Acne in adults: often caused also by zinc deficiency

When you are young, you are still in good company with your pimples, but impure skin is often particularly stressful for adults. The psychological effects are sometimes serious and are interrelated with the skin's appearance: the greater the suffering, the worse the acne – and vice versa¹.

Acne in adults is not that rare: studies in France show that approx. 40 percent of women between the ages of 25 and 40 suffer from it². Acne in adults is often particularly stubborn. It also worsens before menstruation. But also during pregnancy, many women develop pimples.

What helps against acne? Tips from anti-acne diet to stress reduction

• Skin food
• Compensate for zinc deficiency
• Reduce stress
• Proper care
• Professional support

Skin food

Dermatologists recommend a diet low in simple carbohydrates for acne. The menu should therefore contain as little sugar, white bread, pastries and fast food as possible. These foods increase the level of insulin in the blood. However, too high a concentration of this hormone can worsen the complexion¹. Getting rid of acne works better with a diet of vegetables, legumes, and whole grains. Milk is also suspected of promoting pimples. An elimination test can be helpful.

Compensate for zinc deficiency

A deficiency in the trace element zinc should definitely be compensated for. Zinc-rich foods such as these are suitable as a diet against pimples:

• Oysters
• Meat
• Fish
• Eggs
• Whole grain products
• Legumes

However, plant-based zinc suppliers usually also contain substances that impede the zinc absorption in the body. Likewise, zinc supply through food can be made more difficult by coffee, tea, alcohol, medication or illnesses. The bio-factor zinc is of central importance for the skin and skin renewal, but also for the immune system and hormone balance. It also has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects.

Study: Zinc reduces inflammatory pustules by up to 50 percent

A lack of zinc therefore leaves its mark on the skin, among other things, through zinc deficiency symptoms such as inflammation, eczema, pimples and wound healing disorders. Studies have shown that a sufficiently high dose of zinc is effective against impure skin and can significantly improve the appearance of acne³. French scientists around Dr. Brigitte Dreno from the University Hospital in Nantes, observed in a study with 332 acne patients, that taking 30 mg of zinc per day reduced the inflammatory pustules by up to 50 percent.

Zinc is of central importance for the skin and skin renewal, but also for the immune system and hormone balance. It also has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects.

Thus, the treatment against zinc deficiency was almost as successful as that with an antibiotic⁴. Compensating for a zinc deficiency in the treatment of pimples and pustules can be helpful, especially in the case of pregnancy acne. This is cecause the need for zinc increases during pregnancy and breastfeeding, and drugs such as antibiotics are taboo for the treatment of acne. When compensating for a zinc deficiency, care must be taken to ensure a sufficiently high dosage. The highest-dose zinc preparations available without a prescription in pharmacies contain 25 mg zinc per tablet. This dose is considered safe and well tolerated, even with long-term intake⁵.

Reduce stress

Since stress can significantly worsen acne, anything that helps you relax is advisable. This can be exercise in the fresh air, but also enough sleep. In addition, covering adult acne with appropriate cosmetics can reduce stress.

Proper care

All creams and cosmetics should be oil-free. In general, cosmetic overtreatment should be avoided. Soap-free agents with a pH value close to 5.5 are recommended for cleansing. Good sun protection is also important, as UV radiation can trigger or worsen acne.

Professional support

In the case of more severe courses, a medical and professional cosmetic consultation should always be included. The doctor can prescribe creams and medication if necessary.

¹Dreno B et al. Acne in Adult Females: Physiological and Psychological Considerations and Management. J Germ Soc Dermatol. 2018; 1610-0379 (https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/ddg.13664_g)
²Poli et al. An epidemilogical study of acne in female adults: results of a survey conducted in France. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2001 Nov; 15(6):541-5
³Cervantes J et al. The role of zinc in the treatment of acne: A review of the literature. Dermalogic Therapy. 2018; 31(1); doi: 10.1111/dth (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29193602)
⁴Dreno et al. Multicenter randomized comparative double-blind controlled clinical trial of the safety and efficacy of zinc gluconate versus minocycline hydrochloride in the treatment of inflammatory acne vulgaris. Dermatology 2001; 203:135-140
⁵www.efsa.europa.eu/sites/default/files/assets/ndatolerableuil.pdf

Woerwag Pharma GmbH & Co. KG – The range of information about personal health on www.woerwagpharma.de is for your information only and in no way replaces personal advice, examination or diagnosis by a licensed doctor. The content made available on www.woerwagpharma.de cannot and must not be used to create independent diagnoses and/or self-medication. Please also note the disclaimer and our information on image rights.