Does Zinc Help Acne?

Acne is a common skin condition that can significantly impact a person's self-confidence and skin health. Many people turn to specially formulated creams and medications, but the importance of one essential mineral is often overlooked.

Zinc is a nutrient that your body needs to remain healthy and fight off illnesses. It also possesses some remarkable medicinal properties that scientists have found are highly beneficial to acne.

Keep reading to learn more about zinc's acne-fighting powers, how to use it, and what other health benefits it provides.

What is Zinc?

Zinc is an essential mineral that is found in every cell in the body. It is known as a trace element, meaning it is only needed in minimal amounts.

But don't let that fool you! Getting enough zinc in your diet is crucial for overall good health because it regulates numerous bodily processes.

One of zinc's primary jobs is to support a healthy immune system by preventing harmful pathogens from entering the body and supporting the function of immune cells. Zinc is also involved in growth and development, bone health, gene expression, and DNA synthesis.

Many of zinc's health benefits are due to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. More specifically, these effects are known to help treat acne, a skin condition characterized by pimples or "spots" caused by blocked hair follicles.

Zinc for Acne

There are a few different forms of acne which are all caused by particular issues.

Some types of acne, such as cystic acne, are caused by inflammation. Zinc's powerful anti-inflammatory properties can help reduce redness and irritation associated with acne and may even help reduce scarring.

Cell damage caused by oxidative stress can also contribute to acne. In this state, there is an excess of harmful, highly-reactive oxygen molecules, known as free radicals, in the body. Antioxidants like zinc can help neutralize free radicals to prevent them from causing damage ¹.

Certain strains of bacteria on the skin play a role in the development of acne. Zinc can help fight off acne-causing bacteria from the skin and limit oil production to prevent clogging of pores.

There are a number of ways to use zinc to treat acne. These include:

• Topical treatment: involves applying a zinc-based paste, gel, or cream directly to affected areas of the skin where acne is present. This treatment is most effective for mild acne and may not work if you have severe acne. There are very few side effects with topical application.
• Oral medication: involves taking a zinc tablet or capsule if acne is too severe for topical treatment alone. Oral zinc is proven to be effective for treating all forms of acne, from mild to severe, but carries more side effects such as nausea and vomiting ².
• Dietary changes: According to scientific studies, people with acne have low levels of zinc in their blood, suggesting a link between zinc and the development of the condition³. Eating more foods that are high in zinc, or taking dietary supplements to bolster zinc intake, can significantly improve symptoms.

Using zinc to treat acne depends on the severity of your symptoms, your skin type, and your current diet. It is always helpful to visit a doctor or dermatologist who can help advise you on the best course of action.

Other Health Benefits of Zinc

The benefits of zinc are not limited to just improving acne. It also has numerous other positive effects on the body.

Improves immune function

The immune system protects us from diseases and illnesses and involves a complex interplay between many different components.

Zinc helps maintain a strong immune system because it is necessary for immune cell function and cell signaling in response to infections. Therefore, it is no surprise that deficiency in this important mineral impairs the immune system and increases the chances of illness.

One study found that zinc supplements significantly boost the immune response and are an effective way to reduce the risk of infection ⁴.

Reduces inflammation

Oxidative stress can lead to chronic inflammation and cell damage. This accelerates aging and increases the risk for serious health complications like heart disease and cancer.

According to research, zinc provides antioxidant effects on the body and reduces inflammation by suppressing the action of inflammatory proteins ⁵.

Helps depression

Zinc plays a crucial role in brain function and mood as it regulates brain cell signaling and the body's response to stress. As such, zinc deficiency can cause symptoms of depression, learning difficulties, memory issues, and aggression ⁶.

Studies have found that zinc supplementation alongside SSRIs, a common antidepressant drug, can improve symptoms in people with major depression ⁷.

Controls blood sugar

Zinc is found in high concentrations in the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas, where it helps with insulin function and blood sugar control.

Researchers have found that people with diabetes are more likely to have low levels of zinc than those without the condition. According to a recent 2020 study, increasing zinc intake through supplements can reduce risk factors for diabetes ⁸

Conclusion

Zinc is an important mineral with numerous roles in maintaining good health, such as regulating immune function, reducing inflammation and disease, and supporting good skin health.

Low levels of zinc may contribute to the development of acne. Taking a zinc-containing supplement is an effective way to ensure you get adequate amounts of zinc in your diet. Various forms of zinc-related treatments are also known to improve acne symptoms and overall skin health.

By attacking your acne from the inside and out, your symptoms should begin to improve. Visit your doctor or dermatologist to discuss which combination of zinc-based treatments will suit your skin the best.