Zinc is an essential trace mineral that is required by many human enzymes and cellular processes. Zinc is a popular nutritional supplement is purported to help boost the immune system.
Zinc and Acne
Zinc is one of the most common supplements used in the Naturopathic treatment of acne. Both topical and oral Zinc formulations are used as acne treatments. Zinc is one of the most extensively researched nutritional supplements for acne. There have been several research studies and clinical trials that have reported Zinc supplements to be effective at decreasing the severity of acne symptoms.
A few research studies have found that individuals with moderate to severe acne symptoms tend to have lower levels of Zinc in their blood than individuals without acne symptoms. Because of this relationship, many people believe that Zinc supplements can help improve acne symptoms.
In the 1970’s several clinical trials were conducted to investigate whether oral Zinc supplements were effective acne treatments. The results of these trials were mixed, but overall they did tend to find that oral Zinc supplements helped reduce the severity of acne symptoms for some patients.
Zinc can also be used topically as a treatment for acne. Zinc has antimicrobial properties that may help control the growth of acne-causing P. acnes bacteria. Several Zinc acne treatment creams are available, some of which also contain antibiotics. However, most of the clinical research studies on topical Zinc acne treatments have found that they are not very effective.
Overall, oral Zinc supplements are one of the nutritional supplements that is most likely to help improve acne symptoms (according to the available evidence). Zinc supplements are not expected to completely cure acne symptoms for most people. Zinc supplements can be combined with many other types of acne treatments.
How Do Zinc Supplements Work?
Zinc ions are essential for many key molecular processes, such as gene expression and cellular differentiation. Zinc is one of the primary ingredients in many Naturopathic cold and flu treatments.
Zinc deficiency has been shown to suppress the immune system, and several studies have found that important immune functions can be enhanced through regular consumption of Zinc supplements. Although the observed effects of zinc function on the immune system tend to be relatively mild, it is clear that healthy levels of Zinc are important for a healthy immune system.
There are several different versions of oral Zinc supplement available, including zinc acetate and zinc gluconate. Zinc supplements are generally safe when consumed at recommended dosages, but consuming large quantities of Zinc supplements can be toxic and cause permanent damage.
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Serum zinc in acne vulgaris. Amer, et al. 1982.
Oral zinc in acne vulgaris: a clinical and methodological study. Goransson, et al. 1977.
Topical erythromycin and zinc therapy for acne. Schachner, et al. 1990.
Topical zinc therapy for acne vulgaris. Cochran, et al. 1985.
Clinical evaluation in acne. Liden, et al. 1979.
Effects of oral zinc and vitamin A in acne. Michaelsson, et al. 1977.
Comparison of oral treatment with zinc sulphate and placebo in acne vulgaris. Hillstrom, et al. 1977.
Multicenter Randomized Comparative Double-Blind Controlled Clinical Trial of the Safety and Efficacy of Zinc Gluconate versus Minocycline Hydrochloride in the Treatment of Inflammatory Acne vulgaris. Dreno, et al. 2001.
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Therapeutic evaluation of 2% tea lotion in comparison with 5% zinc sulfate solution in the treatment of acne rosacea. Sharquie, et al. 2014.