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How vitamin B12 makes pimples pop up

Supplement alters metabolism of skin bacteria, causing inflammation, acne

skin bacteria illustration

ACNE ACCELERATOR  Vitamin B12 can lead normal skin bacteria called Propionibacterium acnes (shown in artist’s rendition) to pump out pimple-producing chemicals.

V. Altounian/Science Translational Medicine

By Tina Hesman Saey

- More than 2 years ago

Vitamin B12 causes a normal skin bacteria to produce pimple-promoting chemicals. 

Both people with clear skin and those with acne have Propionibacterium acnes living on their skin.