Selenium and Skin Health
November 18, 2025
November 18th, 2025
People often say the eyes are the windows to the soul—but the skin can offer its own glimpse into the body’s inner health. It can radiate vibrancy and wellness or reveal hidden deficiencies and accumulated toxins.
Acne vulgaris is one condition that reflects such internal imbalance. More than a cosmetic concern, acne can lead to emotional distress, including depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. Traditionally, acne has been viewed as a temporary issue of adolescence, commonly attributed to excess sebum production from hormonal changes and inflammation caused by follicular Propionibacterium acnes. As a result, treatments have largely focused on targeting bacteria through long-term tetracycline antibiotics and antibacterial cleansers. However, with the rise of antibiotic-resistant strains of P. acnes and ongoing research into acne’s root causes, it has become clear that this skin condition is more complex than once believed.
While overactive sebaceous glands, hormonal shifts, and bacterial activity all play roles, emerging evidence suggests oxidative stress may be a significant contributor—affecting not only the development of acne but also its severity. Studies have shown that individuals with acne exhibit notable changes in their natural antioxidant enzyme systems, and these changes correlate directly with the intensity of their symptoms.
Research evaluating oxidative damage in acne has revealed significantly lower levels of glutathione peroxidase in affected individuals compared to controls. This suggests the body’s antioxidant defenses are being heavily utilized to counter oxidative stress.
Many antioxidant enzyme systems rely on specific nutrients to function effectively. Glutathione peroxidase, for example, depends on selenium. Low plasma selenium levels have been associated with decreased glutathione peroxidase activity, while supplementation has been shown to enhance it. This implies that selenium supplementation may help restore glutathione peroxidase activity in people with acne, thereby strengthening antioxidant defenses, reducing oxidative damage, and potentially decreasing the severity or frequency of acne flare-ups. In one study, taking 200 micrograms of selenium glycinate daily for six weeks increased both plasma and erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase activity. Because selenium levels in food vary depending on soil content, deficiencies can occur when crops are grown in selenium-poor soil.
If oxidative stress indeed plays a major role in acne vulgaris, then supporting the body’s antioxidant capacity—such as through selenium and other antioxidant-supportive nutrients—may be a promising approach to managing this widespread condition.
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