Acne is a skin condition that causes pimples and scarring on the face. Acne develops when the sebaceous oil glands become clogged and then red and inflamed, causing unsightly marks and potentially leaving permanent scars. For many sufferers of acne, simply using face wash does not clear the skin condition, because the root of the problem lies within the body rather than on the surface. Zinc is one of many alternative therapies for acne.
Step 1
Eat foods that contain zinc. Zinc is needed for the formation of vitamin A, which supports healthy skin. Foods with zinc include oysters, crab, lobster and many meat products such as chicken and beef. It may be difficult to get the recommended daily amount of zinc through diet alone, which is 9 mg for females and 11 mg for males age 14 and up. Although evidence has not proved that a diet high in zinc is a cure for acne, it may help the body clear the pimples naturally from the inside out.
Step 2
Apply a zinc cream to the skin. Topical use of zinc on the skin has been shown to reduce acne pimples and inflammation, heal current acne break outs and help prevent future acne in some users. Zinc as a topical treatment is not effective in 100 percent of acne sufferers and is not a cure for acne.
Step 3
Take a zinc supplement. The University of Maryland Medical Center suggests that taking 30 mg twice per day for a month, followed by 30 mg once per day thereafter to decrease acne. Zinc supplements would assist acne sufferers who have the skin condition as part of a zinc deficiency. Taking the supplement could reduce the effects of acne but is not proven as an acne cure.
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