When it comes to achieving radiant and healthy skin, there’s a superhero mineral in your skincare routine — zinc. Believe it or not, zinc has been used in therapy of one form or another for centuries.1 In fact, zinc is an essential mineral for humans as it assists in DNA/protein synthesis and boosts the immune system.2 While this mineral can fight off bacteria and viruses, zinc is also good for your face. Here’s everything you need to know about zinc skincare.
The Benefits of Zinc Skincare
Zinc’s popularity in skincare is no coincidence. Whether you make it part of your AM or PM skincare routine, zinc benefits for skin include:
- Skin Healing: Zinc helps to heal skin, especially when dealing with inflammation or wound healing.3
- Acne Control: Whether taken orally or applied topically, zinc helps fight against acne breakouts.4
- UV Protection: Zinc is a broad-spectrum blocker of UV rays, which makes it an excellent source for protecting your skin barrier.
Zinc for skin healing can be done by taking it orally or applying it directly to the skin. Generally, topical zinc skincare is used for more mild cases of wound healing and acne treatment, while taking an oral zinc supplement is recommended in more severe cases.5
Yes, zinc is in amazing sunscreen products, but more options exist for incorporating zinc into your skincare routine. For example, zinc pidolate is used in purifying skin cleansers to remove excess oil, while some overnight blemish serums use zinc oxide to treat spots caused by acne and reduce inflammation.
Tips for Choosing the Best Zinc-Based Skincare Products
Consider your needs before choosing which type of zinc skincare product is best for you. If you have oily skin, you’ll likely benefit more from lightweight, oil-free zinc-based products. If you tend to have dryer skin, consider products with more hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin.
Also, when choosing zinc skincare products, be sure to read the label and check the additional ingredients to make sure they don’t contain any harmful ingredients. And, if you’re unsure which zinc-based products are right for you, don’t hesitate to consult a dermatologist.
Possible Zinc Side Effects
Zinc is generally considered safe.6 However, it’s essential to be aware of potential issues, especially if you have sensitive skin or specific allergies. One thing to be careful of is zinc overdose. This can happen when a healthy adult — aged 19 or older — ingests more than 40mg of zinc per day. This can result in nausea, vomiting, and other flu-like symptoms.7
Beyond that, zinc has been shown to prevent the absorption of copper and some antibiotics.8 If you’re on antibiotics or worried about the side effects of zinc, you should consult your doctor before consuming zinc supplements. And, of course, you should stick to the recommended dosage to avoid any adverse effects.
If you notice any rash, itching, or swelling in places where you’ve used a skincare product containing zinc, stop use and consult your dermatologist.
Keep Learning
The key to developing the right skincare routine for you is education. Do you find yourself wondering, “Does zinc make skin glow?” My Skincare Routine is full of insightful skincare information to help you find the best products and bring out your skin’s natural, radiant glow.
SOURCES:
- Dermatology Research and Practice: “Zinc Therapy in Dermatology: A Review.”
- Byrdie: “Zinc Can Treat Everything From Acne to Inflammation—Here’s What You Need to Know.”
- Nutrients: “Zinc in Wound Healing Modulation.”
- Healthline: “Can You Use Zinc for Acne Spots and Scars?“
- Nutrients: “Zinc in Wound Healing Modulation.”
- Mayo Clinic: “Zinc.”
- Healthline: “7 Signs and Symptoms of Zinc Overdose.”
- Healthline: “Zinc Supplements: Benefits, Dosage, and Side Effects.”
