Is Zinc a Good Acne Treatment? We Asked Experts

When it comes to zinc, it often invokes thoughts of immune-boosting supplements during cold and flu season, or a lifeguard with a thick, white cream slathered on their nose. The seemingly humble nutrient is actually a wonderful skincare ingredient—a triple threat, if you will—known for its position as a power player in the mineral world due to its dermatologist-backed consideration as a reliable acne treatment.

Although more research is needed, studies have found the mineral may decrease papules and cysts when applied topically. So, how can you use the acne-fighting powers of zinc in your skincare routine? Ahead, dermatologists Purvisha Patel, MD, Marisa Garshick, MD, and Lauren Penzi, MD, share how to safely and effectively use zinc for acne.

What Is Zinc?

Zinc is an essential mineral that aids in the body's immune system by helping to fight germs and heal wounds, making it a good pick for acne lesions. It is a high-performance ingredient that helps to address redness, irritation, and inflammation caused by conditions like acne, rosacea, and seborrheic dermatitis. Patel explains: "The ingredient, in combination with mild alpha and beta acids, helps decrease inflammation, exfoliate the skin that clogs the pores, and helps kill the bacteria/fungus that causes acne."

Benefits of Zinc for Acne

According to Garshick, zinc has both antibacterial and anti-inflammatory benefits, so it is often recommended as a topical acne treatment, typically in the form of a cleanser. "It can also work to regulate sebum production, making it a good option for someone with oily skin as well," she says.

Zinc's ability to fight germs and heal wounds make it a supreme choice for combatting and healing acne lesions. "Zinc is an essential mineral that plays a crucial role in immune function, wound healing, DNA synthesis, cell division, and protein synthesis," explains Penzi.

Is Zinc an Effective Acne Treatment?

"Zinc is good for all types of acne due to its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties and its abilities to regulate sebum production - so it can be tried for inflammatory, comedonal, and hormonal acne," says Penzi.

As a nutrient, Patel says the absence of zinc could be contributing to acne. "Zinc is necessary for collagen synthesis, and when deficient, the keratin in the skin can be more 'sticky,' resulting in more clogged pores.

But Penzi explains that there is one caveat: Current evidence for zinc in acne is limited to a small number of randomized controlled trials with relatively small sample sizes, inconsistent dosing, and a lack of standardized outcome measures, which limits the interpretation of their results—meaning that while it is effective, its effectiveness still needs to be determined on a wider scale.

Can You Use Zinc With Other Acne Treatments?

Patel explains that zinc can be quite thick and occlusive, and can prevent other skincare products from penetrating—hence why zinc is often recommended for acne patients to use in the form of a face wash or cleanser that is rinsed away before the rest of your routine is applied, allowing for maximum effectiveness for both zinc and anything that comes after it, too. We like Cetaphil Pro Oil Removing Foam Wash or Rosen Skincare Earth Cleanser.

Oral Zinc vs. Topical Zinc

While topical zinc is most often recommended by dermatologists when it comes to acne treatment, it's often recommended to take zinc taken orally, as well.

Topical Zinc

You'll typically find zinc used topically in face washes and cleansers. "Topical zinc has been shown to decrease redness and irritation, regulate sebum production, and help kill acne causing bacteria," says Penzi. However, Garshick adds that just because you see faster results, doesn't necessarily mean it's more effective. Although a couple of smaller studies showed efficacy of topical zinc in treatment of acne, large controlled studies need to be done to prove these claims.

Oral Zinc

A lot of people with acne may find supplementation helpful to decrease acne breakouts. In general, Penzi would recommend oral supplementation over topical application, but maintains that both are certainly safe to try. However, oral zinc should only be taken under the direction of a board-certified physician, as it can come with some severe side effects—and in many cases, topical zinc treatment is enough to improve acne.

How to Use Zinc for Acne

Topical zinc can be found in washes, bars, masks, or leave-on creams or serums. Garshick says that depending on the other products in your skincare routine, zinc as a topical treatment may be used daily or a few times per week. Most often, your dermatologist will recommend using a zinc facial bar, like Noble Formula 2% Pyrithione Zinc Bar Soap in place of your usual cleanser 3-4 times a week, in conjunction with a prescription acne treatment like tretinoin.

In the case that you're a candidate for a zinc supplement, your dermatologist will give you an exact daily dose that is not to be exceeded. "Zinc supplementation can be delivered through zinc sulfate (23% zinc) or zinc gluconate (14% zinc)," explains Penzi. "Although zinc sulfate has a higher elemental zinc content, zinc gluconate reportedly has a less bitter, metallic taste. Most studies were done using 30-50mg of zinc daily." As with any supplement, make sure you are following the exact guidance of your physician, and don't start a new supplement without consulting your doctor first. According to Penzi, results after using supplements can vary greatly based on the severity of the acne, the dose of zinc, and how consistently the treatment is applied. In general, if zinc were to work for you, she would expect to start seeing results after around 2-3 months.

Potential Side Effects of Zinc for Acne

Patel says that side effects associated with zinc in topical form are nominal and that it's generally well-tolerated.

"Oral zinc may be considered more effective than topical zinc, but may come with more side effects such as nausea, vomiting or diarrhea," notes Garshick. Penzi agrees, adding indigestion as a possible risk from taking zinc orally.

The Takeaway

Due to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, topical zinc can be an excellent addition to your skincare routine if you deal with acne. You should see a dermatologist for personalized instructions, but most dermatologists will have you begin with a zinc-based cleanser a few times a week. In more extreme cases, an oral zinc supplement may be recommended.