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Can Zinc Help Cure Acne?

Posted on Mon, 7 Dec 2015

Question: How long does it take of taking 50mg of zinc per day to fully clear acne? I taken it for around 6 weeks and seen a good improvement until today I have an outbreak.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Muhammad Sareer Khalil (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Zinc doesnt specifically treat acne

Detailed Answer:
Hello and Welcome

I appreciate your concern

Zinc supplements are often advised as part of treating skin or nail conditions or wound healing. But zinc does not specifically treat acne. The mainstay of acne treatment is topical and/or oral antibiotics +/- isotretinoin (topical and/or oral) based on the severity. 50 mg is a high dose. 23.7 mg or half the 50 is fine for a month or two and should not be continued especially if there is no documented deficiency. Fish, red meat, shell fish, legumes and nuts are good natural sources of zinc.

Wishing you best of health

Thanks

Let me know if you have any query

Please consult your doctor before deciding on any further course of action.

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Dr. M.S. Khalil

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Muhammad Sareer Khalil (1 hour later)

Thanks. But I suspect it for other reasons also.

Acne, low sex drive, rigid nails etc. So I take 50mg per day. But how long I wonder before it has full impact?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Muhammad Sareer Khalil (42 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Explained

Detailed Answer:
Hello again,

If there is a deficiency then upon correction impact should be evident within 3 weeks of use. You may continue it for 2 months in consultation with your doctor.

Thanks

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Muhammad Sareer Khalil (3 hours later)

Hi I felt better after 3 weeks a bit, but read it can take 3 months before acne cures?
And I told my doctor he said 50mg is high but if it is working then ok, I plan to take 50mg for 3-4 months and lower to 20mg, I also add 1mg of copper..

And research show that zinc helps most people with acne

Advice on it please..

Thanks

Answered by Dr. Dr. Muhammad Sareer Khalil (7 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Explained

Detailed Answer:
Hello.

Zinc has interaction with acne treatment medication like tetracycline antibiotics. High doses of zinc over prolonged periods can increase the risk of prostate cancer and lower the levels of good HDL cholesterol. Any dose of around 30 mg can be continued safely. As I mentioned before, zinc is prescribed for numerous skin conditions including acne. But it has an adjuvant effect and can help in resolving the lesions. Zinc alone wont resolve the acne nor is it indicated as a monotherapy in any of the guidelines. Guidelines are much more superior to single studies as they are based on many studies collectively.

Wishing you best of health

Thanks

Let me know if you have any query

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Muhammad Sareer Khalil (14 hours later)

Hi, thanks for reply. Yes, I read if deficent then zinc can even resolve acne if was the cause, but if not, then still it can help make it go away better.

I will consider having my 20MG with 1.25MG Copper + 15MG with 0.75MG copper. 35MG a day, does this sound good?

Thanks

Answered by Dr. Dr. Muhammad Sareer Khalil (8 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Explained

Detailed Answer:
hi.

Yes, if zinc deficiency is present then it can help resolve the acne. If zinc is sufficient there is no point in supplementing as it can lead to copper deficiency in addition to zinc toxicity.

20MG with 1.25MG Copper once a day would be fine by me.

Wishing you best of health

Thanks

Let me know if you have any query

Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar