Zinc: Its role in the treatment of acne

Acne is a condition that occurs on the skin mainly during adolescence, while it continues or appears even in adulthood.

This condition is caused by increased sebum production which clogs the pores and results in the appearance of black and white spots.

In more advanced conditions, inflammation is caused during which blisters, nodules and cysts appear.

How does zinc work in acne?

Zinc is one of the many essential nutrients your body needs. Protects the immune system by fighting harmful cells.

While zinc is known for its ability to help maintain health by reducing disease, it has been studied for other health conditions, including acne. Zinc is actually one of the most widely studied forms of acne treatment with reliable sources.

The property that enables the ingredient to help fight acne is to fight viruses and bacteria. Although most people get the zinc they need through their diet, some people may find it beneficial to take supplements temporarily.

Zinc also has anti-inflammatory properties. This can help relieve some conditions, from redness and irritation associated with moderate to severe acne. It can even help reduce the appearance of acne scars.

The best sources of zinc

Zinc can be obtained either through the diet or through a dietary supplement. In addition, it is present as an ingredient in many cosmetics that are used to treat acne and can be applied to the affected area.

Foods rich in zinc

Intake of zinc from the diet requires enrichment in the following foods.

• Red meat
• Poultry
• Dairy products
• Nuts
• Beans
• Whole grains
• Oysters

The body absorbs zinc from animal foods more easily, so people on a vegetarian diet are more likely to develop zinc deficiency.

Dietary supplements with zinc

In addition to dietary intake, there are nutritional supplements that meet the daily needs of zinc intake and are available in capsules, tablets, effervescent tablets and liquid form.

Various forms of zinc are commercially available. The most common are:

• sulfate (Zinc sulfate)
• picolinate (Zinc Picolinate)
• citric (Zinc citrate)
• serum (Zinc orotate)
• zinc gluconate

Local application

If your acne is mild and you are getting enough zinc from your diet, you can try some topical treatment.

Topical treatments are often in the form of a paste, gel or cream. A person can apply them directly to the parts of the skin affected by acne.

Acne can sometimes affect large areas of skin or parts of the body that are difficult to reach. For severe acne nodules and cysts, topical treatments may not be ideal.

The benefits of zinc for acne

Some studies have shown that people with acne have significantly lower levels of zinc in their blood than people without acne. Therefore, a person may be able to cure their acne by increasing their zinc intake.

For example, one study reports that oral zinc gluconate can relieve the symptoms of acne. [1]

A different study has shown that oral zinc sulfate is particularly effective in treating severe acne, although there is debate about how well the topical form of zinc sulfate works. [2]

Possible side effects

Excessive zinc intake can cause:

• abdominal pain
• diarrhea
• headaches
• loss of appetite
• motion sickness
• vomiting
• stomach disorders

Too much zinc can even affect healthy cholesterol (HDL) levels.

Zinc intake should be monitored by your doctor if you are taking diuretic medication, antibiotics or autoimmune drugs.

In conclusion, zinc is an essential metal that helps our body in and out. Thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, it can also be very beneficial for the largest human organ, the skin.

Contact your doctor or dermatologist to check your zinc levels to determine which form of zinc is right for you.

At Vita4you.gr you will find a wide variety of supplements for acne!

References

1. Over-the-counter Acne Treatments
2. Zinc Therapy in Dermatology: A Review
3. Can You Use Zinc for Acne Spots and Scars?
4. Zinc for acne: Does it work?