i am told zinc reduces oiliness.

Anyone else?

I read somewhere that zinc helps skin heal, that's why it in some creams like sudocrem. I'm using a topical antibiotic with zinc added (zineryt) and my skin definitely heals up faster than when I was using the antibiotic alone.

Don't take zinc unless you are actually deficient in it. Too much zinc does raise testosterone and it is very easy to overdose. Unless you are vegan or have malabsorption problems you are probably not deficient.

I made the mistake of overdoing the supplements when my acne was at it's worst. I was taking multivitamins, a lot of zinc, oils, etc, because I read that it could help regulate hormones and reduce acne. Well, it did nothing. I stuck with it for about 8 months. One day I stopped ALL of it, completely, and I don't know if it was a coincidence, but my acne ACTUALLY started to heal. I further cleaned up my diet (dairy and sugar ALWAYS do me in, ice cream is my worst enemy) and stuck with the regimen and my skin has done a complete turn around.

Everywhere I read it says zinc raises testosterone, and I thought when testosterone levels jump then you start producing more sebum?

But I've also read that, although zinc raises testosterone, it also balances your hormones. Could this be why so many have success with it?

Acne isn't all to do with hormones. A big factor in acne is actually hyperkeritinization, I believe zinc and other supplementation assists with better cell turnover (unclogging and exfoliation).

Zinc helps acne because it is anti-inflammatory and helps suppress sebum production. An estimated 32% of the world's population is zinc deficient. You are especially at risk of zinc deficiency if you eat a lot of grains, since they inhibit zinc absorption. Good food sources of zinc include:

• pumpkin seeds
• sunflower seeds
• chicken
• nuts
• oysters

almost all the functions(including hyperkeratinization) is a hormonal consequence.

Using zinc topically and taking it orally has shown some potential in preventing and alleviating the inflammation and scarring associated with acne. Zinc may help nip zits in the bud by reducing the amount of natural oil, or sebum, produced in the skin. It may also help heal damaged skin around acne that does develop. Some research has indicated that acne formation results in part from a lack of zinc in the diet.

Everywhere I read it says zinc raises testosterone, and I thought when testosterone levels jump then you start producing more sebum?

But I've also read that, although zinc raises testosterone, it also balances your hormones. Could this be why so many have success with it?

Acne isn't all to do with hormones. A big factor in acne is actually hyperkeritinization, I believe zinc and other supplementation assists with better cell turnover (unclogging and exfoliation).

Too bad this is very individualistic. I tried taking zinc for months, didn't do jack shit for me

zinc helps acne when the acne is caused due to say deficiency of zinc.

over loading zinc if u have enough already will probably not help much.

thats my logic.

so if one is not deficient,then they might not have seen results.

i think that could be a reason for u.

I think it more beneficial for people that have high estrogen levels and low teststerone levels.

It worked for 3 friends of mine that have/had the same problem.

What Green Gables said. Zinc deficiency can cause acne. If you are not zinc deficient then zinc will most likely just raise your testosterone and not help you at all.