Then there's the anti-aging benefits: zinc is known to encourage the production of collagen fibers and elastin, which can firm skin and boost healing. “Both help support the underlying structure of the skin, which reduces the appearance of wrinkles and other signs of aging,” explains Cleeve.
Present in the top layers of the skin, Zinc assists antioxidants by preventing new free radicals from damaging the skin, and essentially prevents wrinkle formation at the molecular level. It strengthens the cell membranes and brings new youthful cells to the surface.
It may take up to three months of topical application before you see visible results. If you haven't noticed any changes by this time, talk to your doctor about whether zinc can help your acne from the inside out. They may be able to recommend certain dietary changes or oral supplements.
Healing aid: Zinc helps to protect against infection and reduce inflammation, making it effective in treating minor wounds and skin irritations. And by helping to produce new cells, zinc can help to speed the healing process. Even healthy skin can benefit from zinc's rejuvenating ability.
Benefits of Zinc For Skin
Helps protect against harmful UV rays: Zinc's protective properties, Shapiro says, explain why zinc oxide is so often found in high-performing sunscreens, as it can reflect the sun and it creates a barrier between the skin and any damaging UV rays.
Zinc, a cofactor in the production of collagen, plays a vital role in collagen synthesis. This mineral is essential to cell repair and helps protect collagen in the body from damage. Zinc deficiency can reduce the amount of collagen produced, therefore getting adequate amounts is important!
Zinc oxide is more drying for dry than oily skin. Concentration: The higher the amount of zinc oxide in the sunscreen, the higher the chance it'll dry out your skin.
Zinc plays a major role in regulating every phase of the wound healing process; ranging from membrane repair, oxidative stress, coagulation, inflammation and immune defence, tissue re-epithelialization, angiogenesis, to fibrosis/scar formation.
It often takes 12 weeks before any improvement is seen. Long-term zinc supplementation requires 1–2 mg of copper per day to prevent copper deficiency.
Strong Bones. Getting a daily dose of zinc may help prevent osteoporosis in women, especially those who have gone through menopause. MedlinePlus reports that low zinc intakes in women are linked to lower bone density, and taking zinc supplements may help decrease bone loss in postmenopausal women.
Many dermatologists recommend zinc gluconate because it is good for any skin type or budget, but zinc oxide can also be helpful for fair skin, while those with sensitive skin may want to try zinc ascorbate.
Getting extra zinc in your diet isn't likely to cause weight gain if you are already getting the recommended amount, although some studies have shown beneficial effects on weight gain in people who are zinc deficient.
Zinc Oxide in your Skincare – Normal zinc oxide does not only treat rosacea but also heals wounds faster. The astringent properties of the element help to reduce large pores and regular your skin's oil production. As it is highly non-comedogenic, it is a major ingredient in sunblock creams and sunscreens.
Zinc contains antioxidants, which help in fighting with the free radicals present in our body and also effectively delays skin aging. Antioxidants help in making the skin youthful and glowy. Regular yet limited consumption of this essential mineral can also help in preventing acne, dullness, dryness in the skin.
Including zinc in your diet every day is okay, provided it is within the recommended daily allowance, which is 8 mg for women and 11 mg for adult men. Since zinc is a trace mineral, consumption of an excess amount can cause health problems.
Zinc supplement, if taken at night will be beneficial for the body in multiple ways. Zinc is involved in the production of at least 300 enzymes, helps in hundreds of body processes, from producing DNA to repairing cells and boosting immune system.
Zinc is often part of multivitamins but is also taken alone or in combination with vitamin C. Its absorption is most effective on an empty stomach, but it can cause stomach upsets. In this case it should be taken with a meal and therefore not late at night.
Zinc deficiency can result in skin changes that look like eczema at first. There may be cracks and a glazed appearance on the skin, often found around the mouth, nappy area and hands. The rash doesn't get better with moisturisers or steroid creams or lotions.
Taking very high doses of zinc is likely unsafe and might cause stomach pain, vomiting, and many other problems. Single doses of 10-30 grams of zinc can be fatal. When applied to the skin: Zinc is likely safe. Using zinc on broken skin may cause burning, stinging, itching, and tingling.
“You can find zinc in foods like oysters, beef, pumpkin seeds, spinach, organ meats, tahini, sardines, brown rice, wheat germ, and tempeh,” says Michalczyk. If these foods aren't regulars in your diet, consider taking a multivitamin that contains zinc alongside your collagen supplement.
One of the benefits of zinc oxide that is important to acne-prone is that it is non-comedogenic. In a nutshell, that means it's oil-free and won't clog your pores. Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, another popular sunscreen type, also have the benefits of being non-irritating and non-allergenic.