Zinc is best known for its role in protecting the body’s immune system by fighting bad cells.
What is Zinc?
Zinc is considered an essential nutrient that the body does not naturally produce or store.
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Zinc is essential for many body activities, including: Gene expression, enzyme reactions, immune function, protein synthesis, DNA synthesis, wound healing, growth and development.
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Influence of form on the acne treatment effect of zinc
A 2012 study reported that oral zinc was effective in affecting various forms of inflammation and acne-causing bacteria.
Using topical treatment has fewer side effects but is not as effective as oral supplementation.
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Depending on the severity of your acne, skin condition, and eating habits, you should use appropriate forms of supplements.
How to use zinc to treat acne
If you want to add zinc to your acne treatment routine, you need to choose a method that suits your needs.
For example, dietary zinc may be more effective for severe acne.
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It can take up to three months for the medication to be effective.
Supplement zinc through your diet
According to the US National Institutes of Health dietary supplements, the recommended daily amount of zinc depends on your age and gender.
Recommended daily zinc intake according to the US National Institutes of Health (unit: minigram)
Before considering a dietary supplement, determine whether your diet provides enough zinc.
Foods rich in zinc: Beans, dairy products, cereals, nuts, oysters, poultry, red meat…
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Side effects and potential risks:
Although it is an important nutrient, getting too much zinc can cause many negative effects.
For adolescents, the maximum intake is 34 mg.
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Take zinc supplements
Your doctor may recommend that you take zinc supplements only if you are not getting enough of this nutrient from your diet.
Supplemental zinc products
Some common supplemental zinc derivatives: zinc acetate, zinc gluconate, zinc sulfate.
According to the Office of Dietary Supplements, no one derivative is considered better than another.
Side effects and potential risks:
Overdosing on supplements can lead to digestive side effects similar to eating too much zinc-containing foods.
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Topical zinc products
If you have mild acne and are already getting enough zinc from your diet, you may consider using a topical medication.
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How to perform an irritation test:
Choose a small area of skin, for example the jaw area.
Apply a small amount of product and wait 24 hours.
If there are no side effects, you can use it for the whole face.
Don’t forget to follow the instructions on the product packaging.
Popular zinc products include: Formula 10.0.06 One Smooth Operator Pore Clearing Face Scrub, Dermalogica Medibac Sebum Clearing Masque, DermaZinc Cream.
Popular zinc products
Side effects and potential risks:
Like any skin care product, topical zinc can cause irritation.
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summary
Zinc is an essential mineral for the inside and outside of the body.
Talk to a dermatologist to determine your body’s zinc deficiency and excess status and choose the safest and most appropriate form of supplementation or reduction.
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