Why does zinc help acne

And topically, zinc can be used as a sidekick spot treatment for your most stubborn cystic blemishes. For the moment, the evidence behind zinc for acne is just kind of meh. If you want to try it, go for it — especially if you're looking for a natural acne treatment. Just don't expect it to radically change your acne. And before you start taking any new supplement, zinc or otherwise, make sure you talk to your doctor first. Celebrity Fashion Video. How does zinc treat acne?

Herpes genitalis, caused by Herpes simplex virus HSV 1 and 2, is characterized by a high rate of recurrences. In vivo use of zinc acetate gel has been found effective in preventing sexual transmission of HSV-2 and HIV infections [ 17 ]. Mahajan et al. However, not many studies are available for making any recommendations.

Dermatophytoses are a diverse array of disorders involving the skin, hair, and nails. Antifungals agents like azoles and allylamines, both topical and systemic, form the mainstay of treatment. Chretien et al. Clinical improvement in the form of decreased erythema, scaling, and itching was also significantly more in the former group. Bromhidrosis is a common disorder characterized by foul smelling sweat.

A strong odor is usually associated with increased bacterial flora, usually of Corynebacterium sp. Topical antibacterials and antiperspirants are the treatment of choice along with maintenance of good hygiene. Owing to its antibacterial action, topical zinc sulphate has been tried and found effective in the management of axillary bromhidrosis and plantar malodor [ 20 , 21 ]. Fifty-eight patients received zinc sulphate solution while other 50 patients received a placebo solution.

Pityriasis versicolor is a common fungal disorder presenting as truncal hypopigmented scaly macules. Azole antifungals, like itraconazole and ketoconazole, both in topical and systemic formulations, form the mainstay of treatment. Topical zinc sulphate too has been used for the management of pityriasis versicolor. The anti-inflammatory properties of zinc have been the reasons for its use in many common inflammatory dermatoses like acne, rosacea, eczemas, and ulcers and wounds of varied etiology.

A large variety of topical and systemic agents is used for their management. A chronic persistent clinical course along with the emergence of resistance to common antibiotics has led to trial of numerous novel agents in acne management.

Zinc has been used extensively both topically and systemically for the management of acne vulgaris since the time its favorable effect on acne was recognized by Michaelsson in a patient of acrodermatitis enteropathica and subsequent studies demonstrated low serum zinc in acne patients [ 23 — 28 ].

Although topical zinc sulfate was not effective and caused significant local irritation, the efficacy of topical antiacne medications containing zinc acetate or octoate with or without erythromycin is either equal or superior to erythromycin, tetracycline, or clindamycin used alone in reducing the severity of acne and the number of lesions [ 29 — 33 ].

Contrarily, Sharquie et al. Although zinc appears to enhance the topical absorption of erythromycin in a study, the onset of action of erythromycin with zinc acetate applied twice daily was slower than benzoyl peroxide with clindamycin phosphate used once daily while overall efficacy and adverse effects were similar in another study [ 35 , 36 ]. Oral zinc sulfate is reportedly more effective in the treatment of severe acne than for the treatment of mild to moderate acne but nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea occur frequently [ 37 — 40 ].

Similarly, oral zinc gluconate has been found useful in managing inflammatory acne but the initial loading dose is not beneficial [ 41 — 43 ]. However, acne treatment with zinc salts appears to be equal or less effective compared with systemic tetracyclines minocycline, oxytetracycline [ 40 , 42 , 44 ].

Recently a methionine bound zinc complex with antioxidants has been tried and found useful in managing mild to moderate acne vulgaris [ 45 ]. Zinc, with or without nicotinamide, is also another emerging alternate acne treatment to reduce possible adverse effects of antibiotics and in view of Propionibacterium acnes strains developing resistance to conventional antibiotics [ 46 ]. The exact mechanism of zinc in acne treatment remains poorly elucidated and is considered to act directly on microbial inflammatory equilibrium and facilitate antibiotic absorption when used in combination.

Topical zinc alone as well as in combination with other agents is effective perhaps because of its anti-inflammatory activity and ability to reduce P. Another proposed mechanism for the benefit of zinc in acne is suppression of sebum production by its antiandrogenic activity [ 47 ]. Rosacea is a chronic disorder characterized by frequent flushing, erythema, and telangiectasia, interspersed by episodes of inflammation during which swelling, papules, and pustules are seen.

A number of drugs, which include antibiotics tetracyclines, metronidazole , immunosuppressants calcineurin inhibitors-tacrolimus, pimecrolimus , retinoids, and vascular lasers, are the commonly used treatments.

Oral zinc sulphate was found useful in the management of rosacea by Sharquie et al. However, Bamford et al. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of zinc have been postulated to be useful in the management of rosacea.

The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant actions of zinc have also been utilized for the management of other follicular occlusion disorders like hidradenitis suppurativa, acne conglobata, and folliculitis decalvans as well. Brocard et al. Similarly, Kobayashi et al. However, overall benefit of zinc in these disorders remains understudied. However, the chronically relapsing nature of the disease has always compelled the researchers to look for novel and safe therapies.

Zinc has been tried for the management of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. Sadeghian et al. The benefit was attributed to antiproliferative effect of zinc pyrithione. Oral zinc sulphate was found effective for psoriatic arthritis by Clemmensen et al.

However, oral zinc sulphate did not produce clinically significant improvement as a treatment modality for plaque psoriasis [ 54 ]. Eczemas comprise a diverse group of dermatoses with variable etiology and clinical manifestations and constitute significant proportion of all dermatological diseases with an estimated prevalence of 18 cases per US population.

Contact dermatitis of occupational origin is by far the most common form of eczema and hand eczema accounts for majority of the cases. Depending upon the principal causative factors, the eczema may be endogenous eczema atopic dermatitis, seborrhoeic dermatitis, discoid or nummular eczema, and asteatotic eczema or exogenous or contact eczema allergic or irritant contact dermatitis, photoallergic contact dermatitis.

However, the clinical presentation of eczema may be modified by regional variation in skin structure and function such as in case of hand eczema.

Apart from removal of the etiological agent, use of immunosuppressants like corticosteroids and calcineurin inhibitors form the mainstay of treatment. Zinc has anti-inflammatory properties and increases reepithelialization supporting its use for treating eczemas. Zinc oxide paste has been used for the treatment of diaper dermatitis since long. Although it is less effective as compared to other treatment modalities like topical corticosteroids, it is a useful soothing and antipruritic agent [ 55 , 56 ].

A statistically significant improvement was observed with a combination cream containing zinc sulphate 2. Topical zinc oxide for its strong antioxidant and antibacterial action has been also used in treating atopic dermatitis, a chronic inflammatory eczematous dermatosis characterized by the impairment of the skin-barrier function, increased oxidative cellular stress, and bacterial colonization.

Zinc oxide impregnated textiles have been tried in vivo for the management of atopic dermatitis in a study and a significant improvement was observed in the disease severity, pruritus, and subjective sleep in patients who wore zinc oxide-impregnated textiles than in control group [ 58 ]. These zinc oxide-functionalized textiles could be the upcoming treatment modality of choice for atopic dermatitis for future.

Ulcers of variable etiology are a common presentation in the dermatology outpatients with an estimated community prevalence of 0. Ulcer management is a challenging task for the treating physician as poor response to treatment is frequent in a sizeable proportion of cases due to the persistence of underlying etiological factors. Zinc, both oral and topical, for its healing properties has been used for a long time for the management of ulcers and wounds of varied etiology.

However, topical preparations containing zinc oxide have been used in the management of arterial and venous leg ulcers, pressure ulcers, and diabetic foot ulcers. Usefulness of zinc iontophoresis has been demonstrated in ischemic skin ulcers as well [ 61 ]. Sehgal et al. This therapeutically beneficial effect of zinc in chronic cutaneous ulcers is attributed to its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties and its ability to enhance reepithelialization.

However, there is not enough scientific evidence to make any recommendations for its use in chronic leg ulcers [ 59 , 63 ].

Behcet's disease is a vasculopathic condition characterized by recurrent episodes of oral and genital ulcerations with positive pathergy test. Oral aphthae are another troublesome condition of obscure etiology characterized by recurrent painful oral ulcerations particularly in adolescents. Several treatment modalities including corticosteroids and immunosuppressants have been used with variable results.

Zinc sulphate had both therapeutic and prophylactic action as it also reduced the relapse rate in recurrent aphthae. It is a dermatosis which is usually associated with an underlying pancreatic tumor especially glucagonoma. However, many cases have been described without any underlying pancreatic malignancy.

Zinc deficiency is considered a possible reason among many pathogenic hypotheses put forth for this unusual entity as both acrodermatitis enteropathica inherited zinc deficiency and acquired zinc deficiency have a striking clinicopathological similarity with necrolytic migratory erythema.

Even in patients with normal serum zinc levels, zinc supplementation leads to clinical improvement of NME [ 67 ]. Drugs like minoxidil and finasteride and surgical modalities like hair transplantation form the mainstay of treatment.

Alopecia areata is another common autoimmune disorder with numerous treatment modalities but none is being universally effective. However, there is overall paucity of relevant literature. It is another rare chronic disease manifesting with extensive pustular lesions, erosions, and crusting of the scalp, leading ultimately to scarring alopecia.

Response to therapy has been variable with different treatments including topical or systemic antibiotics, oral isotretinoin, or dapsone. Ikeda et al. It possesses cytotoxic activity against Pityrosporum ovale and has antiproliferative action as well which are considered responsible for its clinical efficacy. It also prevents recurrence of flaking, itching, and irritation associated with dandruff and its antifungal activity has been attributed to its ability to disrupt fungal membrane transport by blocking the proton pump that energizes the transport mechanism.

However, a combination of zinc pyrithione and ketoconazole is more effective than either agent used alone. Lichen planus is a chronic inflammatory disease of skin and mucous membranes. Despite plethora of medications, corticosteroids, retinoids, dapsone, and immunosuppressants, a definite cure for lichen planus remains unknown. Mehdipour et al. It was observed that pain, irritation, and lesion surface area decreased in both groups. However, decrease in surface area with zinc mouthwash plus fluocinolone was statistically more significant than that with fluocinolone alone.

Zinc in high concentration has been found to possess a direct cytotoxic effect and is well known to induce apoptosis of malignant cells and tissue necrosis. This property of zinc has been utilized for its use in premalignant and malignant conditions of skin like xeroderma pigmentosa, actinic keratosis, and basal cell carcinoma. Topical therapy with zinc sulfate solution has been found to have both therapeutic and prophylactic role in patients with xeroderma pigmentosa. Improvement in all types of skin lesions, including softening and lightening of the skin color, and clearance of solar keratosis and small malignancies were observed in 15 patients who continued the study during monthly followup over a follow-up period of 2 years.

There was no exacerbation of old lesions or no development of new malignancy. Actinic keratosis, a premalignant condition resulting from proliferation of aberrant epidermal keratinocytes, occurs primarily on sun-exposed skin. These beneficial effects of zinc in xeroderma pigmentosa or actinic keratosis are attributable to enhanced wound healing, antioxidant action, sunscreen property, enhanced DNA repair, improved immunity, and accelerated apoptosis of malignant cells [ 74 ].

Topical zinc has been used for both vitiligo and melasma. Vitiligo is a common depigmenting disorder with variable etiology seen in about 0. As vitiligo patients have been found to have significant low serum zinc levels than normal controls, zinc was postulated to play a role in the management of vitiligo [ 77 , 78 ].

Yaghoobi et al. An appreciable but statistically insignificant clinical response was observed in Zinc possesses significant antiapoptotic and antioxidant activity and along with other micronutrients like copper and manganese also postulated to play an important role in melanogenesis. Melasma, a common pigmentary dermatosis, causes significant psychological stress due to cosmetic morbidity in affected patients.

It affects all races with a predilection for Hispanics and Asians and accounts for 0. Genetic predisposition, pregnancy, oral contraceptives, endocrine dysfunction, hormone treatments, or exposure to UV light have been implicated frequently in its pathogenesis. A large number of treatment modalities have been tried for the treatment of melasma ranging from depigmenting agents like hydroquinone to lasers. Topical zinc sulphate has also been tried in the management of melasma owing to its peeling and sunscreen properties.

However, this mode of treatment did not find much favor as results could not be reproduced in other studies and no statistically significant improvement was seen with topical zinc therapy [ 81 , 82 ]. Moreover, it is not cosmetically elegant and acceptability remains poor. Nevertheless, zinc oxide, in micronized forms, remains a common ingredient of most sunscreens used for treatment of melasma. Hypertrophic scars and keloids of any origin are associated with considerable disfigurement.

Propensity for recurrences seen with keloids is associated with significant psychological morbidity. Treatment with intralesional corticosteroids, topical silicon gel sheets, surgery, and other physical treatment modalities including lasers and cryotherapy have their own advantages and disadvantages.

The beneficial effect of topical zinc in the treatment of keloids in few studies has been attributed to its ability to inhibit lysyl oxidase and stimulate collagenase that leads to decreased production and increased degradation of collagen. However, few well-designed studies remain desirable for acceptance of this low cost treatment for this highly distressing condition. Mahoney et al.

After 8 weeks of therapy, significant elastic fiber regeneration was seen in the papillary dermis leading to effacement of wrinkles.

The combined photoprotective and elastic regenerative properties of zinc could be used for the development of effective antiageing therapies. Calamine lotion contains zinc oxide or zinc carbonate and is used frequently for symptomatic relief in pruritus because of its soothing properties. Zinc also inhibits mast cell degranulation and thereby reduces the secretion of histamine, an important mediator of inflammatory response and an inducer of itch, thereby making it a useful treatment option in pruritic conditions [ 86 ].

Zinc oxide is widely used as a broad spectrum physical sunscreen. Its advantage lies in its low cost and an excellent safety profile. It has been used alone and in combination with other physical titanium oxide or chemical sunscreen agents. Recently microfine and nano-sized zinc oxide has become available which provides better cosmetic appeal and photoprotection than traditional zinc oxide preparations. Zinc oxide provides protection against UV-A1 — superior to titanium oxide providing better spectrum protection [ 87 ].

Zinc is an important micronutrient required for the normal function of skin. For therapeutic purpose zinc is administered orally or parenterally as zinc sulfate The recommended doses for elemental zinc are 0. Gastrointestinal upsets with bloody diarrhea may occur sometimes after ingestion of zinc sulfate beyond recommended doses. Therapeutically, zinc can be used, both topically and in systemic form, for a large number of dermatological disorders. Its efficacy in treating acne perhaps remains the most studied despite varied results.

However, it should not substitute the treatment with proven first line therapeutic modalities as most of the studies showing efficacy of zinc are small case series or have small sample size. Though there is nothing proving zinc is unequivocally effective in the treatment of acne, it is a low-cost option that may be worth exploring. In other words, there are likely better options out there, but barring side effects, you have little to lose with exploring this treatment.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information contained herein is not a substitute for and should never be relied upon for professional medical advice.

Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment. Insider tips, early access and more. Top Treatments. Top Conditions Erectile Dysfunction. Zinc for Acne: Here's What to Consider.

However, others, like zinc, are offered as low-cost, easy-to-find alternatives. These breakouts are caused by oil and dead skin cells that clog pores. Email address.