Could Vitamin B12 Be Triggering Your Acne?

Could Vitamin B12 Be Triggering Your Acne?

Could Vitamin B12 be triggering your acne? Learn how this essential nutrient may be linked to breakouts and what to consider before supplementing.

Vitamin B12 is essential for many important functions in the body—yet in certain cases, too much of it may be linked to acne breakouts.

This connection first came to our attention in 2018. A client visited us with a sudden onset of acne. During her consultation, we discovered she had received a Vitamin B12 injection just four weeks earlier. Within a week of that injection, she had developed comedonal acne across her face. After just two facials, her skin cleared.

Then, two months later, another client came in—also experiencing acne for the first time in her life. After digging deeper, we learned she too had received a Vitamin B12 shot. Both clients were otherwise healthy, and both cases involved B12 injections, not tablets.

To be clear: these were not individuals with a known Vitamin B deficiency. They had received the B12 shot for a general energy boost—a little “pep in their step”—and unknowingly overloaded their system. If you’re deficient in Vitamin B12, supplementation is important. But if you’re not, be mindful: excess B12 may affect the skin. Fortunately, at Shine, we’ve seen that acne triggered in this way responds well to a few targeted facials.

 

What Does Vitamin B12 Do in the Body?

Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) is vital for:

• Nerve function
• Red blood cell formation
• Energy production
• Supporting a healthy pregnancy

Deficiency can occur due to poor absorption, certain medications, or restrictive diets (such as vegan or vegetarian). In these cases, supplementation is necessary and beneficial.

 

How Can Vitamin B12 Affect the Skin?

A well-known study from UCLA found that B12 supplementation alters the gene expression of C- acnes (formerly P-acnes), the bacterium linked to acne. When B12 levels rise, the bacteria stop making their own B12 and instead begin producing more porphyrins—compounds that trigger inflammation in the skin and can lead to breakouts.

In the study, ten healthy people were given B12 supplements. One developed acne within a week. While that number is small, it mirrors what we’ve seen in our clinic: four distinct cases over the last seven years, all following a B12 injection.

 

Should You Worry About Vitamin B12 and Acne?

For most people, B12 supplements—especially when taken appropriately—don’t cause acne. But if you’ve recently had a B12 shot and suddenly broken out, this could be your missing link. Factors such as genetics, existing skin conditions, and your unique skin microbiome all play a role.

We’re not saying “don’t take B12.” What we are saying is:

• If you’re not deficient, be cautious with high doses.
• If you notice breakouts soon after a B12 injection, consult with your therapist.
• Take supplements under the guidance of a Nutropath
• The good news? This kind of acne usually responds quickly to professional facials.

 

Knowledge is power. And understanding how supplements affect your skin is part of empowering you to make informed decisions. If you’re unsure whether your recent breakout might be supplement-related, book a consultation with us—we’ll help you get clarity and clear skin.