The benefits of zinc for acne: Acne is a common condition that affects the surface of the skin. Acne often occurs during puberty, although people of all ages can develop it.
Zinc is a common mineral, which the body uses for many important processes.
In this article, we will look at the role of zinc in treating acne. We will also look at the risks and benefits of using zinc for this purpose.
Stay with this section of skin and hair care in the health and beauty section of Eternal Pen magazine.
The benefits of zinc for acne
Does it work?
The benefits of zinc for acne: Zinc is an essential mineral that the body needs to perform some important functions. The National Institutes of Health (NIH)Trusted Source note that zinc is essential for the following bodily processes:
- growth during childhood and adolescence
- wound healing
- enzyme activity
- immune system functioning
- cell division
- DNA and protein synthesis
- Zinc can also treat acne, a common skin condition.
How to use zinc for acne
The benefits of zinc for acne: Doctors can prescribe medication that contains zinc to treat acne. A person can take this orally or apply it topically.
A person can also increase their intake of zinc by altering or supplementing their diet. Learn about foods high in zinc here.
Topical medication
Topical treatments often take the form of pastes, gels, or creams. A person can apply them directly to the parts of the skin that acne affects.
Some common topical zinc-based medications include:
- zinc sulfate
- zinc acetate
- zinc octoate
Dietary changes
The benefits of zinc for acne: A person can increase their intake of zinc by making specific dietary changes. The NIHTrusted Source note that oysters are the food with the highest zinc content per serving.
Other foods that are good sources of zinc include:
- red meat and poultry
- dairy products
- nuts
- beans
- whole grains and fortified breakfast cereals
- some seafood, such as crab and lobster
