Spring's Almost here, bloom into great skin & Get Free Shipping $99+

Trusted Physician Skin Care. Only the Best from Science and Nature

SHOP ALL SKIN CARE

Zinc Supplements and Fungal Acne Treatment

zinc supplements and fungal acne treatment

Zinc supplements and fungal acne treatment, do they work as an alternative acne treatment?  When medications or skin care products don't seem to get rid of acne, people often turn to other options, such as zinc supplements. One particular question Dr. Bailey is often asked from her patients and blog readers is

"Do zinc supplements really work to get rid of acne?"

treatment for fungal acne on back and chest

In her practice, Dr. Bailey uses her Foaming Zinc Cleanser for body acne or fungal acne caused by Pityrosporum yeast. She alternates this with her Foaming Benzoyl Peroxide Cleanser in her Back Acne Kit.

I cannot thank you enough for zinc soap. I have dealt with back and chest breakouts for almost 20 years, and been to numerous dermatologists - not one ever mentioned pyrithione zinc as a solution. I thought I had tried everything ...  After a couple of weeks of using the zinc soap at night and benzoyl peroxide wash in the morning, my back and chest were completely clear - which has never happened in my entire life. And a few months later, they are STILL completely clear. I can finally wear tank tops again. My skin is soft and smooth, and my husband comments on it all the time. He can't believe the difference. So glad I found your website. Thank you so much. Jennifer 1/18

Dr. Bailey combines zinc with benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid and glycolic acid in her Pityrosporum Folliculitis Kit for fungal facial acne. 

zinc supplements and acne treatment with zinc cleanser
Folks, this bar of soap saved my skin. I had chin and forehead acne that literally would not go away. Began using this and within a week I saw noticeable difference, especially in the basic health of my skin. It solved the dryness that contributed so much to my acne. 'Happy' 12/20

These treatments work really well for face, neck, and body acne, including fungal acne. However, the same rules do not necessarily always apply when it comes to treatment with supplement.

Do Zinc Supplements Treat Acne?

In order to help clear up this question of the zinc supplements and acne connection, Dr. Bailey turned to the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology. Dr. Bailey found a systematic review of several studies concerning zinc supplements and acne efficacy in a past edition of the journal. She summarizes the conclusions of the article in her blog post Zinc Treatment for Acne. Overall, there is evidence to support that zinc does help acne.

How Do Zinc Supplements and Acne Work?

The exact mechanism is unclear, but zinc may have the ability to:

  • Help kill P. acnes bacteria
  • Decrease inflammation and redness from acne
  • Reduce skin oil production

Only a low dosage is needed to be effective, approximately 30mg elemental zinc. However, zinc nutritional supplements come in a mixed format. The majority of studies reviewed in the journal used zinc gluconate at 200 mg per a day dose. This usually contains the necessary 30mg of elemental zinc. There may be some side effects such as nausea, upset stomach, and vomiting.

Should You Take Supplements to Treat Acne?

There is no clear-cut answer, but Dr. Bailey wants you to consider the following questions to evaluate if it is the right method for you.
  • Do you get the same amount of zinc in your diet already?
  • Are zinc supplements the best way to treat acne?
  • Are zinc supplements safe for pregnant or breast-feeding women?
  • What are the dangers of using zinc supplements?
  • What are the safe levels for zinc supplements and acne?

Click here to start clearing your acne with zinc and Dr. Bailey's Fungal Acne Treatment Kit

If you would like to know Dr. Bailey's guidance for these series of questions read her original blog here. Also Dr. Bailey always stresses that you should discuss these questions with your doctor who knows how your body systems work best.

Zinc Supplements and fungal acne treatment

Author: Written by Angela, a member of the Dr. Bailey Skin Care Team for many years and now a Nurse Practitioner extraordinaire! Angela has gotten great acne relief with Dr. Baily and her products