Glow up and soar to new heights of skin health with zinc! This essential mineral is commonly overlooked, yet its powerful health benefits have been known for centuries. From helping to promote healthy skin cells, supporting the immune system, and even supporting natural wound healing, zinc can do it all.
Read on to discover this essential nutrient’s remarkable qualities and how to implement this mineral into your skincare routine.
What Exactly Is Zinc?
According to experts, zinc is a trace mineral, meaning that the body only needs small amounts. However, this essential mineral is necessary for almost 100 enzymes that carry out vital chemical reactions.
Because of this, zinc plays a key role in:
- The creation of DNA
- The growth of cells
- Natural wound healing processes
- Building proteins
- Supporting a healthy immune system
What Are the Benefits of Zinc for Skin?
Research suggests that zinc can help protect and improve skin health. Here are just some of the benefits you may experience when you add zinc to your wellness routine.
Keep in mind that everyone’s skin is different — before making significant changes to your skincare routine or diet, it’s important to check with your doctor and dermatologist to help you avoid side effects.
Supports Balanced Oil Production
Zinc is vital for skin health, as it can help support balanced sebum production. Simply put, sebum is the natural oil produced by our bodies that helps keep our skin hydrated, moisturized, and healthy.
However, too much of it can cause acne breakouts and other skin problems — especially for oily skin types. By taking a zinc supplement or using skincare products with zinc in them, you can help support your natural sebum production to help your skin look and feel its best.
Helps Fight Breakouts
If you're struggling with breakouts, zinc might be the answer you're looking for. Studies show that applying a topical ointment containing zinc can help soothe irritation, redness, and swelling associated with blemishes.
Zinc may also help neutralize bacteria on the skin that can worsen breakouts — hence why we use it in our Clear Skin Probiotics®. This skin-loving supplement can help balance the skin's microbiome to reduce the amount of acne† and improve redness and dryness.*
May Protect Against Sun Damage
Do you spend too much time in the sun? If so, then zinc could help you protect your skin from damage. Applying a topical cream or lotion containing zinc oxide can help create a barrier between your skin and harsh UV rays.
Using zinc can help protect against sun damage and premature signs of aging, like wrinkles or age spots. Plus, since it's natural, it isn’t as likely to irritate sensitive skin as some chemical-based sunscreen options.
However, oral zinc supplements cannot replace sunscreen. Make sure to always apply an SPF of at least 30 every day to properly protect your skin from harmful UV rays.
Supports Natural Wound Healing
If you've got a scrape, blemish, or cut, taking zinc may help your skin’s natural healing processes. It can do this by supporting the enzymes that create collagen and elastin — two proteins essential for healthy skin.
In addition, zinc may minimize the appearance of scars left behind by breakouts. So if you're hoping for a smoother complexion, try adding some zinc to your diet. If you can’t get enough zinc from dietary sources (or if you follow a vegetarian or vegan diet), try taking a supplement to help increase your intake.
May Protect Skin From Free Radical Damage
Adequate zinc levels can help support your skin’s natural defenses against free radical damage.
Free radicals are molecules that can cause cellular damage if they accumulate, leading to wrinkles and other signs of aging. Fortunately, zinc’s antioxidant properties can help neutralize those free radicals and keep your skin looking youthful and healthy!
Promotes Healthy Skin Hydration
A zinc deficiency can lead to scaly or dry skin, so it's important to ensure you're getting enough of this mineral. Zinc helps maintain the integrity of your skin's outer layer, forming a barrier that can lock in moisture to prevent dehydration and other skin conditions that can cause dryness, redness, or irritation.
Supports Natural Collagen Production
Collagen is a protein found in our bodies that can help keep skin looking firm and supple. When we age, our collagen levels naturally decline, leading to wrinkles and other signs of aging. Getting enough zinc can help support natural collagen synthesis and keep your skin looking plump and youthful.
Pro Tip: Give zinc a boost by pairing it with Call Me Collagen®, a grass-fed collagen peptide powder that gives you stronger hair, skin, and nails.* Simply pour one stick pack into your beverage of choice, stir, and drink!
Is Zinc Beneficial for Hair Health?
Zinc’s benefits extend beyond the skin — it can also help support hair health. Here are just a few of the awesome benefits of zinc for hair.
Helps Promote Scalp Health
A healthy scalp means healthy locks. Zinc can help keep your skin properly hydrated and nourished, which can keep your hair follicles functioning optimally.
Prevents Split Ends
Split ends are no fun! Luckily, zinc is known to minimize this problem by strengthening the hair shafts and keeping them less prone to breakage.
Fights Flaking
A flaky scalp is an annoying but common problem, and zinc can help. Its ability to reduce irritation can promote healthy scalp skin, which helps keep flakes at bay.
May Support Hair Growth
If you're looking for a little extra boost in the length department, zinc might be the answer. It has been found to support blood circulation to the scalp and hair follicles, which could potentially help promote hair growth.
Pro Tip: On a mission to achieve long, gorgeous locks? Give zinc a helping hand with Healthy Hair Probiotics® — a powerful blend of probiotics and nutrients that support healthy, full, and thicker-looking hair.*
The Bottom Line
Whether you're looking for clearer skin or stronger hair, adding an extra source of zinc into your daily routine may be just what you need. From reducing irritation caused by breakouts to protecting against sun damage, there are so many reasons why zinc should be part of your routine.
Incorporating more foods high in this essential mineral (like red meat, cereals, and whole grains) into your diet is one way to make sure you get an adequate amount of zinc. But if that's not enough, consider taking an additional supplement like Clear Skin Probiotics® for even more benefit!
Sources:
Zinc | The Nutrition Source | Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health