Used for years – but why exactly? Zinc plays many roles in the human body, and one of them is its ability to support skin regeneration. How does this happen, and why might people struggling with acne want to use it both orally and topically?
Contents
Why does zinc help in treating acne?
Zinc is a trace element in the body, but it participates in several hundred processes, particularly those related to protection, regeneration, and growth. In the context of skin health, zinc is responsible for:
- synthesis of proteins and enzymes,
- proper functioning of the immune system, including modulation of inflammatory response,
- stabilization of cell membranes and reduction of the impact of oxidative stress on body cells.
Zinc also participates in the production of prostaglandins, which in turn are essential for controlling the work of sebaceous glands. A reduced level of this element in the blood is often observed in patients whose skin problems were related to excessive sebum production.
In addition to its regulatory abilities, zinc also exhibits anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties – the latter primarily concerns its inorganic form, zinc oxide, which we find in skin ointments. However, anti-inflammatory properties also apply to the element in the body: zinc reduces the release of cytokines and histamine, responsible for triggering inflammatory reactions on the skin, consequently reducing an excessive immune system response and decreasing skin inflammation.
This does not mean that zinc leaves the skin unprotected – the element itself has bacteriostatic properties against the strain Propionibacterium acnes. These microorganisms colonize hair follicles and sebaceous glands, stimulating the insulin-like growth factor (IGF) receptor, which in turn leads to an increase in its production. This factor then causes enlargement of the sebaceous glands, overproduction of sebum, and again – the formation of blackheads.
Too high IGF levels in the body can also cause overproduction of androgens in the ovaries – which in turn exacerbates acne symptoms. For this reason, reducing P.acnes activity by utilizing zinc’s properties leads to an alleviation of skin problems.
How to use zinc for acne?
The recommended daily dose of zinc in food is 8-11 mg/day for adult women and men, and up to 13-14 mg/day for people who work intensively, train, are pregnant, or breastfeeding. A higher dose should also be used by people with addictions that hinder absorption, e.g., smokers.
Regarding acne therapy, researchers currently point to the effectiveness of both topical and oral therapy – the effectiveness of the latter results from the previously mentioned correlation between lower zinc concentration in the blood and a higher probability of acne occurrence. Supplementation caused a visible reduction in acne papules within a maximum of 12 weeks 1. In turn, studies showed that using an ointment containing 15% zinc oxide concentration yielded initial effects within 4 weeks2.
Importantly, zinc can be combined with other supplements supporting skin regeneration – primarily vitamin A. This is a strong antioxidant, strengthening zinc’s protective properties and stimulating skin tissue regeneration – for this reason, ointments containing it are often recommended for minor skin damage, such as angular cheilitis. Similar to zinc, it has shown effectiveness in improving skin condition with both oral supplementation and topical application.
Best forms of zinc for acne
As shown in the paragraphs above, both the application of zinc in supplements like BestProtect and topical application in the form of ointments will affect the condition of our skin. People who have already developed acne may consider combining these two forms of delivering the element to the body – this brings measurable benefits:
- according to studies, using zinc ointments showed visible effects in a shorter time than supplementation alone;
- oral supplementation is recommended due to the high probability of zinc deficiencies in the body, which manifested as acne lesions. Although topical ointments will improve the skin condition, they will not solve the problem of deficiency in the rest of the body;
- supplementation can also be used as a preventive measure – the fact that serum zinc concentration is low in patients with existing acne may suggest that an appropriate level of this element will reduce the chance of blackheads forming in the future or – if acne does appear – will reduce the intensity of the problem.
In oral supplements, it is worth looking for zinc combined with an acid that facilitates its passage through the stomach and absorption in the intestines. Easily absorbable forms include, for example:
- zinc gluconate,
- zinc citrate,
- zinc picolinate.
Effects of zinc use
According to information available from research, the first improvements appear within 4 to 12 weeks after starting treatment. Unless the maximum permissible dose, i.e., 40 mg/day, from a combination of food sources and supplementation is exceeded, zinc overdose should not be possible – its excess will be flushed out of the body with water. For this reason, treatment with supplements at a concentration of up to 15-20 mg/day can be used even for a longer period than foreseen in studies, until the expected improvement in health and skin appearance is achieved.
Sources:
- Yee, B. E., Richards, P., Sui, J. Y., & Marsch, A. F. (2020). Serum zinc levels and efficacy of zinc treatment in acne vulgaris: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Dermatologic therapy, 33(6),
- Schlegel-Zawadzka M., Cynk-aspekty zdrowotne i lecznicze, przyczyny i objawy niedoborów. Farm. Pol. 2002, 58/10
- Szcześniak M., Grimling B., Meler J., Cynk – pierwiastek zdrowia, Farmacja Polska, t. 70, nr 7/ 2014.
- Petit, L., Pierard- Franchimont, C., Uhoda, E., Vroome, V., Cauwenbergh, G., Pierard, G. E. (2004). Coping with mild infammatory catamenial acne. A clinical and bioinstrumental split-face assessment. Skin Research and Technology, 10(4), 278-282.
- M. Szcześniak, B. Grimling, J. Meler, Cynk – pierwiastek zdrowia, Farmacja Polska, 70/2014, z.7