Zinc That Zitty Acne Away

Zinc for Acne?

Zinc is an essential mineral that’s naturally present in plants and animals.  Zinc maintains our health by helping our body resist infection and inflammation.  This mineral assists in the proper DNA formation, hormone regulation, and cell growth.  It speeds up the healing of tissues and prevents scarring.

Since it’s derived from natural substances, zinc is claimed to be a good solution to acne problems.

A deficiency in zinc leads to a weakened immune system, so the body is having a hard time fighting bacteria that causes infection.  Zinc remedies for acne are based on the scientific proof that zinc boosts your immune system and regulates the production of hormone that causes acne.  Many controlled studies have shown significant improvement in approximately 60% of those who suffer from acne. 

The intake of zinc can either be through nutritious foods that contain zinc or in through proper dosage of zinc supplements.

Foods Rich in Zinc

Oysters contain more zinc per serving than any other food.  Other seafood preparations also contain a significant amount of zinc.  However, you should be careful when eating seafood, as allergies to such food can trigger acne flare-ups.

Other healthy sources of zinc include lean beef and poultry, eggs, and dairy.  Whole grains, beans, peas, nuts, sunflower and pumpkin seeds, and fortified cereals also contain a significant amount of zinc.

Zinc Medications and Supplements

Zinc is not used for treating acne alone.  This mineral has a wide range of variants used to fight other diseases, so it is important for you to find out what kind of zinc supplement you need to use.

Topical preparations with zinc oxide are used to treat diaper rash, itching, and chapped skin or lips.  A water-based solution of zinc sulfate has been known to treat acne, burns, and cold sores.  You need to keep in mind that zinc sulfate is a salt and can cause harm to raw tissue if applied in high concentration. 

Zinc gluconate, which comes in tablet forms, also reduces acne inflammation.  Zinc picolinate, which is a combination of an organic salt and zinc, also fights bacteria that cause acne.  Among the different variants of zinc, it is the zinc picolinate which is absorbed most by the body.

A popular brand of zinc supplement, OptiZinc, contains zinc monomethionine which enhances immunity from microorganisms, stimulates new cell growth, and nourish skin structures.  OptiZinc also works as an antioxidant, removing toxic wastes in the skin.

If you have decided to use zinc acne supplements, you need to keep in mind that you can only have an intake of 30-80 mg of zinc in one day.  Exceeding this daily dosage can pose severe side effects. 

Most of these zinc supplements are available over the counter.  However, it is also important that you ask your doctor’s recommendation for the zinc supplement and other acne medicines that work best for your body.