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Benefits of Vitamin B5 for the Skin

Vitamin B5, also called pantothenic acid, is a water-soluble nutrient essential for good health. Vitamin B5 may be useful in treating acne, soothing burns and irritation, and in speeding the recovery of minor skin wounds.

  1. Benefits

    • A 2002 study on skin disorders found that topical B5 combats aging and acne by improving skin hydration, maintaining skin elasticity, and increasing skin softness. The study also suggested that B5 has anti-inflammatory properties, making it useful in the treatment of skin scaling, roughness, and dryness.

    Types

    • You can take vitamin B5 for skin as a supplement, use it as a topical cream, or receive it as an injection. Dexpanthenol is the generic name for the cream and injection forms of vitamin B5.

    Usage

    • Apply the topical form of B5 once or twice daily. Adults may take five milligrams of vitamin B5 per day. Women who are pregnant or nursing may take six or seven milligrams per day.

    Sources

    • Vitamin B5 is sold as an over-the-counter supplement or as dexpanthenol, a topical cream marketed as Panthoderm in the U.S. B5 is also found in most foods, including milk, meats, fish, vegetables, and yeast.

    Warning

    • Taken orally in large doses, Vitamin B5 may cause diarrhea, nausea or heartburn. Topical B5 may cause irritation, eczema or contact dermatitis.

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