Zinc can speed up the healing process of certain wounds and sunburn by facilitating repair. It has also been found to decrease rates of infection in skin irritations and some wounds and ulcers.
Zinc plays an important role in skin health. It is needed for protein synthesis and wound healing and is a vital antioxidant.
Many clinicians recommend administering up to 50 mg of elemental zinc per day until epithelialization is well-established or until the wound is fully closed. In zinc-deficient individuals, 3 months of supplementation with 25 mg to 50 mg daily of elemental zinc has been shown to have a positive effect on wound healing.
Zinc is especially beneficial for inflammatory acne and related scarring. It helps heal and rejuvenate skin. The mineral lessens the formation of damaging free radicals that is caused when the skin when exposed to UV light, pollution and protects the skin's lipids and collagen, your skin's support structure.
Creams with zinc provide a moisture barrier to help soothe the dry, flaky skin that is common with eczema. Zinc creams can also help fight possible infections because of the mineral's natural antibacterial properties and ability to promote healing.
Due to the loss of zinc during injury, zinc therapy has been used in wound care to enhance healing in zinc-deficient patients [32,167]. Topical zinc sulphate (ZnSO4) application, usually at an optimal 3% concentration, has been widely used in wound healing for its antioxidant effect [30].
Zinc. Zinc, a cofactor in the production of collagen, plays a vital role in collagen synthesis. This mineral is essential to cell repair and helps protect collagen in the body from damage. Zinc deficiency can reduce the amount of collagen produced, therefore getting adequate amounts is important!
Present in the top layers of the skin, Zinc assists antioxidants by preventing new free radicals from damaging the skin, and essentially prevents wrinkle formation at the molecular level. It strengthens the cell membranes and brings new youthful cells to the surface.
Assists in collagen synthesis: "Because zinc acts as an enzyme cofactor, it assists in collagen synthesis and DNA repair, which can help keep skin looking younger and healthier," Herrmann says.
The anti-inflammatory properties of zinc have been the reasons for its use in many common inflammatory dermatoses like acne, rosacea, eczemas, and ulcers and wounds of varied etiology.
It may take up to three months of topical application before you see visible results. If you haven't noticed any changes by this time, talk to your doctor about whether zinc can help your acne from the inside out. They may be able to recommend certain dietary changes or oral supplements.
As Dr. Patel explained to us earlier, using a topical zinc twice a day should show a decrease in acne within 2 weeks. When taken orally there should be a visible difference in about 4 weeks.
What are the symptoms of zinc deficiency? Zinc deficiency can result in skin changes that look like eczema at first. There may be cracks and a glazed appearance on the skin, often found around the mouth, nappy area and hands. The rash doesn't get better with moisturisers or steroid creams or lotions.
Zinc for Healing
It has also been found to decrease rates of infection in skin irritations and some wounds and ulcers. The barrier-style protection that zinc provides can protect the wounded skin from external moisture and bacteria and in some cases* speed up the healing process.
Topical zinc oxide application was shown to be effective in the treatment of proliferative scars.
It often takes 12 weeks before any improvement is seen. Long-term zinc supplementation requires 1–2 mg of copper per day to prevent copper deficiency. Supplementation with brings about complete remission in hereditary acrodermatitis enteropathica.
It is possibly safe when taken in larger doses, especially when used only for a short period of time. But taking doses higher than 40 mg daily might decrease how much copper the body absorbs. Taking very high doses of zinc is likely unsafe and might cause stomach pain, vomiting, and many other problems.
Zinc supports hair growth, strengthens hair follicles and increases thickness. Just as zinc deficiency can cause hair loss, so can excess levels of zinc. Taking zinc supplements in moderation with proper medical advice is key.
Zinc supplements are often used to promote skin health and treat common skin conditions like acne ( 15 ). A type of zinc called zinc sulfate has been proven especially useful for decreasing symptoms of mild to moderate acne ( 16 ).
Then there's the anti-aging benefits: zinc is known to encourage the production of collagen fibers and elastin, which can firm skin and boost healing. “Both help support the underlying structure of the skin, which reduces the appearance of wrinkles and other signs of aging,” explains Cleeve.
Supplementation with zinc has reduced oxidative stress markers and lowered inflammatory cytokines and infection incidence [69].
Whether you want to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, have more moisturized skin, or clear up redness, the best vitamins to meet your needs include vitamins E, C, A, D, B, and K.
How can I naturally rebuild collagen? You can naturally support the collagen production process by using topicals such as vitamin C and retinol, collagen peptide supplements, eating a nutrient rich diet, and avoiding habits that damage the collagen (such as poor sleep and sun exposure.)
A diet full of protein-rich foods, whether from plant or animal sources, can help supply these critical amino acids. Other nutrients that aid the process of collagen production include zinc, vitamin C, and copper. So, fruits and vegetables high in vitamins and minerals are also a friend to supple skin.
Eating foods rich in vitamin C and amino acids can increase the levels of hyaluronic acid and collagen in the body as both are important for skin. Foods such as oranges, red peppers, kale, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, and strawberries are all rich in vitamin C.