Remember back in the day when everyone used to apply that thick stripe of Zinc over their nose when they went to the beach? It is an iconic surfer look from the 80’s. But did you know that the same thing they were applying to protect their noses from the sun is also an absolute powerhouse mineral when it comes to addressing skin concerns?
Zinc is perhaps one of my top favorite minerals for skin and something I have personally been using not just for myself, but also for my horse’s skin issues for the better part of 20 years!
Zinc delivers seriously impactful benefits for a bunch of different skin concerns:
Acne: Zinc helps regulate oil production, reducing the chance of clogged pores. Its anti-inflammatory properties also soothe redness and irritation from active breakouts.
Wound Healing: Zinc is essential for skin repair and regeneration, speeding up the healing of cuts, acne lesions, and other skin injuries.
Inflammatory Skin Conditions: Zinc’s calming properties are incredible for eczema, rosacea, and psoriasis. It works by reducing inflammation and supporting the skin barrier.
Hyperpigmentation: Zinc acts as an antioxidant, protecting the skin from UV-induced damage that can lead to dark spots and uneven skin tone.
Barrier Function: Zinc strengthens the skin's protective barrier, preventing moisture loss and shielding the skin from environmental irritants and pathogens.
Another of its superpowers is that it is so versatile! It can be used both in supplement form & topically, making it effective for internal and external skin health.
When you supplement with it, zinc targets your skin concerns by supporting internal processes essential for healthy skin:
- Regulates Oil Production: Zinc controls sebum production by regulating androgen hormones, reducing excessive oiliness that leads to clogged pores and acne breakouts.
- Reduces Inflammation: As an anti-inflammatory, it modulates the immune response, calming redness, swelling, and irritation that comes with acne, eczema, or rosacea.
- Boosts Wound Healing: Zinc plays a key role in cell repair and tissue growth, speeding up the healing of acne, cuts, and skin irritation by promoting collagen synthesis and skin regeneration.
- Antioxidant Defense: Zinc is a powerful antioxidant, neutralizing free radicals that damage skin cells and contribute to premature aging, hyperpigmentation, and dullness.
- Supports Immune Function: Zinc strengthens the immune system, helping the body fight off acne-causing bacteria and skin infections while maintaining overall skin health.
When zinc is used as a topical ingredient, it directly benefits the skin by targeting specific concerns:
- Oil Control and Acne Reduction: Zinc works to regulate sebum production on the surface of the skin, reducing oiliness and helping to prevent clogged pores. It can also inhibit the growth of acne-causing bacteria s.
- Anti-Inflammatory Action: Zinc soothes inflammation and redness, making it key for calming irritated skin.
- Wound Healing and Skin Repair: Zinc promotes tissue regeneration and supports collagen synthesis when applied to damaged skin, speeding up the healing process for acne lesions, cuts, or abrasions.
- Barrier Strengthening: Topical zinc helps maintain the skin's natural barrier by reducing trans-epidermal water loss, keeping the skin hydrated and resilient against environmental irritants.
- Antimicrobial Properties: Zinc has mild antibacterial and antifungal effects, which help reduce the risk of infections in broken or acne-prone skin.
The Zinc benefits don’t even stop there! This mineral is so incredible for our overall wellbeing.
Immune System Support: It is critical for a strong immune response, helping the body fight off infections, viruses, and inflammation.
Cell Growth and Division: It plays a key role in cell production, making it essential for growth, development, and overall tissue health.
Hormonal Balance: It supports reproductive health, including hormone regulation, fertility, and helps improve PMS symptoms.
Cognitive Function: It contributes to our brain health by supporting neurotransmitter function and protecting against oxidative stress.
Antioxidant Properties: Because it acts as an antioxidant, and helps neutralise free radicals and reduce damage caused by oxidative stress, it actually helps fight against aging and chronic diseases.
Digestive Health: It aids in enzyme production, which is essential for digestion and nutrient absorption.
Bone Health: It helps in bone formation and repair, working alongside other minerals like calcium and magnesium.
Vision and Eye Health: It is crucial for maintaining good eyesight, especially as it helps transport vitamin A from the liver to the retina.
With all of these epic benefits, I simply had to include it in a bunch of my products. It forms a key ingredient in the Acne Cleanse, Hyperpigmentation Cleanse & the Brightening Clay Mask.
So if you are looking to step up your health game, you HAVE to get Zinc into your routine!
Talk soon,
K xx
