In the same study where blood levels of Vitamin A and Vitamin E in acne sufferers was evaluated, the researchers also looked to see if low levels of Zinc existed in the blood of acne sufferers, and sure enough, acne sufferers had less Zinc in their body. In fact the levels of Zinc and Vitamin E were found to be significantly lower compared to non-acne sufferers, even more significant than the Vitamin A levels in acne sufferers. Your body and skin need Zinc. (19)
In a multicenter double-blind study with 332 acne patients, Zinc 30mg and Minocycline (prescription antibiotic) 100 mg were compared in their effectiveness of treating acne lesions. After 90 days, 30 mg of elemental Zinc demonstrated 31.2% success. Researchers concluded that zinc gluconate was effective in the treatment of inflammatory acne. (48)
Another study performed in 1977, evaluated the effects of oral zinc and tetracyclines (prescribed antibiotic), in 37 patients with moderate and severe acne. After 12 weeks of treatment, the average decrease in the acne score was about 70% in both groups. The benefits were amazingly the same in both groups. What is significant to me is, the results were the same, and yet it only took 30 mg of Zinc to achieve the same results as 100 mg of Tetracycline, which is a prescription drug, and Zinc is a natural compound. (49)
In a fourth study of 66 patients with inflammatory acne. The group was divided into two, a group to receive 30 mg of elemental zinc, the other group was given a placebo for 2 months. Of the 32 patients being treated with zinc, 24 responded to treatment, showing less acne lesions, compared to only 8 of the 34 acne sufferers who were taking the placebo. That means 75% of the acne patients taking Zinc saw improvements in 2 months. (50)