Beta carotene is a natural chemical and is in a group of elements known collectively as carotenes. Carotenes are the chemicals that give many fruits and vegetables their distinctive orange color, including carrots, sweet potatoes and pumpkins. After beta carotene is consumed, the body converts it into vitamin A, an antioxidant that is known to help combat acne. You can use beta carotene for acne by taking supplements or by increasing your consumption of foods that contain it, such as carrots, squash and sweet potatoes.

It is beneficial to use beta carotene for acne because it is converted to vitamin A, which helps the body balance out the levels of the hormones that often lead to acne breakouts. Consuming pure vitamin A, however, can be toxic to the body. Unlike some other natural chemicals, vitamin A is fat-soluble. This means that it is stored in the body’s fat instead of being excreted through the urine like water-soluble elements are. Certain acne medications that are derivatives of vitamin A have been banned in some jurisdictions because of this toxicity issue and the severe side effects that are caused by the medications.

It is much safer to consume beta carotene for acne than to consume pure vitamin A. This is because the body doesn’t convert beta carotene all at once. Beta carotene is not a medication, however, and its effectiveness had not been proved scientifically as of 2011. It is, however, an antioxidant, which many people believe to be helpful in treating and preventing acne breakouts.

There are several ways to increase daily consumption of beta carotene for acne. One way is to simply increase the servings of beta carotene-rich food you consume. Carrots, pumpkins, sweet potatoes and squash are all excellent sources of the chemical. Nevertheless, your body will not be able to absorb all of the nutrients from every serving. Some people prefer to juice a few carrots or similar vegetables and drink that instead, because there is evidence that the body retains more nutrients from juiced vegetables than chewed ones.

Another way to use beta carotene for acne is to simply take a beta carotene supplement as directed. You can also find this nutrient in other supplements, including fish oil capsules. Always check with a healthcare professional before taking any new vitamins or supplements, especially if you are already taking any medication.