Zinc therapy has been found to be effective in the management of blackheads, acne and pimples along with a host of skin ailments. Studies have shown that zinc, a trace mineral essential to control a wide range of metabolic and hormonal functions, plays a pivotal role in the treatment of acne, pimples, blackheads and management of a wide range of skin ailments. As per a survey conducted by in Birmingham School of Medicine, University of Alabama, women are more prone to suffer from skin ailments including acne, especially after the age of 20 years. As age advances, the prevalence of acne also drops considerably, with acne affecting 15% of women above the age of fifty years.
Acne and Zinc: Zinc Therapy for Skin Pimples
Zinc is considered to play a pivotal role in the management and treatment of a host of skin care disorders include acne, pimples and blackheads. Zinc supplementation plays a crucial role in getting rid of acne and pimples and its effects are based on two actions,
- Firstly, Zinc controls and regulates the production and metabolism of over 200 different hormones in the body including testosterone. Various studies have shown that lower levels of Zinc in the body can result in increase in the levels of testosterone hormone. This in turn increases production of sebum and also enhances keratin production which are factors that are associated with increased risk of formation of acne or pimples.
- Secondly, Zinc also closely associated with protein synthesis and formation of collagen, both of which play a crucial role in maintenance of a healthy skin tissue and normalizing the production of skin oils. Zinc deficiency can result in delayed healing, increased risk of inflammation and infection, etc.
There are two forms of zinc supplements that are available in the market namely Zinc Gluconate and Zinc Oxide.
- Research studies have shown that taking 200 mg of Zinc Gluconate each day aids in reducing inflammation associated with acne and blackheads, as zinc has beneficial action on reducing granulocytes and cells from the skin. 200 mg of Zinc Gluconate taken orally equates to 30 mg of zinc. Regular consumption of zinc supplements can help reduce the risk of blackheads and pimples.
- Zinc Oxide is a tropical application for acne which aids in reducing the production of natural oils and sebum which are often considered responsible for spread of acne and blackheads. This hastens the process of healing and also reduces the possibility of Scar Formation.
Foods that are chockfull of zinc are -
Walnuts are a good source of Zinc |
- Whole wheat
- Pumpkin seeds
- Ginger root
- Almonds
- Walnuts
- Oats
- Peanuts
In addition to the above sources, seafoods namely crabs, oysters, are important sources of zinc. Chicken and lean meat are also the top natural food sources of zinc.
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