vitamin E levels in patients with acne. Int J Dermatol. 2013;52:363. doi:10.1111/j.1365-4632.2012.05676.x
- Erturan İ, Naziroğlu M, Akkaya VB. Isotretinoin treatment induces oxidative toxicity in blood of patients with acne vulgaris: a clinical pilot study. Cell Biochem Funct. 2012;30:552. doi:10.1002/cbf.2830
- El-Akawi Z, Abdel-Latif N, Abdul-Razzak K. Does the plasma level of vitamins A and E affect acne condition?. Clin Exp Dermatol. 2006;31:430.
- Strumia R. Dermatologic signs in patients with eating disorders. Am J Clin Dermatol. 2005;6:165.
- Kus S, Gün D, Demirçay Z, Sur H. Vitamin E does not reduce the side-effects of isotretinoin in the treatment of acne vulgaris. Int J Dermatol. 2005;44:248.
- Bellei E, Rota C, Bergamini S, Manfredini P, Albertazzi A, et al. Effect of alpha-tocopherol and N-acetylcysteine on benzoyl peroxide toxicity in human keratinocytes. J Biochem Mol Toxicol. 2004;18:107.
- Weber SU, Thiele JJ, Han N, Luu C, Valacchi G, et al. Topical alpha-tocotrienol supplementation inhibits lipid peroxidation but fails to mitigate increased transepidermal water loss after benzoyl peroxide treatment of human skin. Free Radic Biol Med. 2003;34:170.
- Strauss JS, Gottlieb AB, Jones T, Koo JY, Leyden JJ, et al. Concomitant administration of vitamin E does not change the side effects of isotretinoin as used in acne vulgaris: a randomized trial. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2000;43:777.
