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A 2020 systematic review and meta-analysis (25 studies, 2,445 participants) found that people with acne had lower serum...
A 2020 systematic review and meta-analysis (25 studies, 2,445 participants) found that people with acne had lower serum zinc levels than controls, and that zinc treatment was associated with a reduction in inflammatory acne lesions. Zinc may be a useful option for some, used alone or alongside standard acne care, and is best discussed with a clinician.
| Study | Participants | Finding | Quality |
|---|---|---|---|
Serum zinc levels and efficacy of zinc treatment in acne vulgaris: A systematic review and meta-analysis Yee BE, Richards P, Sui JY, Marsch AF — Dermatologic Therapy (2020) | 2,445 | Acne patients had lower serum zinc than controls; zinc treatment was associated with a significant reduction in inflammatory papules across 25 studies. | Moderate |
Zinc has been studied for supporting clearer skin in acne, with evidence that it can reduce inflammatory lesions, particularly in people whose zinc status is low. It may be used alone or alongside standard acne treatments. Oral zinc can cause stomach upset at higher doses and can interfere with copper absorption over time, so dose and duration are worth discussing with a clinician or dermatologist — this is supportive information, not a substitute for medical acne care.
A systematic review and meta-analysis reports that people with acne tend to have lower serum zinc, and that zinc treatment was associated with fewer inflammatory acne lesions.
A meta-analysis found that zinc treatment was associated with fewer inflammatory acne lesions, and that people with acne tend to have lower zinc levels. The effect is modest, and zinc may be most helpful for those with lower zinc status, used alone or with standard acne care.
Studies used various oral zinc salts and doses. Because higher doses can cause stomach upset and, over time, affect copper balance, it is best to confirm an appropriate form and dose with a clinician rather than self-prescribing high amounts.
Not necessarily. Zinc is studied as a standalone option and as an add-on, but it is generally less potent than prescription acne treatments. For moderate or severe acne, a dermatologist can advise on the best approach.
Zinc was generally well tolerated in studies, but oral zinc can cause nausea or stomach upset, especially on an empty stomach, and long-term high doses can lower copper levels. Discuss duration and dose with your clinician.
