Your body cannot produce zinc, a trace mineral and essential nutrient. It is a mineral that can be consumed, taken as supplements, or applied topically to the skin to help with inflammation, wound healing, and immune function. Regular consumption is essential for overall health, but since it’s not stored in the body for a long time, there is a way to help. Due to the size of the zinc molecule, which prevents UV rays from physically penetrating the skin on its own, it is used as a mineral UV protector.
What is Zinc?
It is a crucial mineral required for a variety of healthy bodily processes, such as enhancing the immune system, mending wounds, assisting in protein synthesis and growth, and fostering child development.
Zinc is not long-term retained in the body, therefore regular intake is crucial for maintaining general health. Additionally, lacking it (or having a deficiency) may result in a number of disorders such rashes and sores.
And strangely, the top layer of our skin includes more zinc than any layer below, so ensuring you have adequate amount via dietary supplements may stimulate the development of new, healthy skin cells.
How does zinc protect skin?
It is a potent anti-inflammatory when used topically and is often used to treat rosacea, eczema, acne, and wound healing. According to research, the body’s inadequate zinc level may also contribute to acne. It is believed to be connected to zinc’s capacity to reduce pore-level oil secretion. Additionally, it has anti-aging properties since it is known to promote the development of elastin and collagen fibers, which helps tighten skin and speed up healing. Both contribute to supporting the skin’s underlying framework, which lessens the appearance of wrinkles and other aging symptoms. Importantly, it is also a potent antioxidant having the capacity to seize and diminish risky free radicals to lessen oxidative stress inside cells. It may lighten skin tone and lessen hyperpigmentation to give you a glowing, even complexion. Studies have shown that zinc may stop the overproduction of melanin and control the variables that lead to hyperpigmentation, including scarring, UV damage, and hormonal overstimulation.
Skin Benefits of Zinc
• Treats lesions and acne: It helps treat skin lesions in conjunction with other vitamins and minerals, and when taken orally, it may lessen the severity of acne.
• Promotes wound healing: When applied topically, it has been demonstrated to protect skin and promote wound healing and skin regeneration.
• Aids in preventing harmful UV rays: Zinc’s anti-oxidant characteristics help to explain why zinc oxide is so often used in effective sunscreens because it can reflect sunlight and provide a shield between the skin and UV radiation. It is one of only two physical sun filters that can block UV radiation, shielding skin from erythema to early aging.
Zinc is naturally inert, which makes it an excellent sunblock for kids or anybody with particularly sensitive or reactive skin. It also has antimicrobial characteristics. Additionally, it is astringent, antimicrobial, and barrier-protective.
• Can be used externally and internally: Zinc can benefit skin when applied externally and internally. As was already noted, it taken orally may aid in wound healing, reduce inflammation, and ameliorate inflammatory diseases like acne.
• Promotes collagen synthesis: Zinc functions as an enzyme cofactor and promotes DNA repair, which may help maintain youthful and healthy-looking skin.
• Over-the-counter availability: Unlike certain exceptional skincare compounds, zinc products are sold in the majority of pharmacy and beauty shops.
Which kinds of skin benefit from taking zinc?
All skin types could use zinc in their skincare regimens, but those with reactive, sensitive skin or those aiming for firmer, more radiant skin would benefit the most. It also states that when applied topically on its own, zinc oxide won’t treat a bacterial or fungal infection. It shouldn’t be used by people who have a known allergy to zinc. Any infection-related symptoms, such as warmth or redness, should be examined by a doctor.
How to use zinc in your skincare routine?
Skin cannot readily absorb zinc. But today’s clever product formulations guarantee that adding it to your regimen is simple. A rich, nourishing cream is effective if your skin barrier needs restoring and soothing. However, if a sudden breakout occurs, zinc is frequently used best when combined with antibacterial ingredients to stop pimples in their tracks. While it is not a cure-all for treating underlying skin conditions like acne, it is a useful addition to your daily routine.
Side Effects
Supplements are another choice if you do your homework on high-quality products and stick to the recommended amount of up to 8 or 9 mg per day, 11 mg when pregnant, and 12 mg while nursing—although as much as 40 mg is the TUL.
These intake guidelines are quite low since our bodies don’t need much of the mineral. It should be emphasized that consuming more zinc is unlikely to benefit your skin, but deficiency might lead to issues including dermatitis, eczema, and acne.
A person may have symptoms including nausea, vomiting, cramping in the stomach, and headaches if they consume too much zinc. Low copper levels and a weaker immune system are two additional effects of excess zinc. As a result, it is crucial to take caution while taking supplements since consuming too much might have dangerous consequences. Therefore, once again, it is always preferable to speak with your doctor before starting with a lesser dosage and gradually increasing it based on how your body responds.
Alcohol and a few other prescription drugs, as well as certain antibiotics, may prevent the absorption.
Zinc may treat acne a little when taken orally, although it is less effective than better established acne oral medicines. There are no standardized or controlled trials comparing the dosage or effectiveness of oral zinc to other oral drugs that have been shown to be effective for acne. People with low levels of zinc should pick foods high in zinc before taking oral supplements since food-based zinc is more readily absorbed. It may be enjoyable since certain meals high in zinc, like oysters, are quite opulent.
Best Zinc Products
Murad Nutrient Charged Water Gel
The new Murad Nutrient Charged Water Gel, is a cooling, plumping, and soothing oil-free hydrator that contains zinc that is bio-available, or easily absorbed by the body, in addition to a long list of peptides and ceramides that increase moisture to repair and rebalance skin. Keep it in the refrigerator to get more “ahhhs.”
When La-Roche Posay Serozinc, first came out, it was nearly impossible to find because the French pharmacy crowd kept buying it up. It is renowned for its ability to remove oil and is worthwhile to mist if summer shine is a problem. It also aids in reducing inflammation-related redness. It doesn’t work like magic, but rather serves as another tool in your arsenal for limiting sebum when conditions are sticky.
Given that the skin around your eyes is the thinnest and most delicate on your body, it makes sense that many eye treatments contain the calming mineral zinc, and that most dermatologists advise using mineral-based SPF on the eye area. In addition to providing sun protection, Oskia Eye Wonder, is a zinc-infused award-winner that also targets the delicate eye area with niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, milk peptides, and vitamin E, moisturizing, protecting, and assisting in the prevention of fine lines and wrinkles.
