Zinc for acne is a treatment method that's been the subject of debate for years. If you're struggling to manage your acne, you need to understand whether or not you should invest in this treatment. Read on to learn more about how zinc may improve your skin's health.
Learn all you need to know about the effectiveness of zinc for acne
Zinc Deficiency is Linked to Acne
Zinc is an essential mineral that is rarely prioritized when people create a healthy eating plan. As a result, there's a good chance you may be deficient in it. If you have white spots on your fingernails, persistently dry skin, frequent diarrhea, a low sex drive, and regular acne, you may be suffering from zinc deficiency. You're not alone. The World Health Organization has stated that over 30% of the world's population is deficient in this mineral.
One problem that leads to this deficiency is the regular ingestion of whole grains and beans. These otherwise healthy foods increase your chance of zinc deficiency -- and developing acne -- as they make it harder to absorb zinc.
Zinc Supplements Show Promise
Zinc for acne has shown some promise in multiple trials. In 2013, the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology stated that zinc for acne was good enough to score a B for effectiveness.
This rating means that zinc shows promise but isn't flawless for managing acne. Other studies have shown that zinc for acne is most effective when paired with an antioxidant; nearly 80% of those in one study showed a consistent decrease in acne.
Garden of Life Vitamin Code Raw Zinc
Adding Zinc to Your Diet
One popular supplement for this mineral is Garden of Life Raw Zinc, $12. It's particularly potent because it contains zinc in a pure and concentrated form, making it easier to ingest and digest. However, the best way to get it into your diet is to eat foods rich in zinc.
For example, seafood is very rich in zinc. Oysters are estimated to provide over 493% of daily zinc requirements in a three-ounce serving. However, foods such as chuck steak, Swiss cheese, sunflower seeds, and various forms of red meat are also high in this mineral.
Some May Have a Hard Time Getting Zinc in Their Diet
While zinc does show a lot of promise in managing the problem of acne, it's worth considering this solution carefully before trying it. For example, if you have an allergy to zinc or even some sensitivity to it, it's important to find out quickly so that you avoid excess zinc.
In addition, your personal dietary choices may dictate how you ingest zinc. If you're a vegetarian, you may find it hard to get zinc into your diet. While legumes and some beans do contain high levels of zinc, it typically requires a high dose of protein to be more efficiently absorbed into the body. In this case, supplements are likely your best bet.