ZINC: Ingredient of the week + Skin care benefits and products to try

 

AHAs, BHAs, and Tea Tree Oil were once revered as the pillar ingredients for effective acne treatment, but in the last few years, we've seen a couple of new superstar ingredients that proved to be just as effective and potent in treating acne such as Centella Asiatica, Bee Venom, and Betaine Salicylate to name a few.

And an old ingredient has finally received that attention it deserves: ZINC.

Zinc is now in the spotlight in the world of acne treatments. I have known this the moment I started going to press junkets and events, and got to mingle with dermatologists, doctors, specialists, and even scientists who have opened me up to the world of skin care and have been instrumental in improving my skills as a beauty blogger.

So why is Zinc a really good anti- acne product? Find out!

ZINC: WHAT IT IS

Zinc is a mineral and is also found in our bodies. It is considered a trace mineral meaning we only need a small amount daily to help our bodies stay healthy; Zinc is part of the 100 minerals and enzymes that our cells need to function normally each day.

How much Zinc do you need on a daily basis? Around 11mg of Zinc daily for men and 8mg of Zinc for women. Found from the Earth, you can get Zinc from water, meat, beans, seafood, and in supplement form.

ZINC: BENEFITS

What are the benefits of Zinc?

Zinc has a lot of skin, hair, and health benefits and is prized for its anti-bacterial, antioxidant, and healing properties that's why it is used in a lot of preventive and treatment skin care products as well as supplements.

For its skin benefits, Zinc helps treat acne, dermatitis, psoriasis, and rosacea among other things, protects skin from the sun as it is one of the top types of sunscreen actives namely Zinc Oxide, and helps prevent acne flare-ups by improving the skin's inflammation response and controlling oil production.

For its hair benefits, it helps control dandruff. As mentioned Zinc is effective in treating conditions related to excessive skin dryness, sensitivity, and flaking such as dermatitis, and dandruff is one of them. Zinc Pyrithione is one of the leading ingredients in anti-dandruff shampoos as it helps provide dryness and itch relief.

For its health benefits, Zinc is vital in keeping the immune system healthy as it helps boost the effects of antioxidants namely vitamins c and e. Along with vitamin support, it lessens the formation of free radicals on the inside and in your skin.

Zinc is also well- known for its healing properties that is why it is used in a lot of topical remedies such as diaper rash, wound, and sore creams; its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and ability to speed up skin repair greatly help the skin recover easily from rashes and sores. The way Zinc works in healing wounds, cuts, and other minor epidermal damages effectively is it encourages the skin to produce new cells and signals the body to send them to heal the broken portion of the skin.

ZINC: SIDE EFFECTS

Zinc overdose can cause nausea, vomiting, kidney, and stomach damage. Large volumes of Zinc in water and food can give a metallic taste since this mineral is actually a metal. Direct usage of pure Zinc on skin can cause burning, itching, and stinging so it is best to use it in stable preparations namely skin care and topical treatments.

ZINC: USES

- as topical treatment

- as topical cosmetic treatment (sunscreen)

- as supplement

Here are some Zinc- based skin care products that you can insert in your skin care routine!

1. LACTEZIN

- An anti- acne supplement that helps control and minimize breakouts. It has the powerful combination of Zinc, Vitamin E, and Lactoferrin!

Review HERE.

2. THE ORDINARY NIACINAMIDE + ZINC

- One of The Ordinary's most popular products. The combination of Niacinamide and Zinc helps control and treat acne and lightens marks to boot.

Review HERE.

3. BIODERMA SEBIUM AKN

- One of my favorite moisturizer-serums ever. I remember my skin being pimple- free and my oilies controlled well when I was using this product. It has Zinc Gluconate that effectively controls oil

Review HERE.

Hope you liked today's INGREDIENTS OF THE WEEK! Let me know which ingredients that you want me to highlight in the next posts!