L-lysine (also commonly referred to as lysine) is an essential amino acid that is beneficial to the human body in a number of ways.

Unfortunately, the body is not capable of producing this amino acid on its own, so it must be obtained by consuming foods that are high in amino acids.

Another solid option is to take lysine in the form of a daily supplement.

Specifically, lysine is one of several hundred amino acids that are naturally occurring and one of 20 that are needed to create proteins and assist in regular, healthy function of the human body.

One of the main benefits that people often find with l-lysine powder is that it improves the appearance and health of the skin.

It is especially useful in the prevention and treatment of acne—a skin condition caused by clogged pores and hair follicles resulting in outbreaks of pimples, blemishes, and unsightly blackheads.

If you suffer from acne, no matter how severe, incorporating lysine into your daily supplement intake could help.

Best Acne Vitamin Supplement: L-lysine

So, how does lysine actually help to prevent and treat blemishes, pimples, and other skin problems associated by acne? For starters, lysine aids in the creation of carnitine , which is important in converting fatty acids within the body into energy and absorbing calcium.

It also aids the body in the production of collagen, which is crucial to skin health and appearance. Because of the increased collagen production associated with lysine, skin is also better able to repair its tissue as needed.

This can help with the clearing up of existing acne blemishes in addition to preventing new blemishes and skin imperfections in the future.

As an added skin bonus, the improved levels of collagen associated with lysine can help to prevent early signs of aging, such as:

• fine lines
• wrinkles
• dark spots

Sources of L-Lysine

Because the body is not able to produce lysine on its own, those who want to pursue the skin benefits of lysine should seek out sources of this amino acid.

Fortunately, there are many sources of lysine in common foods, with some of the best source of lysine being found in:

• lean beef and lamb
• parmesan cheese
• turkey and chicken
• pork
• tuna

Some other sources of lysine in food include shrimp, eggs, and pumpkin seeds.

The most effective option for increasing your intake of lysine is to begin taking a daily supplement.

This is a great way to ensure you're getting the proper dosage without having to worry as much about consuming specific foods.

These supplements come in a variety of forms, including capsules, tablets, and even creams or liquids for direct application.

How Much L-Lysine For Acne Do You Need?

So, just how much l-lysine powder should you be getting daily in order to begin seeing the skin and other benefits associated with lysine?

Generally, if you will be consuming lysine directly (rather than applying directly to the skin, which is also an option), 1000 mg per day is ideal.

However, this can vary based on your age (younger children and teens should consult with a doctor, as their recommended dosage will likely be lower) and other factors.

It is also worth noting that if you have severe acne or other skin conditions, you should speak with your health care provider to ensure proper dosage, as up to 9,000 mg per day may be needed to see significant results in your skin. 

Ensuring the proper dosage is important because taking too much can be detrimental to your health. For example, one report finds that "while lysine capsules in the diet is considered safe, excessive doses may cause gallstones."

Additional Benefits of L-Lysine

There are countless additional benefits of introducing proper amounts of lysine into your diet. For example, some scientific studies have found that lysine can aid in the treatment of cancer.

Specifically, in patients who have been diagnosed with rectal cancer, injections of lysine were found to shrink solid tumors significantly, making them easier to remove or treat. L-lysine is also used in the treatment of cold sores.

Furthermore, bone marrow cancers like leukemia are also able to be more successfully treated with lysine injections.

Psychologically, lysine powder is believed to offer benefits as well. For example, those with anxiety may find some relief by incorporating lysine into their diets.

This is because lysine can help the body to absorb excess calcium, which can otherwise bring forth anxiety symptoms.

It can also help to "block" serotonin receptors in the body, which can help to prevent the body's natural anxiety responses.

The increased absorption of calcium can also improve bone health, making it a great supplement to turn to for those at an increased risk of bone density problems, such as osteoarthritis.

For those with diabetes, lysine can also help to hinder the formation of what are known as "advanced glycation end products," which are typically found in higher amounts in diabetics can can increase the risk of infection throughout the body.

L-Lysine can control the production of these end products, making them a common part of diet and nutrition plans for those who have been diagnosed with diabetes.

Lysine can also support a healthier digestive system, so those with gut conditions like irritable bowel syndrome and even leaky gut syndrome can benefit from taking a daily lysine supplement or eating more foods with lysine in them.

Overall, lysine is an important amino acid that the body unfortunately cannot produce on its own.

The good news is that there are lysine supplement products (in addition to foods high in lysine) that can be used to ensure you're getting enough of this beneficial amino acid in your diet.

If you suffer from acne or another skin condition, it is worth speaking to your physician about how a lysine supplement could help you achieve clearer skin without the potential risks and side effects that often come along with medications and other treatments.

As an added bonus, you could also begin reaping a number of other health benefits!