Ladies over 40, even though our skin tends to get more dry, many of us still get acne due to hormone fluctuations… occasionally or even regularly. Here’s how to use zinc as a powerful acne spot treatment and overall acne treatment! Works for younger women and men, too!

Types of Acne (What Causes Acne?)

Acne ranges in severity from mild whiteheads and blackheads to the more painful, inflammatory cystic acne. No matter the type, it happens when oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria clog pores, causing acne. Not surprisingly, oily skin is more prone to break-outs.

Yet the root cause of acne usually boils down to hormones, whether the influx of hormones during one’s teenage years, or the roller coaster of hormones before, during, and after menopause. Additionally, both stress and diet affect our hormones, so no one is really immune, whatever their age!

The more severe the type of pimples, the more likely they will need to be addressed by significant diet and/or lifestyle changes. I’m thinking of women with PCOS who in particular struggle with acne. Here is my interview with Dr. Garrett Smith, where we discuss how to balance hormones naturally. And here’s another interview with Dr. Smith where we discuss skin conditions (like acne, eczema, psoriasis, and more) in particular.

The following natural acne treatments really work, but they are no replacement for healing from the inside out with diet and lifestyle!

3 Best Natural Acne Treatments

There are three ways you can use this natural acne treatment… and it all starts with a zinc supplement, either in liquid form or capsules.

According to my research and those I trust, the best form of zinc for internal and external use is picolinate (with no fillers). Here are my recommended zinc picolinate sources.

Additionally, the form of zinc that seems to work very well for skin is zinc pyrithione such as in this zinc spray that works very well for acne, psoriasis, dandruff, and acne.

Zinc works really well for acne-prone skin for several reasons. First, it’s anti-inflammatory, helping to reduce the redness and irritation acne causes. Second, it’s anti-viral and anti-bacterial, which helps prevent any secondary infections from taking hold in active acne sores or clogged pores. Finally, zinc may help reduce excess oil production.

I recommend getting zinc through diet (beef is a great source!), and you can also supplement orally for better health, acne or otherwise.

Now here’s how to use it topically for preventing pimples in acne-prone skin or any other skin type that might suffer with occasional acne.

If you have sensitive skin, be sure to test carefully on a small patch of skin first.

1. Acne spot treatment using zinc capsule.

You need an empty container. I use a leftover tin.

Open one capsule of zinc and empty it into the tin. Dip your finger in water, then dip it in the tin of powder. Pat the mixture on any pimples. Get more water if needed, so it makes a paste that you can see on your skin.

If you’re not going anywhere or seeing anyone (or you don’t care!), you can leave it on throughout the day. I usually use this method at night only, since it’s visible.

2. All-over acne treatment using zinc capsule.

Put a little of the zinc powder into the palm of your hand. You’ll learn over time how much is best. Put a dollop of your regular face moisturizer (suited to your skin type) or aloe vera, and put it in your palm, too. Mix the powder and lotion together. Then spread on your face and neck.

You can also spread the zinc-infused moisturizer on your back if you have back acne. Pretty cool!

Now every time you moisturize, you’re also doing a natural acne treatment.

3. All-over acne treatment or a spot treatment using liquid zinc.

This liquid zinc comes in a spray bottle already! Otherwise, put the liquid zinc in a little spray bottle. After washing and before moisturizing, spray it all over your acne-prone skin or just on individual pimples. Do this morning and night, and even throughout the day as needed. Pat it on, then follow up with your regular moisturizer (suited to your skin type).

This liquid zinc also works well for dandruff, psoriasis, and eczema!

That’s It!

So there you have it… three ways to use zinc as natural acne treatments… either all over or as spot treatments. These are safe acne treatments for any skin type. Although if you have sensitive skin, be sure to test first on a small area to ensure it will work for you, too.

Personally, I find zinc as a natural acne treatment to be more effective than other acne products, or even individual ingredients such as benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. Zinc has really made a difference in healing my acne fast.

Need Help?

Of course… be sure to use these remedies in conjunction with a skin care routine that’s suited to your skin type and your issues. Go here to see.