Does zinc benefit our skin & help prevent acne?
Two readers have mentioned the benefits of using zinc supplements for healthier skin. Pei Fang aka pf1123 mentioned that zinc might help to reduce inflammation, reduce acne and acne scarring. And in one of my earlier posts on cheek acne, a reader by the name of Lily suggested taking zinc tablets to help with acne.
I recommend taking zinc tablets. Zinc is really good for skin healing. I’ve been taking a zinc tablet combined with a vitamin C tablet and I’ve noticed my skin is healing faster and the scars on my cheeks are fading quicker!
Acts as an astringent and prevent hormone imbalances
Before coming across Lily’s comments, I have often read that zinc is one mineral that is essential for healthy skin especially because it is necessary for the synthesis of collagen, which in turn helps to heal skin wounds. In addition to wound healing, zinc acts as an astringent and may help in the treatment of acne. Apparently, how it does this is that it acts by controlling the production of oil in the skin that create acne plus preventing potential hormone imbalances that can lead to outbreaks.
May help with rosacea
Rosacea sufferers may also want to take note that they could be suffering from zinc deficiency and an increased in zinc intake may help their skin condition – according to an online article from Daily Mail.
No more than 40mg per day
However, the same article stated that large doses of zinc supplements can cause stomach problems such as cramps, indigestion and diarrhoea. In fact, large amounts of zinc also can interfere with absorption of other minerals. Hence, you should not get more than 40 mg of zinc a day, from food and supplements together (source). As for food source, you can find zinc in fresh oysters, crab meat, pumpkin seeds, ginger, pecans, nuts, oats, and eggs.
Zinc supplement in chelated form to enhance absorption
Actually, my vitamin C capsule contains 5 mg of zinc but I’ve gone to get myself another zinc supplement in chelated form, which apparently is combined with an amino acid to enhance better absorption. I must have been taking this for a few weeks now and my skin condition has generally improved over the weeks. However, because I’m also using other skin care products, I can’t say for sure if the improvement is only due to the increased intake of zinc supplement.
Perhaps others who have success with zinc supplements want to share your thoughts?
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Sesame, I took zinc suplemen a couple of months ago to gain weight (my friend said that it incraeses appetite), but all I got is stomach problem. Maybe I took too much per day.
I’ll try again if it is good for acne. Thanks for this article!
is this costly? how much for a month’s supply?
I take Twin Lab’s chelated zinc 30mg every alternate day and everyday during PMS to deal with PMS acne and it does help to some extent.
Hey, didn’t know that zinc supplement can help increase appetite…that’s interesting to know.
The one I bought is from Green Life and cost S$28 for 100 capsules which would last slightly over 3 months.
It helped you? That’s great to know. I’m also cutting back to alternate day intake now cos my multi-vit has zinc too and it would be too much to take every day.
i tried zinc during the time i was breaking out and it didn’t really help with the acne… Barley and wheatgrass tablets helped my skin a whole lot more ?
Yes, zinc will give you stomach problems.. ONLY if you have it on any empty stomach. I take high doses (100 mg) and waiting 10 minutes after I ate a full meal stops all stomach problems. My red marks heal better and my acne has gotten better. It’s not an overnight cure though. I never used it topical though.
i don’t know if it is really good in fighting pimples… i’m using garnier pure line and one of its ingredients is ZINC! i’ve been using it for two weeks now and i saw no big difference yet… well if it helps in healing pimples i hope to see a difference in my skin soon… ?
Actually I’m not sure myself…it didn’t help with my old acne but from the time I started taking, I haven’t got new ones.
Wow 100mg is very high…much more than the recommended dosage. Is it advisable?
I suppose it depends on the amount in the formulation. I’ve tried using zinc directly on acne and it really helps to speed up process…
Thanks for this post! I always knew zinc was important for the immune system but never realised it affected skin healing as well. Just checked my supplements and realised that the current brand I’m using has NO zinc whatsoever… Probably explains why my skin has been taking forever to heal from the latest outbreak this time round. Am going to get the additional supplement you featured in your picture – hope it’d help!
Oh btw, those who are taking zinc, pls reduce soy bean in take. That blocks zinc absorption. ?
Hopefully it’ll help you…
Ah…lucky I don’t include very much soy bean in my diet. Thanks for highlighting! ?
Thanx for the advice, I’ll try taking some zinc to help with my acne and inflammation.
I hope it’ll work for you…the results may vary with individual though…
I took other stuff to cure my acne. Such as fish oil, EPO, vitamin E and derm prescribed acne medicine.
Later on, I found this item…
http://www.rafflesmedicalgroup.com/web/contents/Contents.aspx?ContId=1019
Seems quite easy as it is almost all the stuff one needs to cure acne and its sold over the counter. I bought a bottle to try but I’m cleared of acne as of now. So, I didn’t continue to take it. People who are interested can check this out.
I just started taking Raffles Derma Clear last sun. Got it at Guardian with a 20%off. It has other Vitamins,Minerals and other Stuff which are good for the skin. Hope it works!
Zinc is also good for cold prevention and when you get a cold, for lessening the duration of the cold. But you are right, Sesame when you say too much is dangerous. I get my zinc from LuckyVitamin.com (very affordable!)
Hey thanks for the link! This looks like an interesting product to try. I’ll check out when I head to the pharmacy next. ?
You just started on it? Hope it’ll work for you. I’m going to check it out too.
Thanks Robin for telling me about LuckyVitamin. I’m based in Singapore but I sometimes participate in sprees and I’ve been buying some personal hygiene products from that website but never vitamins. I’m going to get some in my next spree!
I have read that high amount of zinc in books so it should be safe since they were all written by doctors but I take up to 200 mg and it’s probably the reason my acne is never cystic anymore.
It helps you in your cystic acne? Wow, that’s good news!
Hey
I wanna Know This , I have mild , inflaming acne , but it has reduced , I’m thankful to god . I just have few scars , i dont apply anything on my face but yet i have ordered the 18.oz regimen from acne.org . But i want to know if I use zinc supplements and that , will it help me get rid of my scars and acne . I live in Middle East ,Saudi Arabia. it’s really hot here ,so i have to avoid the sun and i have a oily face .SO please reply me back , or you can write me back : sajanarora@live.co.uk
And are zinc supplements expensive
More recent research indicates that zinc (sulfate) is not helpful with rosacea. It didn’t do anything for the symptoms.
Agnes last post is: Wat is Rosacea
hello there
im taking VITAFORCE which has zinc, vitamin A and B6… it say its good for the skin especially for pimples…. is it good?
I’ve never tried so can’t comment on its effectiveness.
Is this GreenLife Zinc Chelate 30MG Potency a vegetarian supplement?
Hi, just saw this thread. May I know e effectiveness of raffles derma clear capsules? Thanks a lot!