Zinc for acne is one of the many vital minerals that your body needs to function properly. Its primary function is to safeguard your immune system by fighting off dangerous cells and bacteria.
While zinc is supposed to help you stay healthy by preventing diseases, it has also been examined for a variety of other medical conditions, including the prevention and treatment of acne. While there are other ways to treat acne available, zinc does show therapeutic benefits as an acne treatment. In fact, zinc is one of the most extensively researched acne treatment options available.
Continue reading to discover more about this natural acne-fighting remedy. You will also learn about the benefits of various zinc-based supplements and topical solutions that you can try at home.
What is the procedure?
Zinc is a mineral that may aid in the fight against viruses and bacteria. Even though the majority of individuals get the zinc they need through their diet, some people may find that brief supplementation is advantageous. Zinc pills, for example, are often sold as a means to prevent colds or lessen the duration of infections.
Zinc has also been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects. The redness and irritation associated with moderate-to-severe acne may be alleviated in some cases by using this method. It may even aid in the reduction of the appearance of acne scarring.
Zinc has also been used to treat a variety of other inflammatory skin disorders, including the following:
- Eczema
- Seborrheic Dermatitis
- Melasma
- Rosacea
Is it important what the form is?
The type of zinc you should take for acne treatment is determined by a variety of factors. In general, there has been contradictory data on the optimal type of zinc to use for acne treatment in general.
Oral zinc, according to research originally published in 2012, was successful in treating both the inflammatory and bacterial types of acne. Previous research showed that oral zinc was also useful for patients who had mild acne. Oral supplementation, in either scenario, was associated with unpleasant side effects such as nausea and vomiting.
Although topical administration has fewer negative effects than oral supplementation, it is not believed to be as effective as the latter. However, this does not imply that it is wholly ineffectual.
Topical zinc, in addition to its anti-inflammatory effects, may aid in the removal of acne-causing bacteria from the skin as well as the reduction of oil production.
It is ultimately determined by the severity of your acne, your skin type, and your present food habits which kind you should take. Your doctor or dermatologist can assist you in determining which form of zinc is best for you.
What is the best way to utilize zinc to your advantage?
If you want to include zinc in your acne-fighting regimen, you must choose the form that is most appropriate for your requirements.
For severe acne, for example, dietary zinc and oral supplements may be more beneficial than topical treatments. Cysts and nodules are often resistant to treatment with over-the-counter (OTC) acne treatments.
Topical zinc may be sufficient to eliminate your outbreak if your acne is milder. Mild acne is characterized by the presence of blackheads, whiteheads, papules, and pustules.
Depending on the topical treatment, it might take up to three months before you notice apparent benefits. If you haven’t experienced any improvements by this point, speak to your doctor about if zinc can assist your acne from the inside out by nourishing it from the inside. If you can’t, then consider an at-home DNA health test with HealthCodes DNA. They will provide custom recommendations on dietary modifications or oral supplements.
Zinc should be included in your diet in the following ways:
Amounts of zinc suggested daily, according to the National Institutes of Health’s Office of Dietary Supplements, vary depending on your age and gender.
-
For Girls and Women
- Ages 9 to 13: 8 milligrams (mg)
- Your ages 14 to 18: 9 mg
- Ages 14 to 18 and pregnant: 12 mg
- Ages 14 to 18 and breastfeeding: 13 mg
- Your ages 18 and up and pregnant: 11 mg
- Ages 18 and up and breastfeeding: 12 mg
-
For boys and men:
- Ages 9 to 13: 8 mg
- Yoru Ages 14 to 18: 11 mg
- Ages 18 and up 11 mg
Consider keeping an accurate food journal to establish whether or not you are receiving enough zinc in your diet before contemplating acne treatment with supplements. As with other minerals, your body may absorb zinc more effectively from food than from a supplement, which is similar to other nutrients.
Zinc may be found in abundance in the following foods:
- Whole Grain
- Red Meat
- Oysters
- Poultry
- Nuts
- Dairy Products
- Fortified Cereals
- Beans
Risks and negative effects that may occur
Even though zinc is nutritionally and physiologically significant, it is possible to consume too much of it. For teenagers, the maximum daily dose is 34 milligrams. For adults, the dose might reach 40 milligrams.
If you consume or otherwise take an excessive amount of zinc, you may have the following symptoms:
- Stomach Upset
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Loss of Appetite
- Abdominal Pain
- Headache
- Diarrhea
A high intake of zinc may even harm good (HDL) cholesterol levels.
If you use diuretics, have frequent infections, or have rheumatoid arthritis, your doctor may recommend that you get your zinc levels checked.
Consider taking a zinc supplement
Your doctor may advise you to take zinc supplements if you are not getting enough zinc from your diet alone. For example, some medical diseases, such as Crohn’s disease, may impair the absorption of zinc from dietary sources.
Under the guidance of your doctor, you should only take zinc or other supplements as directed. In the absence of a zinc deficiency, supplementation will be ineffective; in addition, consuming more zinc than you need might cause unpleasant side effects.
Zinc is available over-the-counter (OTC), either alone or in combination with other minerals such as calcium. It may also be found in several multivitamins.
Zinc is classified as one of the following elements:
- Zinc Sulfate
- Acetate Zinc
- Zinc Gluconate
No one type is known to be superior to the others, according to the Office of Dietary Supplements. The trick is to avoid taking numerous products that contain more than one form of zinc since this might result in an overdose.
Risks and negative effects that may occur
Overdosing on zinc supplements may cause gastrointestinal symptoms that are strikingly similar to those caused by consuming too much dietary zinc for Acne. A high zinc intake may also increase your chance of developing neurological side effects such as weakness and numbness in your limbs.
Consult your doctor before incorporating zinc supplements into your daily regimen. Some prescription drugs, such as antibiotics and medications used to treat autoimmune illnesses may be affected by the usage of zinc supplements.
Topical zinc should be used
If your acne is minor and you’re receiving enough zinc from your diet, you may want to look into topical treatments. Severe acne nodules and cysts may not respond well to topical zinc treatment.
Even if you don’t have sensitive skin, all skin products have the potential to produce negative effects on some people. Always do a patch test to determine your likelihood of experiencing an allergic response.
Here’s how it’s done:
- Choose a tiny area of skin away from your face, such as the inside of your arm, and apply the cream there.
- Apply a tiny quantity of the product and let 24 hours pass before washing your hands.
- If there are no negative side effects, you may use it on your face. However, if you get redness, rash, or hives, you should stop using the product.
Always read and follow the directions on the product’s packaging. Some products need less frequent application than others, particularly at the beginning of the day or in the evening.
Among the most often used zinc products are:
- Formula 10.0.06 One Smooth Operator Pore Clearing Face Scrub is a face scrub with a smooth operator.
- Dermalogica Medibac Sebum Clearing Masque is a dermatologist-recommended product.
- DermaZinc Topical Cream
Risks and negative effects that may occur
Topical zinc, like any other skincare product, has the potential to produce redness and irritation. Using a patch test may help you reduce your chance of experiencing negative effects. If you get a rash or hives after taking topical zinc, discontinue usage immediately.
If you have sensitive skin, you may be more susceptible to the negative effects of topical zinc. Using various acne-fighting treatments at the same time might also raise your chance of developing acne.
The bottom line
Zinc is an essential micronutrient that benefits the body both inside and externally. It may also assist in the preservation of the health of your greatest organ: your skin. Zinc is particularly useful for inflammatory acne and the scarring those results from it because of its anti-inflammatory properties.
Consult with your dermatologist to determine the best treatment option for you. They can tell you if you’re receiving enough zinc via your food and whether taking zinc supplements is safe for you to do so. Or you can take a DNA test from the comfort of home for fully customized nutritional and supplementation advice with HealthCodes DNA.
References
Kristeen Cherney. (2019, March 08). Can You Use Zinc for Acne Spots and Scars? Retrieved from Healthline: https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/zinc-for-acne