The number of people suffering from acne is staggering. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, almost 50 million Americans have acne. That’s 1 in 5 people! And while it’s not a serious condition, acne can cause significant psychological distress and even lead to depression in some cases.
Fortunately, we have options for treatment. In fact, there are dozens of different treatments that can help with acne, including prescription medications and over-the-counter products. But what if you don’t want to use chemicals on your skin? What if you’d prefer something more natural?
One such option is vitamin A zinc. Vitamin A zinc has been shown to be effective at treating acne in clinical studies.
Vitamin A Zinc Acne
The effects of oral zinc sulfate (corresponding to 135 mg of zinc daily) alone and in combination with vitamin A (300,000 international units) daily on acne lesions have been compared with those of vitamin A alone and of a placebo. The number of comedones, papules, pustules, and infiltrates were counted at each visit. After four weeks, there was a significant decrease in the number of papules, pustules, and infiltrates in the zinc-treated groups. The effect of zinc plus vitamin A was not better than zinc alone. After 12 weeks of treatment, the mean acne score had decreased from 100% to 15%. The mechanism for the effect of zinc therapy in acne, to our knowledge, is not presently known.
What does zinc have to do with acne?
Zinc is one of the many essential nutrients that your body needs. It primarily protects your immune system by fighting off harmful cells.
While zinc is thought to help keep you healthy by reducing illnesses, it’s been studied for other medical concerns, too. This includes acne. Zinc is actually one of the most widely studiedTrusted Source forms of acne treatment.
Keep reading to learn more about this acne-fighting ingredient, including who may benefit from supplementation and topical products that you can try at home.
How does it work?
Zinc can help fight viruses and bacteria. Although most people get the zinc they need through their diet, some people may find temporary supplementation beneficial. For example, zinc supplements are often marketed as a way to prevent colds or shorten illnesses.
Zinc also has anti-inflammatory properties. This may help relieve some of the redness and irritation associated with moderate-to-severe acne. It may even help reduce the appearance of acne scars.
Zinc has also been used for other inflammatory skin conditions, including:
- melasma
- rosacea
- seborrheic dermatitis
- eczema
Does the form matter?
The form of zinc you take for acne treatment depends on many factors. Overall, there’s been conflicting research on the best form of zinc for acne.
One 2012 studyTrusted Source reported that oral zinc was effective for inflammatory and bacterial forms of acne. An earlier studyTrusted Source found oral zinc was effective for people with mild acne, too. In either case, oral supplementation came with side effects like nausea and vomiting.
Topical application carries less side effects, but it isn’t considered to be as effective as oral supplementation. But that doesn’t mean it’s completely ineffective.
In addition to its anti-inflammatory properties, topical zinc may help clear acne-causing bacteria from the skin and reduce oil production.
The form you use ultimately depends on the severity of your acne, your skin type, and your current dietary habits. Your doctor or dermatologist can help determine the right type of zinc for you.
How to use zinc to your advantage
If you want to add zinc to your acne-fighting routine, you need to select the form best suited for your needs.
For example, dietary zinc and oral supplementation may be more effective for severe acne. Over-the-counter (OTC) acne medications are usually unable to treat cysts and nodules.
If your acne is more mild, topical zinc may be all that’s needed to help clear your breakout. Mild acne includes blackheads, whiteheads, papules, and pustules.
It may take up to three months of topical application before you see visible results. If you haven’t noticed any changes by this time, talk to your doctor about whether zinc can help your acne from the inside out. They may be able to recommend certain dietary changes or oral supplements.
Add zinc to your diet
According to the National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary SupplementsTrusted Source, the daily recommended amount of zinc depends on your age and sex.
For girls and women:
- ages 9 to 13: 8 milligrams (mg)
- ages 14 to 18: 9 mg
- ages 14 to 18 and pregnant: 12 mg
- ages 14 to 18 and breastfeeding: 13 mg
- ages 18 and up: 8 mg
- ages 18 and up and pregnant: 11 mg
- ages 18 and up and breastfeeding: 12 mg
For boys and men:
- ages 9 to 13: 8 mg
- ages 14 to 18: 11 mg
- ages 18 and up: 11 mg
Before considering a dietary supplement for your acne, keep a food log and determine whether you’re getting enough zinc in your diet. As with other nutrients, your body can absorb zinc more efficiently from the foods you eat than from a supplement.
The following foods are rich in zinc:
- beans
- dairy products
- fortified cereals
- nuts
- oysters
- poultry
- red meat
- whole grains
Possible side effects and risks
Although zinc is nutritionally and physiologically important, it’s also possible to get too much.
For teens, the maximum daily amount Trusted Source is 34 mg. For adults, this goes up to 40 mg.
If you eat or otherwise ingest too much zinc, you may experience:
- abdominal pain
- diarrhea
- headaches
- loss of appetite
- nausea
- vomiting
- stomach upset
Too much zinc may even interfere with healthy (HDL) cholesterol levels.
Your doctor may talk to you about monitoring your zinc levels if you take diuretics, develop frequent infections, or have rheumatoid arthritis.
Try a zinc supplement
Your doctor may recommend zinc supplements, but only if you don’t get enough from your diet. For example, certain conditions, such as Crohn’s disease, could limit zinc absorption from foods.
You should only take zinc or other supplements under your doctor’s supervision. Supplementation won’t be helpful if you aren’t deficient, and getting more zinc than you need can lead to unpleasant side effects.
Zinc is available OTC — on its own or combined with other minerals, such as calcium. It’s also in some multivitamins.
Zinc may be labeled as one of the following:
- zinc acetate
- zinc gluconate
- zinc sulfate
According to the Office of Dietary SupplementsTrusted Source, there isn’t one form that’s known to be better than the others. The key is to make sure you’re not taking multiple products with more than one type of zinc — this could lead to an overdose.
Possible side effects and risks
Overdosing on zinc supplements can lead to gastrointestinal effects very much like those from too much dietary zinc. Too much zinc could also put you at risk for neurological effects such as weakness and numbness in your extremities.
Talk to your doctor before adding zinc supplements to your routine. Zinc supplements can interact with some prescription medications, including antibiotics and those used for autoimmune diseases.
Apply topical zinc
If your acne is mild and you’re getting enough dietary zinc, you may consider topical products. Topical zinc isn’t effective for severe acne nodules and cysts.
All skin products have the potential to cause side effects, even if you don’t have sensitive skin. Always do a patch test to assess your risk for allergic reaction.
Here’s how:
- Select a small area of skin away from your face, such as the inside of your arm.
- Apply a small amount of product and wait 24 hours.
- You can apply to your face if no side effects occur. But if you develop redness, a rash, or hives, discontinue using the product.
You should always follow the instructions on the product label. Some products need to be applied less frequently than others, to start, or in the evening only.
Popular zinc products include:
- Formula 10.0.06 One Smooth Operator Pore Clearing Face Scrub
- Dermalogica Medibac Sebum Clearing Masque
- DermaZinc Cream
Possible side effects and risks
Like any skincare product, topical zinc may cause redness or irritation. Taking the patch test can minimize your risk of side effects. Stop using topical zinc if you develop a rash or hives after use.
You may be more prone to side effects from topical zinc if you have sensitive skin. Using multiple acne-fighting products at once can also increase your risk.
The bottom line
Zinc is an essential mineral that helps the body inside and out. It can even help maintain the health of your largest organ: your skin. Due to its anti-inflammatory effects, zinc is especially beneficial for inflammatory acne and related scarring.
Talk to your dermatologist about the best form for you. They can determine whether you’re getting enough zinc through your diet and if supplementation is safe for you.
What Is Chelated Zinc and What Does It Do
Chelated zinc is a type of zinc supplement. It contains zinc that’s been attached to a chelating agent.
Chelating agents are chemical compounds that bond with metal ions (such as zinc) to create a stable, water-soluble product that can be easily absorbed by the body.
Zinc supplements are used by people who can’t get enough zinc in their regular diet. Zinc is an essential micronutrient that’s vital to your health.
Keep reading to learn more about the benefits of chelated zinc, how much to take if you have a zinc deficiency, and interactions to be aware of.
Why do we need zinc?
Zinc is a micronutrient that’s found in cells throughout your body. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH)Trusted Source, zinc is crucial to many aspects of your health. Here are a few examples of what zinc does:
- helps your immune system defend against viruses and bacteria
- supports your body’s protein production
- helps your body make DNA (the genetic material in all cells)
- supports your senses of smell and taste
- helps wounds heal
What is chelated zinc?
Chelated zinc is a zinc supplement that’s easily absorbed by your body.
Because it’s difficult for your body to efficiently absorb zinc on its own, zinc is often attached to a chelating agent in supplements. A chelating agent is a substance that bonds with zinc to create a more absorbable end product.
Types of chelated zinc
Chelated zinc is mainly made using one of the following compounds: amino acids or organic acids.
Amino acids
- aspartic acid: used to make zinc aspartate
- methionine: used to make zinc methionine
- monomethionine: used to make zinc monomethionine
Organic acids
- acetic acid: used to make zinc acetate
- citric acid: used to make zinc citrate
- gluconic acid: used to make zinc gluconate
- orotic acid: used to make zinc orotate
- picolinic acid: used to make zinc picolinate
Zinc supplements combining zinc with inorganic acids such as sulfates (zinc sulfate) and oxides (zinc oxide) are also available.
Which type of chelated zinc has the best absorption?
The more easily absorbed types of zinc supplements include:
- zinc picolinate
- zinc citrate
- zinc acetate
- zinc monomethionine
How much zinc should I take?
According to the NIHTrusted Source, the current recommended daily allowances (RDA) for zinc (in milligrams) are:
| Age | Male | Female |
| 0–6 months | 2 mg (adequate intake) | 2 mg (adequate intake) |
| 7–12 months | 3 mg | 3 mg |
| 1–3 years | 3 mg | 3 mg |
| 4–8 years | 5 mg | 5 mg |
| 9–13 years | 8 mg | 8 mg |
| 14–18 years | 11 mg | 9 mg |
| 19+ years | 11 mg | 8 mg |
People who are pregnant need slightly more zinc than is recommended for people who aren’t pregnant. Pregnant teens and adults need 12 mg and 11 mg, respectively, of zinc daily; breastfeeding teens and adults need 13 mg and 12 mg.
Can I get too much zinc?
Yes, it’s possible to get too much zinc in your diet. Signs of this include:
- loss of appetite
- stomach cramps
- nausea
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- low copper levels
- lower immunity
- low levels of “good” cholesterol (HDL)
Can I get too little zinc?
Insufficient zinc in your diet can have the following effects:
- slow growth for infants and children
- delayed sexual developments in adolescents
- impotence in men
- hair loss
- diarrhea
- skin and eye sores
- weight loss
- problems with wound healing
- lowered ability to taste and smell food
- decreased alertness levels
Zinc deficiency is uncommon in North America according to the NIHTrusted Source.
Who’s at risk for a zinc deficiency?
Those who are at risk of getting an inadequate amount of zinc include:
- vegetarians
- people with certain diseases, such as chronic renal disease, chronic liver disease, diabetes, or sickle cell disease
- people with certain gastrointestinal diseases, such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis
- people who misuse alcohol
- pregnant and lactating women
- older infants who are exclusively breastfed
- people who take too much copper (because zinc and copper compete for absorption)
Interactions with other medications
According to the Mayo Clinic, there is some risk of zinc supplements interacting with certain medications you may be taking, including:
- Quinolone or tetracycline antibiotics: Zinc may affect absorption of these types of antibiotics. Talk to your doctor to see if taking a zinc supplement 2 hours before or 4 to 6 hours after these antibiotics will help prevent this interaction.
- Penicillamine (Depen, Cuprimine): This medication may decrease the amount of zinc in your body. Talk to your doctor to see if you can take a zinc supplement 2 hours before penicillamine to avoid this interaction.
- Thiazide diuretics: These blood pressure medications increase the amount of zinc that you lose when you urinate. Talk to your doctor about taking zinc supplements while using this type of diuretic.
The takeaway
You need zinc for a number of vital health benefits including immune system function, DNA synthesis, and growth. Chelated zinc is more easily absorbed by your body than zinc on its own.
Before adding a zinc supplement to your diet, discuss your plans with a doctor. They can help make sure that you’re taking the proper dose and that the supplement won’t negatively interact with other medications you’re using.
zinc for acne
Zinc is one of the many essential nutrients that your body needs. It primarily protects your immune system by fighting off harmful cells.
While zinc is thought to help keep you healthy by reducing illnesses, it’s been studied for other medical concerns, too. This includes acne. Zinc is actually one of the most widely studiedTrusted Source forms of acne treatment.
Keep reading to learn more about this acne-fighting ingredient, including who may benefit from supplementation and topical products that you can try at home.
How does it work?
Zinc can help fight viruses and bacteria. Although most people get the zinc they need through their diet, some people may find temporary supplementation beneficial. For example, zinc supplements are often marketed as a way to prevent colds or shorten illnesses.
Zinc also has anti-inflammatory properties. This may help relieve some of the redness and irritation associated with moderate-to-severe acne. It may even help reduce the appearance of acne scars.
Zinc has also been used for other inflammatory skin conditions, including:
- melasma
- rosacea
- seborrheic dermatitis
- eczema
Does the form matter?
The form of zinc you take for acne treatment depends on many factors. Overall, there’s been conflicting research on the best form of zinc for acne.
One 2012 studyTrusted Source reported that oral zinc was effective for inflammatory and bacterial forms of acne. An earlier studyTrusted Source found oral zinc was effective for people with mild acne, too. In either case, oral supplementation came with side effects like nausea and vomiting.
Topical application carries less side effects, but it isn’t considered to be as effective as oral supplementation. But that doesn’t mean it’s completely ineffective.
In addition to its anti-inflammatory properties, topical zinc may help clear acne-causing bacteria from the skin and reduce oil production.
The form you use ultimately depends on the severity of your acne, your skin type, and your current dietary habits. Your doctor or dermatologist can help determine the right type of zinc for you.
How to use zinc to your advantage
If you want to add zinc to your acne-fighting routine, you need to select the form best suited for your needs.
For example, dietary zinc and oral supplementation may be more effective for severe acne. Over-the-counter (OTC) acne medications are usually unable to treat cysts and nodules.
If your acne is more mild, topical zinc may be all that’s needed to help clear your breakout. Mild acne includes blackheads, whiteheads, papules, and pustules.
It may take up to three months of topical application before you see visible results. If you haven’t noticed any changes by this time, talk to your doctor about whether zinc can help your acne from the inside out. They may be able to recommend certain dietary changes or oral supplements.
Add zinc to your diet
According to the National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements Trusted Source, the daily recommended amount of zinc depends on your age and sex.
For girls and women:
- ages 9 to 13: 8 milligrams (mg)
- ages 14 to 18: 9 mg
- ages 14 to 18 and pregnant: 12 mg
- ages 14 to 18 and breastfeeding: 13 mg
- ages 18 and up: 8 mg
- ages 18 and up and pregnant: 11 mg
- ages 18 and up and breastfeeding: 12 mg
For boys and men:
- ages 9 to 13: 8 mg
- ages 14 to 18: 11 mg
- ages 18 and up: 11 mg
Before considering a dietary supplement for your acne, keep a food log and determine whether you’re getting enough zinc in your diet. As with other nutrients, your body can absorb zinc more efficiently from the foods you eat than from a supplement.
The following foods are rich in zinc:
- beans
- dairy products
- fortified cereals
- nuts
- oysters
- poultry
- red meat
- whole grains