Can Zinc Supplements Treat Acne?

Pimples that break out around the chin, forehead, and cheeks can be very difficult to get rid of. One area that researchers are now studying is the treatment of acne with supplements of the mineral zinc. The research began from observations that many people who had these outbreaks of acne actually had a lower level of zinc than their peers who rarely ever had the problem.

The studies ranged from high doses of zinc on a daily basis of 90mg to 135mg, and the results showed that those taking the zinc show some improvement. Unfortunately it’s not absorbed very well. The studies continued testing zinc, minocycline, and tetracycline antibiotics and it was found to be as effective as the tetracycline when the lower of tetracycline was used when 30mg of zinc was used. One finding indicated that zinc gluconate is absorbed by the body more than zinc sulfate, along with other forms such as zinc citrate, zinc picolinate, zinc monomethionine, and zinc acetate.

Of course with good results come side effects when taking additional zinc in one of these forms. There are several signs of toxicity that include kidney problems, diarrhea, vomiting, upset stomach, and in extreme cases it can even be fatal too. Extreme doses can also suppress the absorption of iron and copper in the body, and it binds with fiber and reduces the amount of zinc the body can use.

Zinc has been found to be effective for treating acne, and it’s one of the many supplements for acne since it’s found naturally in foods; one of the added benefits is that it helps to maintain balance in the hormones. Since some of these hormone fluctuations have been found to cause acne because they tend to increase the production of oil in the body, zinc also helps to get the oil production back to normal levels. In addition, even 15mg improves the immune system, and it’s also been found to help eliminate some of the excess bacteria that also contribute to acne. Another benefit that zinc provides in fighting acne is that zinc helps the healing process by increasing tissue regeneration.

When people are frustrated with the frequent breakouts of acne, there are some ways that have been found to be effective, and zinc is one of those natural minerals that helps reduce outbreaks of acne.