Zinc is a well-known mineral that is used to control tissue inflammation and promote wound healing. It has the properties necessary to treat conditions like acne, and it is relatively safe, affordable and easy to use. If you are looking for a natural alternative to chemical acne medications, zinc supplementation may help. Consult a doctor before taking any new supplements.
Zinc Supplements
Zinc is commonly sold in supplement form as zinc sulfate. Your body does not absorb this combination as well as it will absorb zinc with other minerals. Zinc gluconate, zinc citrate, zinc picolinate, zinc acetate and zinc monomethionine are more easily absorbed and, therefore, potentially more effective.
Topical Solutions
Although it makes sense that zinc supplements can help decrease acne, the research on topical solutions varies. One study published by the National Institutes of Health concluded that patients who were given a 2 percent zinc topical solution did not experience any more improvement after 12 weeks than patients who were given a placebo. In fact, the patients who used zinc suffered significantly higher instances of skin irritation.
Food Sources
The safest, most natural way to get zinc into your body is to eat foods that contain the mineral. Wheat germ, sesame flour, oysters, liver, cocoa powder, lamb, squash, pumpkin, roast beef and peanuts are all sources of zinc.
Mega-dosing
Having more is not necessarily better. If you take zinc supplements, only take the recommended 15mg dose of it, or if you must take more, do not exceed 40mg per day. It is possible to overdose on it, and doing so will strain your liver as it tries to purge the excess from your body. Too much zinc can also inhibit your body's ability to absorb other essential minerals.
Side Effects
Zinc supplementation has been known to cause nausea, diarrhea and vomiting in some people, but most can take it without any complaints other than its unpleasant taste.
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