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How Effective Is Zinc Ointment for Acne?

Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

Zinc oxide ointment is said to help treat oily skin and acne by drying out oil on the skin and encouraging the shrinkage of pimples. In fact, some scientific studies report that it decreases one's production of sebum, which is the substance responsible for lubricating the skin. Usually, however, doctors do not prescribe it for acne treatment, so statements about its effectiveness often come from people who have tried it. Since each person's skin will respond in a different manner, however, success with using zinc ointment for acne will likely vary.

As a mineral treatment, zinc oxide is commonly used in ointments for diaper rash and other types of skin irritations. In such cases, it dries, soothes and protects irritated skin and helps speed healing. This is the reason people may try zinc ointment onacne — it can help to dry excess oil on the surface of the affected person's skin and may speed healing of the pimples as well. Additionally, this type of treatment is said to help lower oil production. This is important, as excess oil in the skin clogs the pores, which leads to pimples.

Doctors usually do not prescribe zinc ointment for acne treatment.
Doctors usually do not prescribe zinc ointment for acne treatment.

To use zinc ointment for acne, a person can wash the affected skin with a mild cleanser and then rinse it thoroughly. He can then apply a zinc oxide ointment to the area in which he wants to prevent pimples and directly to pimples that have already developed. After this, an individual will most likely need to leave it on his face for several hours to allow it to work. Most people leave it on the skin overnight and then wash it off in the morning, as zinc oxide preparations often create an unsightly, white film on the skin.

Zinc oxide is commonly used in ointments for diaper rash.
Zinc oxide is commonly used in ointments for diaper rash.

Though some studies have shown that using zinc ointment to treat acne can help reduce sebum production, it may not prove the most effective treatment for acne. Most over-the-counter (OTC) acne treatments include active ingredients such as benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid for topical treatment because they are proven effective for many types of acne. Likewise, most dermatologists prescribe topical medications such as retinoids, which are made from vitamin A and adapalene, also called Differin®, for this purpose. As such, it is reasonable to conclude that these treatments may prove more effective in general than zinc oxide ointments.

Zinc ointment can shrink pimples.
Zinc ointment can shrink pimples.

Despite the fact that other treatments are more commonly used than zinc oxide ointment, some people may find it worth a try. It is readily available over the counter, so a person can use zinc ointment for acne on a trial basis without much hassle or expense. Various skin types and types of acne may respond to it differently, however.

Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

Nicole’s thirst for knowledge inspired her to become a WiseGEEK writer, and she focuses primarily on topics such as homeschooling, parenting, health, science, and business. When not writing or spending time with her four children, Nicole enjoys reading, camping, and going to the beach.

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Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

Nicole’s thirst for knowledge inspired her to become a WiseGEEK writer, and she focuses primarily on topics such as homeschooling, parenting, health, science, and business. When not writing or spending time with her four children, Nicole enjoys reading, camping, and going to the beach.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

anon992403

It's worth a try. There is a change in my skin.

literally45

@ZipLine-- You can definitely use it as a spot treatment, that's what I do. I just dab some on my pimples before going to bed. You could also leave it on for a few hours and then wipe it off, but I like to leave mine on overnight so that it really works.

I don't think that zinc ointment gets rid of blemishes. But since it dried out pimples, it will speed up recovery. You won't have to wait for the pimple to mature, drain and scab over on its own. Zinc ointment will dry it out and the spot will fade over the next few days.

ZipLine

Can I use zinc ointment as a spot treatment? Does it help get rid of blemishes as well?

fBoyle

I used a diaper rash cream on my face once because I didn't have anything else on hand. I have oily, acne prone skin. When I woke up, I noticed that my face looks matte but hydrated. I also did not have any new breakouts.

Ever since this incident, I use diaper rash cream on my face when my skin is irritated or breaking out more than usual. I even used it once when I had an allergic reaction to another cream. Within minutes, it soothed my skin and got rid of redness. Zinc ointment is great. People with acne prone skin should keep some in their cabinet for emergencies.

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    • Doctors usually do not prescribe zinc ointment for acne treatment.
      By: endostock
      Doctors usually do not prescribe zinc ointment for acne treatment.
    • Zinc oxide is commonly used in ointments for diaper rash.
      By: philipus
      Zinc oxide is commonly used in ointments for diaper rash.
    • Zinc ointment can shrink pimples.
      By: Ocskay Bence
      Zinc ointment can shrink pimples.
    • There are treatments other than Zinc ointment for acne.
      By: FirstBlood
      There are treatments other than Zinc ointment for acne.
    • Those with acne should use zinc ointment in conjunction with a gentle cleanser.
      By: ipag
      Those with acne should use zinc ointment in conjunction with a gentle cleanser.