Taking zinc from natural sources or/and in supplemental form, is a popular way to clear acne. It is a proven remedy to eliminate this skin infection.
Zinc targets the root cause of acne, hence it is recommended to treat this skin problem. It is a known fact that androgenic hormones like testosterone regulate the amount of sebum (oil) released into the skin by the sebaceous glands. Zinc is mainly responsible for keeping the production of hormones in equilibrium.
Hormonal imbalance resulting from zinc deficiency can lead to surplus production of sebum. As a result, oily matter clogs the skin pores that are located on the superficial skin. Bacteria that are already present on the skin increase in number, and thrive in the blocked pores. Too much bacterial presence causes skin infection, eventually causing acne. Zinc tries to restore normal hormonal balance, thereby helping to clear acne.
Treatment
Foods High in Zinc
Daily intake of foods high in zinc is a natural remedy to combat acne successfully. Following are the foods, considered to be a rich source of zinc:
- Oysters
- Fortified cereals
- Dried watermelon seeds
- Vegetables like potatoes and beans
- Lamb
- Roasted beef
Zinc Supplement
Besides eating foods high in zinc, you may be required to take zinc supplements in your diet. This is because, it is observed that in today’s times, crops are cultivated with extensive use of fertilizers. This can eventually deplete the content of zinc in foods. So, to be on the safer side, and to ensure adequate intake of zinc, you may have to take it in supplemental form.
Today, zinc supplements are sold under various brands, but it is found that all do not work to relieve acne. OptiZinc is one of the best supplements that can work wonders to get rid of this skin condition. When using OptiZinc, avoid taking birth control pills as they contain a high amount of copper, which can reduce your ability to absorb zinc. The daily required dosage may vary from 50 mg to 200 mg, depending upon the severity of the skin problem.
Topical Cream
Skin imperfections like acne can be successfully treated with zinc creams. For acne-free skin, one can certainly rely on these topical ointments. A point to note here is that zinc oxide creams are prescription ointments and therefore cannot be purchased without a doctor’s recommendation.
Treatment for Scars
Healing the skin with zinc has several advantages. It not only repairs the damaged skin at a faster rate but also ensure that scars do not appear, after the skin condition heals. Zinc promotes growth of new skin cells and boosts production of collagen (a type of protein in the inner layers of the skin that keep the skin elastic and smooth) which benefits to prevent acne scars from occurring. So, besides curing acne, zinc does not allow scars to form.
In addition to the above treatment, one can also opt for natural acne remedies like application of aloe vera juice or a paste of cucumber on the affected area. Drinking plenty of water (7-8 glasses) everyday is equally important to get rid of acne as sufficient water intake flushes of the toxins responsible for causing this skin problem.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is solely for educating the reader. It is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a medical expert.