In recent years, zinc supplements have been frequently touted for the treatment of acne. In this article we will try to analyze all the pros and cons of such treatment, and most importantly, how is zinc useful for the skin?
Zinc is an excellent mineral for treating acne, especially if your body is deficient in it. It mainly acts on the immune system, reducing the manifestation of chronic inflammation.
What results can be expected from zinc treatment? It all depends on the severity of the disease: if the occurrence of acne is associated with immunity, then you will see the real benefits of zinc.
However, almost every acne patient suffers from chronic inflammation to some degree, so when treating acne with zinc, everyone will see at least the slightest improvement in their skin.
Researchers have seen an average of 50% reduction in acne with zinc treatment, and some have seen skin improvement of over 65%.
If you are lucky, then zinc may well end the treatment of acne.
Is zinc effective for acne?
You're probably wondering if zinc is scientifically proven to be effective for acne? A couple of studies have already been conducted, and they show really positive results.
1) In the Turkish study, researchers recruited 87 people, 47 of whom had acne and the rest had clear skin. They divided them into separate groups based on their skin condition.
Scientists found that in a group of acne patients, 54.1% of people had a zinc deficiency , compared with just 10% of people with clear skin. They also noticed that the average zinc levels in the blood of acne patients were much lower than average.
2) The second study involved 54 patients who took either zinc supplements or a placebo. After 6 weeks of treatment, the incidence of acne in patients taking zinc decreased by 33% .
3) This large study included 332 people with acne. They were given 30 mg of zinc gluconate, which is twice the recommended daily intake.
After three months, all patients had a 49.8% reduction in the total number of acne ! It was also noted that in 31.2% of participants the reduction in acne was two-thirds or more.
Zinc gluconate is not the most effective form of zinc supplementation. There are other forms: zinc oxide, acetate, sulfate, glycate, etc. Zinc picolinate is considered the most effective. Picolinic acid promotes the fastest absorption of zinc in the intestines.
Multivitamin complexes
Vitamin complexes contain minerals and nutrients necessary to maintain the health of the female body.
21st Century, One Daily, for women
21st Century, One Daily, for women, 100 tablets
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The price of 1 serving is 2 rubles. 77 kop.
Characteristic:
- country of origin – USA;
- package volume – 100 tablets;
- substance concentration – 15 mg.
The vitamin complex normalizes hormonal levels and the menstrual cycle, improves skin condition, and strengthens hair follicles.
Minuses:
- there may be nausea;
- some buyers did not notice the effect of taking it.
Nature's Way, Alive! Once a Day for Women Superpower Multivitamins
Nature's Way, Alive! Once a day Women's Superpower Multivitamin, 60 tablets
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The cost of 1 serving is 18 rubles. 92 kopecks
A brief description of:
- Country: USA;
- volume – 60 tablets;
- zinc concentration in 1 pc. – 15 mg.
This is a balanced complex of vitamins, minerals, plant extracts. Contains enzymes and bioflavonoids. The product contains no sugar, salt, allergens, flavors, or preservatives.
Pros:
- the complex improves the condition of the skin, hair, nails, and well-being;
- normalizes the emotional background and the menstrual cycle.
Minuses:
- Nausea may occur if consumed on an empty stomach.
Rainbow Light, Women's One
Rainbow Light, Women's One, 90 Tablets
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The price of 1 serving is 25 rubles. 40 kopecks
Short description:
- country of origin – USA;
- packaging volume – 30, 90, 150, 180 tablets;
- Zn content per serving – 11 mg.
The vitamin complex contains all the components necessary for women's health, plant extracts, enzymes, and bioflavonoids.
Pros:
- the drug normalizes the functioning of the nervous system;
- improves the condition of skin, hair, nails;
- strengthens the immune system;
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Minuses:
- No.
How does zinc stop acne?
For a long time, the reasons why zinc was so effective in treating acne were unknown.
People knew that vitamin A reduces sebum production, but they had no idea about the benefits of zinc for the skin. Many people believed that it was necessary for the formation of cells in the skin, hair and nails.
New evidence suggests that zinc's benefits go much deeper, with effects on the immune system including:
Controls inflammation.
If there is chronic inflammation in the body, with pro-inflammatory cytokines produced en masse, then consuming more zinc can quickly alleviate the problem.
Zinc is closely related to the immune system and controls some of its functions. This means that the inflammatory response to acne bacteria won't be as huge and the red pimples won't swell massively.
Zinc controls acne inflammation by reducing levels of NF-kB, which is the messenger that precedes the release of many pro-inflammatory cytokines in our body.
Zinc actively reduces the inflammatory response to bacteria. When bacteria invade blocked pores, they can cause severe irritation in the area, causing pimples to become red and very painful.
Acne-prone skin reacts much more strongly to bacteria than normal, healthy skin. Zinc helps moderate the inflammatory response and reduce the impact of bacteria on the skin.
Transport of vitamin A.
Vitamin A - directly reduces the activity of the sebaceous glands, and zinc is vital for the effective transport and use of this vitamin.
Zinc is a key component of the retinol-binding protein, which transfers vitamin A from the bloodstream to receptors on the skin, where it further performs its functions.
Fast healing of wounds.
This is another effect of zinc on the whole body and on the skin directly. It helps acne heal faster, thereby reducing the overall number of acne.
Antioxidant action.
Antioxidants benefit the skin by preventing sebum from oxidizing (another cause of acne).
In addition to the presence of antioxidants in fruits and vegetables, our body is capable of producing some of its own: superoxide dismutase and glutathione. It is known that patients with acne have a deficiency of these enzymes.
Zinc is a key component of glutathione. By increasing its levels in the body, we enhance overall antioxidant activity.
Kills bacteria.
Test tube tests show that zinc kills acne-causing bacteria. Of course, not as effective as antibiotics, but it still works. Bacteria cannot cause resistance to zinc, so it is also effective for people with antibiotic-resistant bacteria on their skin.
Reduces activation of keratinocytes.
Keratinocytes are cells that produce keratin, which in large quantities interferes with cell separation and leads to the formation of blocked pores, which also causes acne. By reducing keratin production, zinc helps skin pores remain open.
Blocks DHT (dihydrotestosterone).
Zinc is also useful for acne in the case of blocking dihydrotestosterone, which means it reduces the effect of hormones on the skin. Other DHT blockers are known to reduce the amount of sebum that produces clogged skin pores. Unfortunately, zinc does not block DHT too much, but this is a huge plus for it.
Zinc and leather
The trace element affects many metabolic and regenerative processes in the layers of the skin:
- This microelement promotes tissue healing. This characteristic is often used to treat wounds or ulcers. Remember, the epithelium can also be mucous, and wounds of the mucous membrane are ulcers. So, taking zinc as a dietary supplement will help quickly get rid of skin damage from cold, cuts, ulcers and other wounds. The microelement also increases the production of collagen in the body, and who else but women knows that collagen is a protein structure that is responsible not only for healing, but also for the elasticity and youthfulness of the skin.
- The trace element reduces the likelihood of developing dermatitis. This disease is chronic. Features of dermatitis are constant itching, skin rash, and tingling.
- Cream and ointment based on zinc against acne. This unpleasant manifestation of disruption of the sebaceous glands and blockage of pores leads to inflammation on the face. Zinc sulfate is often used to combat these problems. It reduces inflammation, reduces hormonal imbalances that cause acne. Actually, it improves and normalizes the functioning of the sebaceous glands.
- Zinc helps fight dandruff. Many anti-dandruff shampoos contain this trace element. Some compounds are used to prevent dandruff, but this issue should be checked with a dermatologist.
Zinc for acne
Acne problems can affect not only a teenager, but also an adult woman for one reason or another. Getting rid of this problem on the skin of the face takes a lot of time and spending on all kinds of scrubs, masks, ointments, creams and so on. One such remedy is zinc ointment or salicylic-zinc acne paste.
Useful properties of the ointment:
- decreased secretion of sebaceous glands;
- disinfectant effect;
- drying effect;
- relieving irritation and inflammation;
- regeneration;
- Prevents the appearance of acne spots.
Due to the various regenerating and healing properties, ointments with zinc are used even for infants. This suggests that zinc ointment is safe and widely available.
Probably the most important property of zinc ointment is the removal of inflammation from an already ripening pimple. At such moments, pain is already felt in the area of maturation.
Zinc ointment relieves inflammation and helps dry out acne faster. If you are worried about a large pimple - a boil, then zinc or salicylic-zinc paste will, of course, be useful, since the microelement has a warming effect, due to which pus comes out of the subcutaneous tissue faster. But it is better to use Vishnevsky or Ichthyol ointments for such purposes.
How to increase zinc levels?
The first step in this direction is obvious - eat more foods rich in zinc.
Again, grain products are an almost useless source of zinc, despite the fact that they contain quite a lot of it. Instead, you need to eat more meat, vegetables and seafood.
The best source of zinc in the world is considered to be the oyster, which contains huge doses of about 90 mg per 100 grams.
This is approximately 600% of the recommended daily intake, so you can eat oysters at least once a week. Oysters are also full of other beneficial nutrients such as magnesium and selenium.
Other good sources of zinc include unprocessed meats such as beef, pork and chicken. Some nuts contain high amounts of zinc, but their bioavailability is low.
If you can't find a dietary combination that you like, simply take a zinc supplement at 15 to 30 mg per day.
15 mg is the daily DV, but zinc can be safely taken up to 60 mg daily without obvious toxicity.
It is best to take a standard dose of 30 mg of zinc every day and combine it with a good diet. This will speed up the healing of inflammation on the face. Additionally, zinc increases the effectiveness of vitamin A (great news for those who treat acne with retinoids).
Please note that zinc is certainly beneficial for the skin, but it is not a panacea for treating acne, so always consult a dermatologist, because zinc toxicity is no joke. The most common side effect of taking high doses of zinc is copper deficiency.
Other forms
Other zinc compounds are also commercially available:
- glycinate;
- sulfate;
- bisglycinate;
- preparation with Zn and magnesium.
Now Foods, Zinc Glycinate
Now Foods, Zinc Glycinate, 120 Softgels
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The cost of 1 serving is 4 rubles. 81 kop.
Characteristic:
- Country: USA;
- package volume – 120 tablets;
- Zn concentration – 30 mg.
The dietary supplement contains pumpkin seed oil, a natural source of vitamins A and E. It contains no GMOs, allergens, or animal products.
Pros:
- the supplement reduces the intensity of hair loss;
- strengthens nails;
- reduces the appearance of acne.
Minuses:
- No.
Eidon Mineral Supplements, Ionic Minerals, zinc, liquid concentrate
Eidon Mineral Supplements, Ionic Minerals, Zinc, Liquid Concentrate, 60 ml
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The price of 1 serving is 35 rubles.
Characteristics of the drug:
- country of origin – USA;
- volume – 60 ml;
- Zn content – 7.5 mg per 2 ml.
The supplement has a milder effect than tablets. The daily norm is 30 drops (2 ml). Before use, they need to be mixed with a small amount of water.
Pros:
- The dietary supplement is suitable for children and adults;
- improves immunity;
- There is a convenient pipette for dosing.
Minuses:
- No.
Dr. Mercola, Zinc Plus Selenium
Dr. Mercola, Zinc Plus Selenium, 30 Capsules
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The cost of 1 serving is 23 rubles. 95 kopecks
Short description:
- Country: USA;
- package volume – 30 capsules;
- Zn concentration – 15 mg.
This dietary supplement is designed to maintain female beauty. Contains a high dosage of selenium, so it is not recommended for regular use.
Pros:
- the supplement improves hair condition;
- stops acne.
Minuses:
- often causes nausea when taken on an empty stomach.
Trace Minerals Research, Ionic Zinc
Trace Minerals Research, Ionic Zinc, 50 mg, 2 fl oz (59 ml)
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from 617 ₽
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The price of 1 serving is 11 rubles.
General characteristics:
- Country: USA;
- volume – 59 ml;
- active substance concentration – 50 mg.
The supplement contains ionized microelements: zinc, magnesium, copper, sulfates. The dosage per day is 1.25 ml. The product is convenient to take.
Pros:
- The dietary supplement strengthens the immune system.
Minuses:
- unpleasant taste;
- feeling of nausea after taking it.
Types of Zinc Supplements
There are a huge number of different zinc supplements available commercially for acne patients. Zinc comes in a variety of forms, and some are much more bioavailable than others.
It is very important to choose the right option because you may be wasting your money on a supplement that will not help you.
Zinc oxide is the most common type of zinc supplement. Used in most foods. It has very poor bioavailability, so don't waste your money on it.
Zinc gluconate is not the best zinc supplement, nor the most bioavailable, but it works to some extent. The study above used zinc gluconate, so it can be used to treat the skin.
Zinc sulfate - highly absorbed according to some studies. Not the best form of zinc, but not the worst.
Zinc glycinate is another good form and is absorbed better than zinc sulfate. Compared to zinc sulfate, glycinate is absorbed 16% more efficiently.
Zinc Orotate – Generally considered one of the best zinc supplements, but this has not yet been proven. This form competes with zinc picolinate.
Zinc Picolinate – Recognized as the king of all zinc supplements. Today, picolinate is the most bioavailable form. This study compared picolinate with zinc citrate and zinc gluconate and found that picolinate was best absorbed by the body.
Zinc citrate is quite well absorbed, but inferior to picolinate.
Zinc-1-methionine is another highly bioavailable form of zinc and is good for acne, so it is also considered effective.
If you see “zinc chelate” on the label, then know that it is not a specific type of zinc, but rather a specific class. Chelated zinc is a form that binds to an organic molecule to increase absorption in the body.
Zinc citrate, zinc picolinate, and zinc-1-methionine are all chelated supplements. The more precise form should be listed somewhere lower on the label.
Can pregnant women use zinc for acne?
Probably yes. The French have two studies looking at the safety and success of using zinc to treat acne. It has proven to be safe and effective for pregnant and nursing mothers.
Remember that your treatment should be discussed with your pediatrician to make sure it is safe for you and your baby.
Dangers of Using Supplements
Zinc may interact with some medications, including some acne medications such as tetracycline antibiotics.
Taking high doses increases the risk of prostate cancer, reduces immune responses and the level of “good” cholesterol.
Zinc is well tolerated, but if the dose is exceeded, adverse reactions such as stomach upset, nausea and vomiting may occur.
It is better not to take risks and not to exceed the recommended daily intake of about 30 mg per day. You can take a little more, but do not exceed 60 mg, because you are risking your health.
Zinc, like any other mineral and vitamin, is beneficial only if the correct dose is taken. An overdose will not lead to anything good.
What are the benefits of zinc for the skin and how it eliminates acne inflammation
In recent years, zinc supplements have been frequently touted for the treatment of acne. In this article we will try to analyze all the pros and cons of such treatment, and most importantly, how is zinc useful for the skin?
Zinc is an excellent mineral for treating acne, especially if your body is deficient in it. It mainly acts on the immune system, reducing the manifestation of chronic inflammation.
What results can be expected from zinc treatment? It all depends on the severity of the disease: if the occurrence of acne is associated with immunity, then you will see the real benefits of zinc.
However, almost every acne patient suffers from chronic inflammation to some degree, so when treating acne with zinc, everyone will see at least the slightest improvement in their skin.
Researchers have seen an average of 50% reduction in acne with zinc treatment, and some have seen skin improvement of over 65%.
If you are lucky, then zinc may well end the treatment of acne.
The best zinc face creams from the pharmacy
Products with zinc oxide exhibit not only medicinal properties. Additional components of the composition are responsible for softening, nutrition, moisturizing, neutralizing free radicals, protecting from various natural factors (frost, wind, ultraviolet radiation).
For problem skin
Combination and oily dermis needs special care products. One of the best options for eliminating most problems is zinc oxide creams. With their help, it is possible to dry out inflammation, get rid of comedones, and achieve matte skin.
For example: cosmetics with zinc for oily skin - cream-gel from delirium KORA. It eliminates excess shine, maintains water balance, softens, and evens out the texture. Recommended for application 2 times a day in the morning and evening for a third of an hour. After this time, the residues are washed off with warm water. Further care involves the use of a day or night care product.
The composition with a mattifying effect “Seracin” protects against drying out, prevents the formation of acne, and relieves irritation. Along with zinc oxide, the composition includes natural substances extracted from burdock and burdock.
Baby cream with zinc is used to protect the baby's delicate skin from irritation, diaper rash, and ultraviolet radiation. This product has undergone strict dermatological testing, so it can be used by adults on the face and other parts of the body. Foundations
Problem skin needs special toning products that have special requirements.
- Reliable masking of existing defects.
- Anti-inflammatory and antiseptic effect.
- Ensuring normal breathing.
- No comedogenic effect.
In terms of consistency, oily skin will require a composition with a denser structure. Special ingredients absorb excess oil, which allows you to maintain matte finish for a long time. Microfibers prevent clogging of pores and ensure proper breathing.
If you use zinc oxide, titanium dioxide and amethyst powder in the production of foundation, the product will cope with oily sheen, prevent the development of infection, and protect from sun rays.
For example, Diorskin Forever cream works thanks to the presence of microspheres with zinc oxide and collagen. Due to the gradual release of active components, the matte effect lasts up to 12 hours.
Superstay Better Skin perfectly masks skin unevenness. Long-term use helps improve the health of the epidermis.
Sun protection
Cosmetics that can prevent the negative effects of ultraviolet radiation are in great demand during periods of solar activity. It contains zinc oxide, which has a milder effect than other chemical blockers. The substance successfully reflects ultraviolet rays A and B type. Pediatricians recommend the use of sunscreens with zinc oxide for children, which confirms the high safety of the product. An unpleasant feature of such products is white marks on the skin. But on the other hand, it helps to notice which areas are still unprotected.
You can purchase zinc cream at a pharmacy or a specialty store that sells cosmetics.
With a lifting effect
There are anti-aging creams that contain zinc. According to cosmetologists, the element does not affect collagen synthesis. Its task is to delay ultraviolet rays, relieve irritation and inflammation, prevent moisture loss and the formation of comedones.
Smoothing of wrinkles occurs due to the presence of other components:
- plant extracts;
- natural oils;
- hyaluronic and fruit acids.
A facial product with zinc will provide optimal care for oily skin. With its help you can cope with various problems. If desired, it is easy to prepare the composition yourself, taking into account the individual characteristics of the dermis. For these purposes, a well-known pharmaceutical preparation is used - zinc ointment.
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Surprisingly, the trace element zinc plays a huge role in the functioning of a living system called “human”. And sometimes in the most delicate areas.
The role of zinc in the body
A lot depends on zinc.
Synthesis of proteins , the main building material of any biological organism. This function is responsible for other beneficial properties of zinc.
Immune response , that is, the synthesis of proteins that counterattack infections or toxins. Accordingly, if there is not enough protein, the immune system weakens.
Strong bones (nails and hair) : the calcium responsible for this is deposited in a matrix built of proteins, which again require zinc. Some calcium supplements reduce the absorption of zinc , which makes their intake pointless.
Male strength and female happiness : Zinc deficiency is one of the most common causes of erectile dysfunction and male infertility. So men need to be fed with zinc. A typical male diet - a lot of meat and a minimum of fast carbohydrates.
Taste and smell . It turns out that life is more fun and tastier with zinc. And its serious deficiency causes the development of anorexia and bulimia.
Glucose absorption . It is with the participation of zinc that an enzyme works in the liver, which helps glucose turn into energy. If there is too little zinc, glucose is stored as fat.
Another valuable property of zinc is that, as part of a special enzyme, it breaks down alcohol and thus reduces its negative effects.
The enormous benefits of zinc for the skin : it helps to cleanse it of infections, heal and restore, protect it from external influences, from the same infections to ultraviolet radiation.
Zinc deficiency is the cause of acne-prone skin
Lack of zinc in the body is a very common phenomenon. It is estimated that more than two billion people worldwide are deficient, meaning they do not consume even the minimum dose of 15 mg per day.
Symptoms of zinc deficiency include poor wound healing, acne, depression and hair loss.
Many people have never asked questions like: what is zinc? What is its daily intake? What foods are rich in zinc? If you cannot answer these questions, then it is very likely that you also suffer from a deficiency.
What are zinc creams used for?
Care products containing zinc oxide have healing, protective, and cleansing properties. Such products are available in the lines of various cosmetic companies.
Antiseptic effect, control of sebaceous secretion production, acne treatment, relief smoothing, accelerated healing of microtraumas, protection from sun rays - this combination of properties makes creams with zinc in demand.
An unpleasant feature is that it is better not to use a composition with zinc as a base for makeup. It is recommended to apply the product at night.
In cosmetology, zinc ointment is used to treat acne, whiten freckles and age spots caused by pregnancy or photoaging. Other beneficial properties of zinc ointment:
- rehabilitation of foci of inflammation;
- sun protection;
- maintaining a normal level of moisture;
- liberation from toxins and waste.
During a course of treatment, the layer of keratinized cells is gradually removed, the relief is leveled, and the complexion improves.
Contraindication is increased dryness of the skin.
We invite you to watch a detailed video about the best face creams:
