We know that there are different kinds of vitamins and minerals needed for glowing and radiant skin. Maybe you know about many vitamins and supplements such as A, E, C, B, probiotics, selenium, CQ-10, resveratrol etc. Have you ever heard about Zinc for acne? Here we will discuss about zinc, its health benefits, effect on acne and many more.

All about Zinc

Zinc is a metal but it is very necessary but in small amount for health. Though it needed small amount but performs many important functions of body such as it produces hormones, prevents indigestion, boost up immunity, Zinc is both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. It inhibits free radical damage and ensures young look. Moreover, Zinc performs both biological and cellular function. It builds protein and help in DNA making. Zinc heals would, help in blood clotting of damaged skin areas.

However, along with aforementioned health benefits it is helpful zinc for acne. It found from the research of four decades that people who got acne have a lower amount of zinc in their body. Acne patient has 24% lower zinc level in their body compared to people who have clear skin. According to National Institute of health requirements, every male and female should take 11 mg and 8 mg of zinc for acne every day. You should avoid chelated zinc but to take elemental zinc because chelated zinc is modified form of zinc where the amount of real zinc is small.

Relation of Acne and Zinc

According to medicalnewstoday, Acne is an inflammatory condition characterized by pimple and spots. It especially visible on the face, but shoulder, chest, neck is also affected by it. Different forms of acne are blackheads, cysts, whiteheads, pimples etc. This is a very common skin disorder in the USA. About 30 million Americans suffer from acne.

In order to cure acne, there are many home remedies available such as using tea tree oil, moisturizer, having tea and proper diet including zinc supplement. Yes, zinc is an essential element must be present in your daily diet chart. A Study says, Zinc, with vitamin A, E provides “satisfactory result” against acne.

Why Zinc for acne?

1. Zinc help to reduce inflammation as it is an anti-inflammatory agent. Normally there is pain remains in acne area.
2. Zinc can fight against acne causing bacteria because it is an anti-bacterial.
3. It helps in the absorption of vitamin A & E, very necessary to cure acne.
4. Acne occurs when pores become clogged by proteinous substance keratin. Zinc clears pore and help from acne.
5. Zinc helps in vitamin A metabolism, hence it acts as an anti-acne agent.
6. Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is responsible for producing acne in male skin. To get relief you have to take zinc because it blocks DHT.
7. It helps omega-3 fatty acid metabolism to alleviate inflammation on acne site.
8. Zinc supplement has an effect on regulating hormonal imbalances by taking care of ovulation.
9. Moreover, it is an antioxidant, protects skin from acne and aging.
10. Zinc helps in apoptosis – the programmed cell death. If it not occurs then it blocks pores and leads to acne.

Zinc foods to fight acne

To avoid zinc deficiency you have to eat zinc foods. Primarily you have to know which zinc-rich foods are. Here is a list of zinc foods:

• dairy products,
• beans,
• fortified cereals,
• oyster,
• nuts,
• whole grain,
• poultry,
• red meat.

Add copper foods: Yes, you need to eat copper foods along with zinc. Zinc and copper work together.  This is why you need to take balanced food. Meat and seafood are an ideal example of balanced zinc and copper.

How is effective Zinc for Acne?

From the different study, it is found that zinc has efficacy to cure acne but not as equal to the antibiotic. According to a study of Dr. Breno and colleagues, Zinc has 31.2% success rate against acne whereas antibiotic Minocycline has 63.4% success rate. This study was conducted among 332 acne patients who received Zinc Gluconate (equivalent to 30mg Elemental zinc) and 100mg Minocycline.

According to another study, Zinc methionine combined with antioxidant show 80% improvement rate against acne where this form of zinc supplement has higher bioavailability.

Topical zinc for Acne

Topical zinc is available in different concentration and formulations. The result of topical zinc is variable. Most common formulations are Zinc oxide, Zinc Pyrrolidone, Zinc ascorbate, Zinc Acetate, Zinc sulphate etc. Most of this Zinc forms are combined with other prescription medicine for effective result. And topical zinc agents are safe. One effective combination is Zinc pyrrolidone (0.1%) and seaweed-derived oligosaccharide for mild acne. Complexes help in reduction of acne rather than control. Zinc ascorbate and Zinc acetate show the good result when these are combed with prescription medicine antibiotics.

Can zinc make acne worse?

Yes, zinc can make acne worse if you do not follow the recommended dose and strength. The recommended daily dose of Zinc is 30mg/day, optimal dosage has not been established yet. One thing must keep in mind that, amount of bound of zinc and elemental zinc is not same. 200 mg of Zinc gluconate is not same as 200 mg zinc. The strength 5% of topical Zinc is effective in mild to moderate acne.

High doses not only create acne worse but also causes some side effects such as stomach cramps and gastric irritation.

Moreover, you may be affected by following discomforts:

• abdominal pain
• diarrhea
• headaches
• loss of appetite
• Nausea, vomiting

How long does zinc take to clear acne?

According to a study from the journal of dermatology and therapy, to get full treatment by methionine-based zinc complex with antioxidants, you have to wait till 12 weeks. Global acne cure starts from 8 weeks. Moreover, it is required 8 to 12 weeks to heal acne pustules, papules, and closed comedones. It is only efficacious but also tolerable to use zinc for acne for 12 weeks.

Crushed zinc on acne

Crushing zinc tablet may be used in the acne area. To do it crush zinc tablet and add a few drops of water and apply directly to the acne scar or pimple. It fastens the healing process. But it has some problems. It not suitable for use while sleeping as it fell down from the spot. This is why it is better to use zinc cream form.