Zinc for acne? what's the best form?

Question

i'm thinking of taking zinc supplements to help with my acne. i've tried a lot of things (proactive, differin, clean and clear, clinque, the list goes on) but nothing worked. i read that taking zinc supplements have helped a lot of people with their acne and i figured it was worth a try. i just had a couple of questions...

1. has anyone tried it, and what were your results?

2. what is the best form of zinc to take for helping acne?

3. how much do you take?

4. what else should i do/take to get the most effective results possible?

any info is appreciated...especially people who have tried it.

(please do not tell me to try other stuff because like i said, nothing else has worked.)

Answer 1

I had acne very badly for many years.  I got frustrated trying everything and they just did not work.  I even had my face burnt up on one occasion when I tried a skin cleanse that was too harsh.  So I gave up. It was not until I changed my diet and started taking supplements, that my skin got all cleaned.  Here are some information about acne that you'll find very useful.

Acne is an inflammatory skin disorder.  Acne is more common in males because androgens (male s*x hormones) like testosterone, stimulates the production of keratin and sebum, which leads to clogged pores.  During puberty, androgens increase in both sexes, making girls in this age group more susceptible as well.  Acne flares up, in older women are also prompted by the release of progesterone after ovulation.

The sebaceous glands, located in each hair follicle or tiny pit of skin, produce oil that lubricates the skin.  These are found in large number on the face, shoulders, back and chest.  If some of the oil becomes trapped, bacteria multiply in the follicle and the skin becomes inflamed.  Acne is not caused by dirty pores, but most likely by overactive oil glands; the excess oil makes the pores sticky, allowing bacteria to become trapped inside.

The exact cause of acne is not known, but factors that contribute to the condition include heredity, oily skin, use of cosmetics, over consumption of drunk foods, nutritional deficiencies, exposure to industrial pollutants, monthly menstrual cycles, and over washing or repeated rubbing of the skin.

The skin is the largest organ of the body.  One of its functions is to eliminate a portion of the body’s toxic waste products through sweating.  If the body contains more toxins than the kidneys and liver can effectively discharge, the skin takes over.  As toxins escape through the skin, they disrupt the skin’s healthy integrity.  This is the key factor behind many skin disorders, including acne.

The skin also breathes.  If the pores become clogged, the microbes that are involved in causing acne flourish because they are protected against the bacteriostatic action of sunshine.  Dirt, dust, oils and grime from pollution clog the pores, but this can be eliminated by washing the skin properly.  

Eat a lot of all kinds of fruits and vegetables.  Eat a diet that is high in fiber.  This is important for keeping the colon clean and ridding the body of toxins.  Raw cabbage is excellent to improve the elimination process of the colon.

Increase your intake of raw foods inclusive of almonds, beets, and cashews.  Eat more foods rich in zinc including shellfish, soy beans whole grains, sunflower seeds, and raw nuts daily.

Eat plenty of soured products such as yogurt to maintain healthy intestinal flora.

Reduce your intake of sweets.  As much as possible avoid stress.  Stress can promote hormonal changes and cause flare-ups.  Many dermatologists also recommend fifteen minutes of sunshine each day, regular exercise, and sufficient sleep for people with acne.

Drink 8 to 10 glasses of water each day.  Wash your face with a soft soapy bath rag twice per day.