Is it true that taking zinc can help clear up acne?
Yes it is true that zinc can help clear up acne. In certain studies done on zinc and it’s relation to acne, they found that people who took large amounts of zinc everyday (90mg) had significantly better skin (source: http://www.mothernature.com/Library/Ency/Index.cfm/Id/1002007 under zinc). Clicking the zinc link on that page, you can find some clue as to why zinc is good for your skin (and body). It contains enzymes that help heal wounds by helping cells reproduce, and boosts immunity. I can say from personal experience, that zinc taken at night before bed really helps bring down swelling and eliminate redness. One note of warning though, do not take more than 50mg all at once. Zinc has a really nasty side effect of nausea if you take too much at once. If you notice yourself becoming nauseous, you’ve overshot your tolerance level. Your tolerance can also decrease over time if you take it long term.
