In either case, oral supplementation came with side effects like nausea and vomiting. In addition to its anti-inflammatory properties, topical zinc may help clear acne-causing bacteria from the skin and reduce oil production. The form you use ultimately depends on the severity of your acne, your skin type, and your current dietary habits. Your doctor or dermatologist can help determine the right type of zinc for you. If you want to add zinc to your acne-fighting routine, you need to select the form best suited for your needs.
For example, dietary zinc and oral supplementation may be more effective for severe acne. Over-the-counter OTC acne medications are usually unable to treat cysts and nodules. Mild acne includes blackheads, whiteheads, papules, and pustules. It may take up to three months of topical application before you see visible results.
They may be able to recommend certain dietary changes or oral supplements. According to the National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements , the daily recommended amount of zinc depends on your age and sex.
As with other nutrients, your body can absorb zinc more efficiently from the foods you eat than from a supplement. For teens, the maximum daily amount is 34 mg. For adults, this goes up to 40 mg. Your doctor may talk to you about monitoring your zinc levels if you take diuretics, develop frequent infections, or have rheumatoid arthritis. Zinc is available OTC — on its own or combined with other minerals, such as calcium. Overdosing on zinc supplements can lead to gastrointestinal effects very much like those from too much dietary zinc.
Too much zinc could also put you at risk for neurological effects such as weakness and numbness in your extremities. Talk to your doctor before adding zinc supplements to your routine. Zinc supplements can interact with some prescription medications, including antibiotics and those used for autoimmune diseases. Always do a patch test to assess your risk for allergic reaction. Washes and creams may also contain benzoyl peroxide, resorcinol, or sulfur to remove dead cells and calm inflamed skin.
Retinol-enhanced gel or serum may also help repair cellular trauma and foster the healthy growth of new skin cells. Although most specialists consider topical zinc a mild treatment on the skin, you may wish to test any zinc product before putting it to regular use.
Choose a small patch of skin with properties similar to your face such as the underside of your arm. Apply a small amount of the product about the circumference of two large coins and wait 24 hours. If no adverse side effects occur after 24 hours, you may proceed to apply the treatment to acne or infected areas.
However, if you develop itching, redness, peeling, or a rash, discontinue use of the product. Using a topical zinc treatment can take up to 12 weeks before a person sees visible results. When acne comes from deeply clogged pores, however, topical treatments may not reach far enough to resolve the root of the problem.
In these circumstances, you may opt to increase your zinc intake internally. The two most popular ways to increase zinc intake are through dietary choices or mineral supplements. Food choice is one of the best ways to increase long-term consumption of zinc. Cereal and legumes such as whole grain and red beans , natural foods high in fatty acids and plant protein such as walnuts , and animal protein high in omega-3 fatty acid such as eggs and oysters are the most commonly used dietary sources of zinc.
As a supplement, you can often purchase zinc combined with another mineral such as calcium. Some multivitamins also include zinc as an amino acid chelate molecularly attached to organic compounds for better absorption. The standard therapeutic dose is around milligrams mg of zinc each day. Zinc acetate — Compound form of zinc used as a supplement or dry or liquid food additive. Also known as zinc salt, this compound may reduce internal inflammation and bacterial invasion.
Zinc methionine — A compound of the mineral zinc and the amino acid methionine used to heighten the availability of zinc within the body. Zinc picolinate — Salt form of zinc with high bioavailability used to fight acne and boost the immune system. Although most professionals view zinc as a safer alternative to antibiotics and steroids, it can cause side effects in some individuals.
For example, higher dosages may cause nausea, tiredness, headaches, or lower copper absorption. You may wish to take supplements under the supervision of a dermatologist to avoid excessive use. Article Sources: Decker, A. No waiting in line or uncomfortable swabs. Learn More October, 18 Supplements. What are the Benefits of Zinc for Acne?
Antioxidant Benefits Foremost, zinc has antioxidant properties that reduce the inflammatory response to dead cells, dirt, oil, and bacteria. Start The Assessment. Inline Feedbacks. Learn More […]. Share this article 1 Read more about Supplements October, 13 Supplements.
This is why some of the most common signs of zinc deficiency are brittle nails and hair loss. People with deficiencies have more eczema flare-ups, rashes, and xerosis , aka dry, scaly skin. These flare-ups happen since the uppermost layer of skin contains the most zinc compared to deeper skin layers. Acne occurs when hair follicles become clogged with sebum, bacteria, and dead skin cells. If your body produces a lot of sebum, clogged pores form, leading to whiteheads, blackheads, pustules, or cysts on the face, neck, chest, and back.
Since zinc also helps wound healing, it can help to reduce any residual acne scarring. Your dermatologist may prescribe zinc supplements if they believe there is a possible deficiency. The best source of zinc is from your daily food intake. For those of you who are zinc deficient, you will need a consistent supply to combat acne. The recommended daily intake for an adult is no more than 40mg. Any amount between mg helps treat acne, depending on the severity.
Most over the counter supplements only go as high as 50mg, so combining with a healthy diet should be enough. Zinc can also help with acne externally. Sunscreens containing zinc oxide can help with repairing your skin while protecting against harmful ultraviolet rays. It is possible to take too much zinc into your body.
In developed countries, this is not a common deficiency, but your diet still needs to be balanced , not laden with junk food. If you experience several of these symptoms, you should mention them to your doctor or dermatologist and ask for advice. Taking zinc orally as a supplement will have a greater impact on your body as a whole.
You can also get more zinc in your diet by following a diet for acne-free skin. Shellfish, meat, some cereals, and legumes like chickpeas or beans are all rich in this mineral. For a more foolproof way to get your daily dose of zinc, oral zinc supplements are an easy solution. This Probiotic Supplement is a good place to start because its formulated with other acne-fighting vitamins and minerals, like probiotics and Vitamins A and E, to tackle acne from the inside out.
Many dermatologists recommend zinc gluconate because it is good for any skin type or budget, but zinc oxide can also be helpful for fair skin, while those with sensitive skin may want to try zinc ascorbate. Zinc sulfate in capsule form seems to benefit only pustules, according to one study , and it may be associated with many side effects. Not much clinical data is available on zinc acetate for acne, but it enhances the absorption of antibiotics such as erythromycin.
This combination is available in topical antibiotics like the brand Zinerit. Some topical acne treatments, like hydroquinone , are not safe for dark skin because they can cause discoloration or hyperpigmentation. However, zinc gluconate is safe for all skin types, dark to light, oily to dry. It is also absorbed easily in the digestive tract, if you decide to take it as a supplement.
However, it is not recommended in any form for dark skin because one of its side effects is creating white spots. Zinc ascorbate is a good option for sensitive skin because it fights free radicals, thereby acting as an anti-inflammatory agent. One study also showed that it inhibited the growth of all strains of the acne-causing bacteria, P.
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