The Link Between Acne and Zinc Deficiency

AcneAcne may not always be a problem stemming from the outside; like other skin-related symptoms, it may actually be reflective of an imbalance or deficiency within your diet. In fact, several studies suggest that there may be a connection between acne and zinc deficiency. This means that some acne sufferers could easily aid their situation by taking steps to ensure that they get an adequate dosage of zinc in their diets — one of the best natural acne remedies. Many of us, including (and perhaps especially) those who are vegetarian or semi-vegetarian, do not consume enough zinc. This is because some of the best sources of zinc include red meat and fish. If you don’t eat those foods, you must take special care to make up for lost zinc.

For an amazing ebook on treating acne Click Here!

How do we recognize that zinc deficiency is the cause of the acne we’re suffering from? Well, there are several telltale signs. Review this list of symptoms; if you experience several in addition to moderate acne, you may consider consulting a physician to evaluate you for zinc deficiency and discuss holistic natural acne remedies.

  • Fatigue
  • Stretch marks
  • Frequent infection/swelling
  • Sleep disturbances and/or insomnia
  • Dandruff
  • Hair loss or poor hair growth
  • Hangnails, white spots on nails, or poor nail growth
  • Diminished sex drive

Zinc works to fight acne by regulating hormones in your body, including testosterone. It’s also involved in protein synthesis and collagen formation, both of which directly affect the skin. In addition to these properties, zinc is also antibiotic in nature, acting in effect like tetracycline. This will help in reducing the inflammation of acne that’s already present. However, the zinc supplement will work over time; it won’t have overnight results so don’t be worried if you begin a zinc supplement regimen and fail to see an outcome in less than a week.

However, there are several warnings against an overdose of zinc, which can lead to excessive fatigue and low blood cell count (anemia), resulting in less oxygen traveling throughout the body. When taking a zinc supplement be sure to always follow the dosage on the bottle. Zinc is not like vitamin C, which will get flushed out if taken in excess. It collects and can have an adverse effect. Also, zinc elimination from the body is a slow process, so a buildup can take months to clear away from the body and zinc levels may remain high for an extended period of time. For these reasons it’s important to follow the guidelines. Adult males should strive for 15mg of zinc a day and adult females for 12mg. For an acne solution, you might want to combine a topical treatment such as tea tree oil with zinc supplements.

Here are some herbs for acne:

  • Calendula
  • Lavender
  • Echinacea
  • Tea tree oil
  • Milk thistle
  • Burdock root
  • Dandelion
  • Aloe gel
  • Walnut leaf
  • Witch hazel

Recommended products:



MediAc – Temporarily Treats Symptoms of Acne Vulgaris
– $ 37.95
Homeopathic remedy temporarily treats symptoms of acne vulgaris including blackheads on the face and body

Checke these Related Health Articles:

  1. Want Health? Get Zinc Just the Facts on the Essential Micro Mineral The mineral...
  2. Tea Tree Oil Treats Acne – Naturally! We’ve all heard it before – the skin is the...
  3. Proper Food Combining: Could it be the Missing Link to Your Optimum Health? For years I snacked on dried organic fruits and granola...

Follow Skrewtips

Subscribe to our e-mail newsletter to receive updates.

, , , , ,

One Response to The Link Between Acne and Zinc Deficiency

  1. dr j bhaumik May 30, 2011 at 5:58 am #

    actualy i am searching for zinc level in acne pt.

Leave a Reply