Acne a widespread skin condition that affects millions, frequently leads a search for effective treatments. Zinc has emerged as a viable competitor among the many possibilities.
Elemental zinc is crucial in zinc supplements for treating acne. The recommended dose for adults is 15–30mg of elemental zinc daily. It is important to check the elemental value on the supplement label to ensure safe and effective supplementation.
Dermatologists and healthcare experts have been studying the usefulness of zinc for acne vulgaris since at least the 1970s. Zinc is a necessary mineral. That is, your body requires it to function effectively. Zinc has a role in skin health among its various functions.
What is Zinc?
Zinc, an important trace mineral, is involved in a variety of physiological activities within the body. It is essential for immunological function, wound healing, DNA synthesis, and cellular health in general.
While the body only requires a trace quantity of zinc, its influence on numerous systems, including the skin, is significant.
Zinc should be included in your diet. It’s mostly found in red meat, shellfish (like oysters), and chicken. Beans, seeds, nuts, and grains are all vegan options.
How Does Zinc Work?
Zinc influences skin health on various levels. It has anti-inflammatory qualities, which aid in the reduction of redness and swelling associated with acne lesions. Furthermore, zinc regulates sebum production, an excess of which can lead to acne development.
Zinc helps the general health and resilience of the skin by influencing immune response and assisting in collagen formation.
The importance of zinc absorption in the body cannot be overstated, as it can be influenced by dietary choices and supplements. Proper zinc absorption is crucial for maximizing the benefits of zinc-based treatments and maintaining overall skin health.
Benefits of Zinc’s Anti-Inflammatory Properties for Acne
Zinc and acne have been widely studied, with encouraging effects. Zinc affects skin health on several levels. It contains anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce the redness and swelling associated with acne lesions. Furthermore, zinc inhibits sebum production, which can contribute to acne breakouts. Zinc deficiency can lead to skin conditions such as acne, making daily consumption important to prevent deficiencies.
Zinc for hormonal acne has been demonstrated to be very beneficial since it balances hormone levels and reduces acne flare-ups. Zinc can also assist with acne spots by speeding up the healing process and preventing new ones from growing. Zinc treatment is a potential option for acne due to its anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties.
Is Zinc Good For Treating Acne?
Yes, according to research, zinc is one of the most researched and effective in acne management, particularly for zinc-deficient people. Zinc can help promote cleaner skin by treating the underlying causes of acne, such as inflammation and increased sebum production. Zinc picolinate is a particularly bioavailable form of zinc that may help improve inflammatory acne.
- Effective zinc: Zinc is effective in reducing inflammation and fighting acne causing bacteria, which are crucial factors in acne development.
- Clogged pores: By regulating sebum production, zinc helps prevent clogged pores that often lead to acne breakouts.
- Hormonal acne: Zinc has been found to be beneficial for hormonal acne, as it can help balance hormone levels that contribute to acne.
- Severe acne: For acne patients dealing with severe acne, zinc can be a complementary treatment to other medication and therapies, enhancing overall results.
- Sensitive skin: Zinc is generally gentle on sensitive skin, making it a suitable option for those who might experience irritation from other acne treatments like benzoyl peroxide or glycolic acid.
- Zinc levels: Maintaining adequate zinc levels through dietary supplements or diet can be crucial in managing acne effectively.
- Clear acne: Consistent use of zinc can help clear acne over time, providing a more sustainable solution compared to some topical treatments.
- Healthy diet: Incorporating zinc-rich foods into a healthy diet can also support skin health and reduce acne occurrences.
- Other vitamins: Zinc can be combined with other vitamins and minerals for a more comprehensive approach to acne management, addressing various skin needs.
- How zinc works: Understanding how zinc works can help acne sufferers tailor their treatment plans better, incorporating zinc as a part of their acne management regimen.
Zinc for Spots: Does It Help?
According to research, zinc may be effective in acne treatment, particularly for people who are zinc deficient. Zinc helps to address the underlying causes of acne, such as inflammation and increased sebum production, perhaps encouraging cleaner skin.
While studies have shown that zinc supplements are effective for treating acne, individual outcomes may differ.
How Much Zinc Should I Take to Treat Acne?
An adult’s recommended daily dosage is no more than 40mg. Depending on the severity of the acne, any dose between 40 and 150 mg is effective.
Most over-the-counter supplements only go up to 50mg, so combining them with a balanced diet should be enough. Zinc is available in a variety of forms, but the simplest for the body to absorb is oral zinc sulfate. Zinc citrate is also commonly used in supplements for its role in long-term mineral maintenance and is often combined with other natural ingredients to fight acne from the inside out.
Zinc can also assist with acne on the outside. Zinc oxide sunscreens can help heal your skin while protecting it from damaging UV radiation.
It is critical to approach zinc supplementation with caution, as excessive consumption might have adverse effects. Consultation with a healthcare practitioner is essential for assessing individual needs, identifying any weaknesses, and establishing a safe and effective dose that is suited to specific health objectives.
How to Use Zinc
Zinc Supplement
Zinc supplements come in a variety of forms, such as zinc gluconate, zinc acetate, and zinc sulfate. Dose recommendations vary, so it’s best to check with a healthcare practitioner to get the proper supplement and dose for you.
Zinc In Foods
Zinc-rich foods in the diet provide a natural source of this important element. A well-balanced diet benefits general skin health.
Some foods with high amounts of zinc:
- Beef
- Lamb
- Pork
- Chicken
- Turkey
- Oysters (particularly high in zinc)
- Crab
- Lobster
- Shrimp
- Fish (such as salmon and tuna)
- Lentils
- Black beans
- Mushrooms (particularly shiitake)
- Spinach
- Kale
Zinc Topical and Creams
Topical zinc formulations, such as creams and ointments, provide a tailored solution for acne-prone skin. These can be directly administered to damaged locations, offering targeted advantages.
Combining zinc with salicylic acid in topical products can enhance the treatment of acne, as salicylic acid helps to exfoliate the skin and clear pores. Other research on zinc as a topical acne therapy focuses on its efficacy when paired with other beneficial substances, generally topical antibiotics like erythromycin and clindamycin.
Almost all of the research on topical zinc therapies to far has focused on zinc sulfate (a zinc and sulfur mixture) in conjunction with the antibiotic erythromycin. Once again, the research’s findings are mixed. Several studies demonstrate that topical treatments containing zinc and other pharmaceuticals can give the above advantages as well as decreases in acne-causing skin germs.
Potential Side Effects
While zinc is typically safe when consumed in the proper amounts, overconsumption might have negative consequences. Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and, in certain situations, reduced immunological function are also possible adverse effects. When contemplating zinc supplementation, it is critical to follow suggested amounts and seek professional assistance.
Conclusion
The significance of zinc in acne control is diverse, comprising anti-inflammatory, sebum-regulating, and immune-modulating properties. Understanding how to include zinc into your beauty routine, whether through food sources, supplements, or topical treatments, allows you to maximize its advantages.
As with any supplement, moderation is crucial, and consultation with a healthcare practitioner provides a personalized approach.
If you enjoyed this article, you may also want to read this article on What Are the Benefits of Zinc for Liver Health?
*This information is not intended to serve as a substitute for professional medical or dietary advice tailored to individual needs.
Dr. Kimberly Langdon has been an MD for 31 years, board-certified obstetrician/gynecologist with 19-years of clinical experience. She graduated from The Ohio State University College of Medicine, earning Honors in many rotations. She then completed her OB/GYN residency program at The Ohio State University Medical Center, earning first-place accolades for her Senior Research Project and Score of 98th percentile on a National Proficiency Test.
During her clinical career, she delivered over 2000 babies and specialized in minimally invasive procedures, menopause, endometriosis, menstrual disorders, and polycystic ovarian syndrome. After retiring from clinical practice, she founded a medical device company to commercialize her two patented and four patent-pending medical devices for both life-threatening and non-life-threatening infections.
