Zinc Picolinate for Acne
As infection fighter, zinc picolinate aids in the healing of tissue and helps with the regulation of DNA synthesis and hormones, according to acne-skin-care-guide.com. Zinc can also help to prevent scarring and helps the body to resist inflammation and infection.
-
Background
-
Some of the sources of the mineral zinc appear naturally in foods we eat, such as peas, beans, eggs, poultry, sunflower seeds, whole grains, dairy and lean beef, according to the acne-skin-care-guide.com. Studies have linked poor eating habits, such as a high fast food intake, to contributing factors in zinc deficiencies, which can lead to acne and other skin disorders. The supplement zinc picolinate helps the body if natural sources of zinc are not available.
Development of Acne
-
Developmental periods in a person’s life, such as puberty, pregnancy and menopause during which hormones fluctuate, can cause sebaceous glands to become overactive, according to the acne-skin-care-guide.com. Excess oil, also known as sebum, can clog pores, trapping dirt and dead skin cells, which results in the manifestation of acne. Zinc picolinate is a common treatment for this condition.
-
Zinc Treatment Indicators
-
A zinc deficiency may weaken the immune system making it difficult for the body to fight infection and bacteria according to the acne-skin-care-guide.com. By regulating hormone production and boosting the immune system, zinc picolinate can help fight the formation of acne. Zinc picolinate is a zinc salt that is biologically active. Zinc picolinate may have to be taken for one to two months before a reduction in the recurrence of acne is noticed according to the health911.com. Readily absorbed by the body zinc picolinate may be taken internally, at mealtimes, or used topically.
Types
-
Zinc picolinate, zinc acetate, zinc gluconate, zinc oxide, zinc monothionine and zinc sulfate are just some of the forms of zinc according to the acne-skin-care-guide. There has been no study that proves any of these types of zinc perform better than the others. When using zinc acne treatment, though it is over-the-counter, it is still best to talk with a dermatologist or a doctor about the proper regime.
Side Effects
-
Zinc picolinate also has a tendency to inhibit copper absorption in the body according to the acne-skin-care-guide.com. Because a copper deficiency can lead to other health problems, daily copper intake should be increased if you are on a zinc supplement regimen. According to the health911.com, the best ratio of copper to zinc would be 1 mg of copper to every 15 mg of zinc. If more than 15 mg of zinc are taken per day for an extended period of time, a physician should be consulted as this could increase the possibility of interference with copper absorption.
-
References
- Photo Credit Pixland/Pixland/Getty Images
