Zinc for skincare? You read that correctly! Aside from being an essential nutrient, zinc is related to promoting healthy looking skin. It can combat acne, blemishes, and other skin concerns. Is a zinc supplement more than just for immunity concerns? Are you in need of a zinc boost for better skin? Which zinc products should you be considering for your routine? Let's answer these questions as we go along!
What Is Zinc? What Does It Do For The Body?
What is zinc exactly? Let's get our nerd on, shall we? Zinc is a basic element. For humans, it is important to obtain zinc through food and supplements as it a nutrient that helps our body function. It is—second to iron—the most abundant mineral found in our body as it performs multiple tasks. These range from cell development and renewal to immunity and decresing our risk to age-related illnesses.
For the skin, zinc helps in cell development and renewal. New cells help our skin recover from damage caused by acne, inflammation, and other stresses from sun, pollution, and aging—which is why your skin will thank you for it when you add zinc to your skincare routine!
How Can Zinc Help Your Skin?
Zinc may help in defeating acne.
Acne is mainly caused by blockages in our pores, which, in turn, are made up of oil from our oil glands and dead skin cells. This clog triggers an inflammation, which can be irritating in both the emotional and medical sense of the word! This is where zinc comes in: it has the ability to suppress oil glands and preven them from overproducing oil—thus reducing the chances of pore clogs. And, because zinc has anti-inflammatory powers, topical and oral zinc treatments are used to soothe irritated skin.
Zinc helps in skin renewal.
Since zinc is proven to help in creating new skin cells—such as the ones needed to heal after a wound—the same power can be applied to post-acne care. The acne-damaged area can scar or be left with a dark mark, so zinc's ability to promote cell renewal and regeneration can lessen the time needed to create new skin, making it appear like acne never happened.
Zinc is essential for skin barrier support and UV protection.
A type of zinc called zinc oxide is effective in blocking out UV rays and to protect your skin's natural barrier. Both mean an increased defense system for your skin against the elements and a healthy microbiome for your skin, reducing your chances against short-term effects of UV rays like sunburn, and long-term ones like premature aging, skin cancer, and suppression of the immune system.
Is Zinc Or Vitamin C Better For The Skin?
Zinc combined with Vitamin C is one of the best duos for your body. You may have noticed how some Vitamin C oral supplements are also loaded with zinc for immunity benefits. As Vitamin C combats viruses, zinc is reponsibible for creating immune cells and helps with cell signaling, a.k.a. telling your body that a foreign entity must be combated before it turns into a disease.
For skin, the brightening ability of Vitamin C is magnified by zinc. This is tied once again to zinc's ability to create new cells and to protect it from sun damage and pollution.
Zinc-Infused Products You Might Want To Try Out
For Immediate Acne Treatment: Mario Badescu Drying Lotion
Mario Badescu Drying Lotion, 29 mL, P1,275, Sephora
When there's a stubborn zit the night before an important event (is there any other kind?), dip a cotton swab to the bottom of this bottle. Don't shake! This pink pimple cream combines salicylic acid, sulphur, and zinc oxide to reduce oil, inflammation, and redness.
For Skin Protection Against Sun Damage: Beach Hut Max SPF100 Sunscreen
Beach Hut Max SPF 100 Sunscreen, 100mL, P599, Watsons
Micronized zinc oxide technology is the reason why this sunblock is best for those who love to clock in overtime under the sun. It gives you maximum protection from the harmful UV rays without the stickiness. Apply it generously on your face and body and don't forget to re-apply every two to four hours you're in the sun.
For Increased Zinc Levels In The Body: Healthy Options Chelated Zinc
Healthy Options Chelated Zinc, 30 mg, P875, Healthy Options
If there's one thing you should have picked up from reading this, it's that you need zinc inside and outside your body. This supplement can help you get to a healthy amount of zinc in your body. It's advised to take one of these a day with your meal, or as prescribed by your physician.
For Soft and Protected Lips: Aesop Protectective Lip Balm SPF 30
Aesop Protective Lip Balm SPF 30, 5.5 gms, P1,000, Aesop
Don't forget your lips in your routine! It's still part of your skin and can suffer from the same things that the rest of your face battles. Apply this to protect it from the sun and to keep it supple and nourished. You can apply this liberally throughout the day or under your chosen lipstick!
