The effect of oral zinc administration on sebum free fatty acids in acne vulgaris

Abstract

Free fatty acids in sebum arise from lipolytic action of bacterial lipases. We have demonstrated an inhibitory effect of zinc on the lipase of the three Propionibacterium species found in human pilosebaceous follicles. We were able to show a small corresponding fall in the free fatty acid content of skin surface lipid in vivo in acne patients treated with zinc, though this failed to reach statistical significance.