Every doctor seems to say a different thing. once and for all;are over-the-counter zinc supplements effective against acne? if so, what dose is good?

No : Oral zinc is no more effective than placebo (sugar pills). Zinc oxide topically is good for drying a weeping lesion.

Adjunct only: You sound frustrated. I understand. There are topical zinc rx's; oral zinc has been used for acne conglobata. Oral zinc itself can make you seriously sick and you'd do better with something stronger & mainstream. If your topical benzoyl peroxide and Clindamycin aren't clearing you, you may be a candidate for oral tetracycline 500 2x/day or isotretinoin.