Exploring Zinc Benefits for Skin!

Uscriptives knows that skin care is a full-time job! That’s why today, we’re talking about the benefits of one essential nutrient that plays a large part in maintaining healthy skin: zinc! In this article, we’ll explain what zinc is, where you can find it in a well-balanced diet, and discuss all the zinc benefits for skin and hair.

What is Zinc?

An essential mineral, zinc is a fundamentally important part of maintaining healthy bodily functions. It aids us as a catalyst, structural building block, and regulatory ion within the immune system and many other systems in the body. Our bodies do not naturally store zinc, which is why it is so important that we make sure we’re receiving an adequate amount daily. 

Sources of Zinc 

Natural sources of zinc can be found in the foods we eat every day! The primary food groups that supply zinc include meat, fish, and seafood; vegetarians or those wishing to limit their meat intake can find zinc in nuts, legumes, and whole grain options.

Examples of our favorite zinc foods include oysters, crab, lobster, beef, chicken, chickpeas, cashews, avocados, beans, and dark chocolate!

You can also get your daily dose of zinc by taking vitamins! Supplements for zinc can be used internally or externally; this means you can opt for oral zinc supplementation, or choose to apply topical zinc oxide ointments as part of your wellness routine. If you do not want your zinc applied topically and do not want to take a pill, you can also get your daily recommended dose by adding zinc-rich foods, like those listed above, to your regular diet.

Zinc Benefits for Skin

There are many reasons that zinc is considered a must-have when it comes to taking care of your skin. Here are a few of them listed below!

Reflects UV Rays

Zinc oxide can help reflect harmful UV rays and keep them from damaging your skin cells! Sun damage caused by UV rays can cause sunburn and promote signs of aging like wrinkles, leathery skin, and liver spots. 

Anti-Inflammatory

Zinc has many anti-inflammatory properties that can help keep skin calm; this can help with treating skin conditions like acne, rosacea, and eczema.

Helps Control Acne

Zinc can be beneficial in those looking for help controlling acne and skin outbreaks. Zinc has antibacterial properties that help prevent the clogging of pores and assist in regulating the skin’s oil production. 

Fights Signs of Aging

Zinc encourages the production of collagen and elastin, which helps keep skin firm and healthy, thereby warding off visible signs of aging like wrinkles and sagging, papery skin. 

Promotes Healing

Zinc can enhance the skin repair function of our bodies as it helps promote the production of healthy skin cells, which facilitates wound healing. 

Keeps Skin Hydrated

Zinc helps skin stay moisturized by helping control transepidermal water loss and reinforcing our skin’s barrier function. 

Reduces Hyperpigmentation

Zinc can help inhibit the production of melanocytes, the cells in our bodies that are responsible for the production of melanin. High levels of melanin can lead to skin darkening and an uneven skin tone.  

Fights Free Radicals

Free radicals are unstable cells that can wreak havoc on the body. Zinc can help prevent free radicals from negatively affecting lipids and proteins in our system, as well as triggering some illnesses. 

Zinc Benefits for Hair

Zinc is essential for hair wellness because it helps support the protein structures of our follicles! Here are a few ways that zinc can help support hair health. 

Reduces Natural Hair Loss

Zinc helps stimulate natural follicle recovery! This helps promote healthy hair growth. 

Helps Treat Medical Hair Loss 

Zinc may help with hair loss related to medical conditions like male pattern baldness. hypothyroidism, and PCOS.

Calms Scalp 

Zinc can help reduce sensations of irritation and itchiness on the scalp; this helps reduce the appearance of dandruff and increases the overall health of your scalp and hair. 

How Do I Know If I’m Zinc Deficient? 

A zinc deficiency can occur if you are not getting your daily recommended dose of zinc (8-11 mg), or if your body has trouble absorbing nutrients. Some common symptoms of a zinc deficiency include:

• Nail Changes
• Diarrhea
• Increased Number of Infections
• Irritability
• Appetite Loss
• Impotence
• Eye Problems
• Weight Loss
• Slow Healing
• Loss of Taste and Smell
• Hair Loss

Do not self-diagnose! If you feel you may have a deficiency in any nutrient, including zinc, speak with your primary care physician to get a formal diagnosis and treatment plan. 

Uscriptives’ Healthy Hair, Skin & Nails Formula

Adding zinc to your daily skincare routine comes with plenty of benefits! If you’re searching for a wellness supplement that contains zinc and other nutrients essential to your skin health, look no further than Uscriptives’ Hair, Skin & Nail Formula. Our Hair, Skin, & Nails formula delivers a research-based unique blend of essential ingredients zinc, along with biotin, hydrolyzed collagen, amino acids, and antioxidants! Visit our website today to grab your bottle.