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Zinc and Acne - Natural Treatment for Acne!

March 12, 2018

Zinc and Acne - Natural Treatment for Acne!
by Kali Kushner

 

Zincsupplements havebeenused for years in cases of both mild and inflammatory acne.In fact,research has shown us thatpeople with acnehave much lower levels of zinc when compared to those who have clear skin and that in supplementing zinc acne lesionsreduced by 50%.Deemed a natural cure for hormonal, cystic,or even regular good ole whiteheads,today I wanted to take a second to explore what exactly zinc is, what the best form is for acne, andhow it works to treat and prevent new breakouts from forming.

 

what is zinc?

 

Zinc isa naturallyoccurring trace metal; it’s found in the earth, air,foods we eat, andin our bodies.Zinc is critical to our health, working to build the immunesystem, helping our cells grow,regulating our appetite, andspeeding up the healing process of wounds.A few foods where you can naturally find zinc are oysters, crab, beef and lamb, wheat, spinach, and pumpkin seeds.

 

how zinc helps acne

 

Zinc is one of themoststudiednatural treatments for acne.With somuch research available they’ve been able to pin point exactly why zinc works. It actually targets ALLthe causes of acne. Pretty crazy right?!

 

Although zinc isn’t as effective as antibiotics,studies have proven that zinc iseffective at killing acne causing bacteria.What’s more is thatacne causing bacteria won’t develop a resistance to zinc, so it continues to work for those who have antibiotic resistantstrains within their system and on the skin.

 

Zinc helps to reduce overall bodily inflammation, including the inflammatory responseour bodies have to acne.When a pore becomes clogged it sends an inflammatory response throughout the body, becoming red and irritating.Surprisingly acne prone skin has a higher inflammatory response to bacteria thannon acne prone skin.Zinc reduces the inflammatory response and helps to calm the effect bacteria have on the skin.

 

Zinc reduces keratinocyte activation.Keratinocytesproduct keratin,which glues skin cells together.Too much keratin causes skin cells to stick together, leading to clogged pores andinflamed acne.Zinc reduces keratin and helps to keep the skins surface free of buildupand acne free.

 

Zinc slightly blocks DHT. DHTis a powerful androgenthat helps to givemales their “manly” characteristics. DHT in excess can cause hair loss,acne, and other unwanted physical changes.DHT blockers like zinc prevent these hormones from occurring in excess and balance them out naturally. It may not be a very strong hormone balancer but every bit helps!

 

The Research Surrounding Zinc

There are several studies today which examine the effects of zinc on acne.The results are promising, showing that zinc is as effective as antibiotics in the 70s at reducing acne (but not as effective as present day antibiotics). 

In this study Zinc was compared to results of Minocycline.Two groups were given either 30 mg ofelemental zinc or100 mg of Minocycline for 3 months.The overall success rate was 31.2% forzinc and63.4% for Minocycline.Both ended up being effective at treating inflammatory acne, though Minocyclinewas superior by 17%.

A second studyExplored the role of zinc on inflammatory acne.After 8 weeks almost79%of acne patients had a80-100% improvement.Out of 48 patients, only two patients experienced side effects.The onset of results is late with results being seen after 8 – 12 weeks, sotopicals may help to speed up the process.

 It should also be noted that many scientist argue the form of zinc taken effects acne differently.Zinc with better bioavailability is thought to yield better results.

 

 

What Zinc Should I Take?

 

Zincpicolinate is considered the most bioavailable formsofzinc foracne.Other acceptable forms to consider(that aren’t as easily absorbed)are zincmethionine and zincgluconate.Zinccitrate andzinc sulphate are the least absorbed forms, so theywillstillbe effective butshould be used as a last resort if no other form of zinc is available.

 A definite dosage hasn’t been established yet buta popular amount appearsto be around 30/mg a day of elemental zinc. Although a label maylist 200 or 300 mg of zinc,the amount of elemental zinc is different and should appearon the label separately.

Liked this article? Well here is my video on why everyone with acne should try zinc where I tell you even more details and important information about it!

 

 

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