Acne is a common plight amongst young people, with puberty often triggering painful breakouts. The skin condition, which typically causes spots, oily skin and sometimes skin that’s hot or painful to touch, can afflict people of all ages, however. There are different types of acne and they all vary in their severity and appearance.
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According to Bupa, spots can be non-inflamed or inflamed.
“Inflamed spots include red bumps and lumps, yellow pus-filled spots or fluid-filled cysts,” says the health site.
It adds: “In very severe acne, cysts may join together to form larger, deeper inflamed areas, which is called acne conglobata.”
Luckily, you do not have to simply put up with acne.
Studies have shown that there are steps you can take at home to alleviate and clear up the skin condition.
One such step is to take Zinc supplements.
Zinc is an essential mineral that performs a number of important functions in your body such as aiding growth, DNA synthesis and boosting the immune system.
The mineral also plays a role in wound healing and can help reduce inflammation.
This specific function prompted researchers to investigate whether the mineral could play a role in combating acne.
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Research has indicated that people with acne tend to have lower levels of zinc in their blood than those with clear skin.
The hunch has now been borne out by evidence.
In fact, several studies have found that taking 30–45 mg of elemental zinc per day can significantly reduce acne.
In one particular study, 48 people with acne took zinc supplements three times per day.
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After eight weeks, 38 of them experienced an 80 to 100 percent reduction in pimples.
Other tips for tackling acne
According to the NHS, if your acne persists, you probably need prescription medicine.
Prescription medicines that can be used to treat acne include:
- Topical retinoids
- Topical antibiotics
- Azelaic acid
- Antibiotic tablets
- In women, the combined oral contraceptive pill
“If you have severe acne, your GP can refer you to an expert in treating skin conditions (dermatologist),” explains the health body.
For example, if you have:
- A large number of papules and pustules on your chest and back, as well as your face
- Painful nodules (large hard lumps that build up beneath the surface of the skin)
- Scarring, or are at risk of scarring
“A combination of antibiotic tablets and topical treatments is usually the first treatment option for severe acne,” says the NHS.
As the health body explains, hormonal therapies or the combined oral contraceptive pill can also be effective in women who have acne.
But the progestogen-only pill or contraceptive implant can sometimes make acne worse, it warns.
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