Could Zinc Be More Effective than Antibiotics?

There are certain vitamins that can greatly improve skin issues such as acne. Different supplements have different benefits. One of the most important vitamins to include in an acne regimen is zinc. It is particularly beneficial when treating inflamed acne, cystic acne, or hormonal acne. Additionally, research shows individuals who suffer with acne have much lower levels of zinc than those with clear skin.  While zinc isn’t necessarily a cure-all for acne, it is certainly very helpful.

However, when comparing antibiotics to zinc in numerous studies, the outcome is still quite compelling. In 1990 a French study was published comparing the effectiveness of gluconate (200mg/day) to minocyline (100mg/day) and the results revealed they both equally provided a substantial reduction in acne formations.

Another study published in 2010 again showed an 80% reduction in acne using a high bioavailability zinc (zinc methionine). http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1529-8019.2010.01342.x/abstract

Here are some of the benefits from using zinc;

– It helps apoptosis occur. (Apoptosis is when your skin cells naturally die and slough off. When you are deficient in zinc, apoptosis is delayed which leads to these cells sticking together and clogging pores.)

-Zinc is highly anti-inflammatory (which of course is the root problem when it comes to acne)

-It is also anti-bacterial (which is another source cause of acne)

-It is an antioxidant for the skin, especially when paired with Alpha Lipoic Acid (a vitamin which helps to decrease inflammation in the body).

-It helps your metabolism of omega-3 fatty acids, which is very effective for reducing inflammation.

-Zinc helps deliver an important anti-acne nutrient, Vitamin A, from your liver throughout your body and to your skin. This also helps regulate your body’s hormonal balance.

-Taking zinc reduces the production of keratin. (Too much keratin causes skin cells to bind together, therefore causing clogged pores)

-Zinc has been shown to reduce the effect hormones have on the skin.

Signs You are Deficient in Zinc:

Just to name a few symptoms; dry skin, hangnails, white spots on your fingernails, frequent colds, hair loss, diarrhea and…. ACNE!

Now it would be ideal to get all of the zinc we need through diet, but the majority of acne sufferers are consuming low levels of zinc. If you have acne you want to be sure to consume about 30-45 mg a day. Although there is zinc in beans, nuts, seeds, oatmeal, and whole grains, these foods have low bioavailability which makes absorption of zinc low. This is why your safe bet is to simply take a zinc supplement.

When it comes to taking a zinc supplement, not all zincs are created equal. Here at the ABQ Skin Care and Acne Clinic we prefer OptiZinc. The absorption rate is much higher because the zinc is bound to an amino acid called monomethionine. Optizinc also contains copper, which increases the metabolism, therefore increasing all of the benefits listed above.