Will zinc ointment get rid of wrinkles: the opinion of cosmetologists and reviews of those who have tried them, options for use

Zinc ointment as part of facial care

Zinc ointment has long been a well-known wound healing agent that improves tissue regeneration. In dermatology, the drug is also actively used in the presence of dermatitis, diaper rash, various types of burns, cracks in the skin, drying out “bubbles” that appear with herpes. It looks like a homogeneous, rather thick, white mass with a characteristic, but not unpleasant, odor of Vaseline. Zinc ointment should be applied to the skin of the face. There is also a paste in pharmacies, but it is very viscous and dense; this medicine is used exclusively for medical purposes, to combat weeping ulcers and eczema.

Zinc ointment is used in medicine to accelerate the process of tissue regeneration; this property is very useful for any skin damage

The ointment is available in dark glass containers or aluminum tubes. The volume is small - 20-30 g, but if used correctly the container will last for a long time. The drug is available in almost any pharmacy; you do not need a prescription to purchase it. The price is more than affordable - on average 30–50 rubles, depending on the specific region of Russia. There are no age restrictions regarding the use of the drug. Dermatologists prescribe the remedy even to infants when “diaper dermatitis” appears.

The type of packaging does not affect the beneficial properties of zinc ointment.

Zinc is an extremely important microelement for the body. In particular, it is involved in the process of synthesis of natural collagen and elastin - proteins that maintain skin tone and elasticity; it is also necessary for the production of insulin and new red blood cells. With its deficiency, the condition of the skin noticeably worsens, and the healing process of even the smallest damage is delayed. Nails peel, become brittle, and hair falls out greatly.

With a deficiency of zinc in the body, the condition of the skin inevitably worsens

Some manufacturers are trying to improve the composition by introducing other skin care components into the base mixture, for example:

propylene glycol (helps beneficial substances penetrate deeper into tissues);
menthol (an effective anesthetic and antiseptic);
lanolin (wax of animal origin, useful for softening the skin and accelerating the regeneration process);
fish oil (increases the permeability of cell membranes).

But in the classic version there are only two ingredients - zinc oxide (at a concentration of 10%) and petroleum jelly. The demand for ointment in cosmetology is explained by a wide range of its properties:

Anti-inflammatory effect. The drug quickly suppresses inflammation. Accordingly, acne, even subcutaneous redness, disappears in a short time. Due to the activation of regeneration processes, there are no unaesthetic traces left from them.
Adsorbing ability. Zinc oxide “attracts” toxins and other harmful substances to the surface of the skin.
Antiseptic effect. This is an effective remedy against pathogenic microflora that provokes the appearance of pimples and blackheads. At the same time, a protective “film” is formed on the surface of the skin, preventing pathogens, viruses, and bacteria from penetrating through the pores.
Whitening effect. The drug noticeably lightens age spots, even age spots, and fights post-acne. After a course of procedures, the face looks much fresher, the tone is evened out. The skin is protected from the negative effects of natural and artificial ultraviolet radiation (zinc oxide absorbs this radiation), which provokes the production of melanin in excessive amounts.
Normalization of the activity of the sebaceous glands. Excess sebum is a very favorable environment for pathogenic microflora. The drug dries out the skin, and if used excessively and immoderately, it even dries out, causing active peeling. Therefore, the drug is indicated as an integral part of facial care only for women with oily, combination, normal skin (in the latter case, mainly locally). Here it is useful in the fight against oily shine.
Stimulating tissue regeneration. Zinc oxide accelerates any healing process, “spurs up” metabolism and the process of cell renewal.

Zinc oxide (fine white powder) is the main active component of zinc ointment.

The base of the drug is Vaseline, which is a mixture of mineral oil and paraffin. In just a few uses, it significantly softens the skin (even very rough areas on the elbows, knees, heels, not to mention the face), provides it with protection from wind, frost, and other unfavorable weather and climatic factors. A thin film forms on the surface of the skin, preventing rapid loss of moisture. But if the drug is abused, the same film blocks the process of skin respiration, which is extremely harmful for it.

Vaseline has long been a well-known remedy for softening the skin and healing microdamages.

Zinc ointment is definitely not a panacea for skin problems. Imperfections can also be a symptom of various diseases. For example, her condition almost inevitably worsens with diseases of the stomach and intestines, pathologies of the nervous and endocrine systems.

Cosmetologists recognize the effectiveness of zinc ointment in the fight against skin imperfections. But its anti-aging properties are treated skeptically at best. Most likely, the visual effect is due to an improvement in complexion and evening out its tone. However, no one prohibits the use of zinc ointment to combat wrinkles. Although, of course, it alone will not be enough. You will also need high-quality anti-aging creams.

Video: benefits of zinc ointment for skin

Doctor's opinion

One can only guess what caused the legend about the rejuvenating effect of zinc ointment and paste to arise - either the unusually wide range of use of the drugs, or the presence of zinc in the composition - a really very useful microelement. However, this legend can harm the appearance of overly gullible women. The fact is that recipes for using zinc ointment to smooth out wrinkles contain the following instructions: apply a thin layer of ointment to the areas of the face where the first wrinkles appear (skin around the eyes, nasolabial triangle). Zinc ointment dries the skin quite strongly, while to combat the first wrinkles, good moisturizers are required. In addition, the skin in the area around the eyes is very delicate, so cosmetologists recommend using only special ointments and creams in this area. And finally, one should take into account the danger of getting the ointment into the eyes, which can lead to the development of conjunctivitis and, instead of the expected effect of smoothing out wrinkles, a gullible woman will receive the effect of dry flaky, wrinkled skin around inflamed red eyes.

Cherednik Oksana Vasilievna, practicing resuscitator, psychiatrist of the highest category https://www.tiensmed.ru/news/zinkmazi-cd3.html

To whom and in what cases is the remedy suitable?

Zinc ointment gives the most pronounced result in the presence of problems characteristic of skin with increased oil content, but its use in cosmetology is not limited to this:

inflammation, pimples, acne and the dark marks they leave behind;
increased activity of the sebaceous glands, unaesthetic shine;
black dots;
pigment spots (even age spots and those caused by photoaging).

Any imperfections characteristic of oily skin are a reason to take a closer look at zinc ointment

The most common causes of deterioration of skin condition:

All of the above factors have an indirect effect on the health of the dermis, as they lead to general exhaustion.

Improper care
Problems in the digestive system (chronic gastritis, intestinal dysbiosis)
Stress, lack of work and rest schedule
Bad ecology
Hormonal imbalance (ovarian dysfunction, thyroid dysfunction, some antibiotics)
Worm infestations
The predominance of refined foods, high-carbohydrate foods, strict diets in the diet
Smoking, drinking alcoholic beverages

Zinc ointment for the first wrinkles

Many women begin to use zinc ointment when they discover the first expression wrinkles on the forehead, temples, in the area of the bridge of the nose and nasolabial triangle. If you use it and a suitable anti-aging cream at the same time, you will get a comprehensive result - the fight against the first expression wrinkles (by activating the production of natural collagen) and a visual improvement in the condition of the dermis (more even tone, healthy color, lightening). The main active component of the ointment is powerless against severe age-related wrinkles. This requires penetration of zinc not into the surface layers of the skin, but deeper.

The drug is applied with light patting movements, following massage lines that coincide with the lines of lymph flow. Then they are “hammered” into the skin for 4–5 minutes. Use the ointment every two to three days, the course of procedures lasts 15–20 days. This is followed by a break of equal duration. If after the course no positive dynamics are noted in the appearance of the skin, choose another product for facial care.

Zinc ointment, like any cream or mask, is applied to the face, following the massage lines

Video: using zinc ointment for wrinkles

Composition and properties

The simplest and cheapest ointment contains only zinc dioxide and cosmetic petroleum jelly.
But recently, more and more often you can find face cream with zinc, to which other useful components have been added. We'll talk a little more about creams later. And now let’s talk about why zinc has such a beneficial effect on the skin that it is often used even in professional cosmetology. As a cosmetologist, I often advise clients with problem skin to buy zinc ointment. Zinc dioxide has the following beneficial properties:

Anti-inflammatory. If you apply it to a pimple at night, by the morning the redness will go away and it will dry out well.
Sebostatic. It reduces the activity of the sebaceous glands and thus prevents severe expansion and clogging of pores.
Wound healing. After using zinc ointment, the risk of scarring and acne scars tends to almost zero.
Moisturizing. Zinc ointment creates an occlusive effect and prevents water from evaporating from the surface of the epidermis, promoting its natural hydration.
Whitening. With regular use, it does a good job of removing pigment spots that are not too deep.
Protective. Zinc dioxide is a natural filter that serves as a physical barrier to ultraviolet radiation.
The ointment is inert. This means that it combines well with other medications and cosmetics and does not provoke allergic reactions.

As you can see, for problem skin such a product can really do a good job. But recipes for using zinc ointment for wrinkles are increasingly appearing on the Internet. Not all of them are logical or useful. Therefore, you should not follow them thoughtlessly.

Combat problems typical of oily skin

On pimples, blackheads and other defects that worsen the appearance of the skin, zinc ointment is most often applied pointwise. Only if there are very heavy rashes, it is recommended to cover the entire face with ointment, distributing it as thinly as possible. When applied locally, the procedure can be carried out 3-5 times a day until the acne disappears, wiping off the residue after a quarter of an hour.

The condition of problem skin after a course of zinc ointment most often improves noticeably

The drug is used in a similar way for age spots, even those that often appear during pregnancy. It also helps lighten freckles. The ointment can be used not only on the face, but also on the neck and décolleté area. It is used in courses lasting up to two months. Problem areas are lubricated with the drug 1–3 times a day.

After using zinc ointment, pigment spots become much lighter, including age spots and those caused by hormonal imbalances

Video: zinc ointment against hyperpigmentation

If you need to get rid of blackheads, be sure to steam the skin first. For degreasing, problem areas are wiped with tonic or hydrogen peroxide diluted with water. The ointment is applied only to dry skin and left for 10–15 minutes. After this, the contents of the blackheads will be easier to squeeze out. Then, to narrow the cleansed pores, wipe the skin with an ice cube or apply any tightening mask to the face (for example, with gelatin, egg white, clay). Sessions are carried out once a week, the course lasts 1.5–2 months.

The appearance of blackheads on oily skin is almost inevitable.

The drug described actually ensures tissue regeneration at an accelerated pace and helps get rid of inflammation faster. But this is an “ambulance” for the skin. To finally get rid of excess fat, you will need a combination of cosmetic procedures, proper facial care and a healthy lifestyle.

It is better to apply zinc ointment pointwise to the most problematic areas

Video: zinc ointment against acne

Signs of zinc deficiency in the body

• Wounds do not heal well. • Inflammations appear on the skin. • The appearance of acne. • The appearance of ulcers. • Appearance of pigmentation. • Dull complexion. • Premature wrinkles appear.

How to increase zinc levels?

The first step in this direction is obvious - eat more foods rich in zinc.

Again, grain products are an almost useless source of zinc, despite the fact that they contain quite a lot of it. Instead, you need to eat more meat, vegetables and seafood.

The best source of zinc in the world is considered to be the oyster, which contains huge doses of about 90 mg per 100 grams.

This is approximately 600% of the recommended daily intake, so you can eat oysters at least once a week. Oysters are also full of other beneficial nutrients such as magnesium and selenium.

Other good sources of zinc include unprocessed meats such as beef, pork and chicken. Some nuts contain high amounts of zinc, but their bioavailability is low.

If you can't find a dietary combination that you like, simply take a zinc supplement at 15 to 30 mg per day.

15 mg is the daily DV, but zinc can be safely taken up to 60 mg daily without obvious toxicity.

It is best to take a standard dose of 30 mg of zinc every day and combine it with a good diet. This will speed up the healing of inflammation on the face.

Additionally, zinc increases the effectiveness of vitamin A (great news for those who treat acne with retinoids).

Please note that zinc is certainly beneficial for the skin, but it is not a panacea for treating acne, so always consult a dermatologist, because zinc toxicity is no joke. The most common side effect of taking high doses of zinc is copper deficiency.

Sources of zinc

To solve all these important problems, we only need 12-15 mg of zinc per day, and that’s just... 200 g of oysters. If your diet, which is most likely, is not very rich in this product, there are plenty of better options.

Animal source of zinc

By-products : 100 g contain approximately half the daily requirement.
Meat (beef and lamb). A 100-gram serving is about a third of the required amount.
Cheeses : 100 g contains about a third of the amount required per day.
Turkey : you will need more of it - 100 g contains 20% of the norm.
An egg yolk contains a quarter of the normal amount.

Plant source

Wheat bran : 61% daily value per 100 g.
Nuts, especially pine nuts.
Legumes, including peanuts.

Zinc is literally consumed by stress. Therefore, in difficult times, take care of the right diet or at least support yourself with appropriate dietary supplements. By the way, zinc is poorly absorbed with caffeine, so it is better to drink coffee between meals.

Zinc ointment for eyelids

The skin of the eyelids is extremely thin and sensitive. Accordingly, applying zinc ointment to the area under the eyes is strictly prohibited if you do not want to provoke peeling and severe swelling. If the drug gets on the mucous membrane of the eye, conjunctivitis develops.

The application of zinc ointment under the eyes by cosmetologists is strongly discouraged

The maximum that cosmetologists allow is to apply a minimum amount of ointment to the outer corners of the eyes, where the very first expression lines form. After 5–7 minutes it must be erased. The product is used every 3-5 days, the course lasts no more than a month. It is advisable not to use pure ointment, but to apply a mixture of it with regular baby cream or natural butter in a 1:2 ratio.

Vitamins for beautiful skin

It is important for all of us to stay young and beautiful longer, since a strong body and our own attractiveness give us self-confidence, increase our vitality, and contribute to our success in life.
A successful person today meets the highest requirements. Strives for development, growth, has far-reaching plans, monitors health and appearance. The female body quickly reacts to a lack of vitamins and minerals. Most quickly, such symptoms appear externally. It is known that women's skin is thinner and more sensitive than men's, and, therefore, more susceptible to harmful influences. Dryness and irritation, peeling and redness, pimples, blackheads and wrinkles - all these problems with facial skin are manifestations of negative internal and external influences.

Many young girls do not pay enough attention to their skin and take care of it haphazardly. There are many girls who are too lazy to even wash off their makeup in the evening or use dubious products that have expired!

This is unacceptable - young skin tolerates such things for a long time, but one fine day you will notice how not a trace remains of its former freshness...

In summer, the skin is exposed to aggressive ultraviolet radiation. We forget to apply special protective cream. In winter, central heating in rooms, both in apartments and offices, leads to insufficient air humidity and the skin becomes dry. Sudden temperature changes when moving from a cold room to a warm one and vice versa lead to the same consequences.

The skin, like a mirror, reflects the internal state of the body, so it is recommended to maintain it from the inside. She clearly needs care and a more caring attitude towards herself.

Analogues of the drug

If we consider other pharmaceutical drugs used for other purposes, to combat wrinkles and protect the skin from the effects of external natural and climatic factors, you can choose drugs in which zinc oxide is the active component:

salicylic-zinc paste (salicylic acid is effective in fighting acne and inflammation, corn starch dries out the skin);
Zinkudan (an antifungal drug with salicylic and undecylenic acids);
Desitin (lanolin-based ointment with cod liver oil, has an astringent and drying effect).

Salicylic acid, which is part of the salicylic-zinc paste, is widely used in cosmetology to combat problems characteristic of oily skin.

The effect of using zinc

Cosmetics based on zinc, first of all, have antifungal, antiseptic and restorative properties. However, the range of its application is much wider.

Preparations that contain zinc have high protective properties and are used to maintain healthy skin and prevent aging. This applies to both the internal processes of the body and the harmful effects of the environment. Zinc is added to various masks, creams, scrubs and lotions.

Such cosmetic products can regulate the functioning of the sebaceous glands, cleanse pores and restore the smoothness and healthy appearance of the skin. Moreover, zinc ions affect the structure of your skin. As an active component, zinc controls the effect of hormones on the skin, and this is especially important in the treatment of acne. Zinc is very often used in ointments that treat complex skin lesions, because it has the ability to heal wounds.

Contraindications, possible negative consequences, precautions

Zinc ointment is considered a hypoallergenic drug, but the possibility of allergies cannot be completely ruled out. Therefore, before using it, be sure to conduct an appropriate test by applying a small amount of the product to the crook of your elbow or the inside of your wrist. If a negative reaction to the drug in the form of itching, burning, rash, swelling, redness appears, it occurs within 20–30 minutes. Accordingly, you won’t have to wait long for an answer to the question of whether zinc ointment can be used for facial care.

An allergic reaction to zinc oxide is rare, but not impossible.

The drug does not penetrate into the blood and acts only in the superficial layers of the skin. Therefore, zinc ointment is safe for pregnant and lactating women. In some cases, it is also prescribed to infants.

The only contraindication, besides individual intolerance to the drug, is very dry and thin skin, prone to peeling and irritation. You cannot use the ointment in its pure form on it.

Types of connections

The effectiveness of zinc compounds depends most on their form. Compared to insoluble compounds, soluble ones are more intense, but can cause irritation. With their help, severe skin diseases are treated, which require a long and gradual release of zinc.

In zinc facial care cosmetics, zinc is used in bioavailable ionic form, and it is introduced into the preparation in the form of a biologically active complex in one of the following forms:

• zinc oxide (ZnO). It is the most common form of zinc and has protective, anti-aging, soothing and astringent properties. This compound also acts as a natural UV filter.

• zinc carbonate (ZnCO 3). This compound has very strong protective properties.

• zinc sulfate (ZnSO 4). This compound has anti-inflammatory effects.

• zinc undecylenate and pyrithione have an antifungal effect.

Products with zinc

Zinc is best absorbed through food. The surest way to replenish the balance of a microelement in the body is to include foods rich in it in your diet.

The maximum content of zinc can be found in oysters. So, 85 grams of product contains approximately 74 milligrams of microelements. Next on the list is red meat. You can also get the micronutrient from pine nuts, cashews, pumpkin and sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, lentils and soybeans.

How zinc is indicated on product packaging

In addition to oral administration, zinc can be used externally. Due to its antibacterial and healing properties, this element is a popular ingredient in acne-prone skin and sunscreen products, even suitable for children. The main thing you should always pay attention to when choosing a cream is that the concentration of zinc should not exceed 25 percent.

Most often, zinc is used in the form of bioactive salts:

Zinc oxide is the most common form of zinc. Products with this component have antibacterial, soothing and protective properties. Zinc oxide is often found in sunscreens - it creates a barrier and protects against the negative effects of ultraviolet rays. These SPF products are perfect for children and people with sensitive skin.

Zinc sulfate soothes the skin, reduces inflammation and promotes faster healing of wounds.

Zinc gluconate is an ingredient often added to anti-aging products. It improves the synthesis of collagen and elastin, and also increases skin elasticity.

Zinc pyrithione is used in hair products - it perfectly fights dandruff, dry scalp and flaking.

The best zinc face creams from the pharmacy

Products with zinc oxide exhibit not only medicinal properties. Additional components of the composition are responsible for softening, nutrition, moisturizing, neutralizing free radicals, protecting from various natural factors (frost, wind, ultraviolet radiation).

For problem skin

Combination and oily dermis needs special care products. One of the best options for eliminating most problems is zinc oxide creams. With their help, it is possible to dry out inflammation, get rid of comedones, and achieve matte skin.

For example: cosmetics with zinc for oily skin - cream-gel from delirium KORA. It eliminates excess shine, maintains water balance, softens, and evens out the texture. Recommended for application 2 times a day in the morning and evening for a third of an hour. After this time, the residues are washed off with warm water. Further care involves the use of a day or night care product.

The composition with a mattifying effect “Seracin” protects against drying out, prevents the formation of acne, and relieves irritation. Along with zinc oxide, the composition includes natural substances extracted from burdock and burdock.

Baby cream with zinc is used to protect the baby's delicate skin from irritation, diaper rash, and ultraviolet radiation. This product has undergone strict dermatological testing, so it can be used by adults on the face and other parts of the body. Foundations

Problem skin needs special toning products that have special requirements.

Reliable masking of existing defects.
Anti-inflammatory and antiseptic effect.
Ensuring normal breathing.
No comedogenic effect.

In terms of consistency, oily skin will require a composition with a denser structure. Special ingredients absorb excess oil, which allows you to maintain matte finish for a long time. Microfibers prevent clogging of pores and ensure proper breathing.

If you use zinc oxide, titanium dioxide and amethyst powder in the production of foundation, the product will cope with oily sheen, prevent the development of infection, and protect from sun rays.

For example, Diorskin Forever cream works thanks to the presence of microspheres with zinc oxide and collagen. Due to the gradual release of active components, the matte effect lasts up to 12 hours.

Superstay Better Skin perfectly masks skin unevenness. Long-term use helps improve the health of the epidermis.

Sun protection

Cosmetics that can prevent the negative effects of ultraviolet radiation are in great demand during periods of solar activity. It contains zinc oxide, which has a milder effect than other chemical blockers. The substance successfully reflects ultraviolet rays A and B type. Pediatricians recommend the use of sunscreens with zinc oxide for children, which confirms the high safety of the product. An unpleasant feature of such products is white marks on the skin. But on the other hand, it helps to notice which areas are still unprotected.

You can purchase zinc cream at a pharmacy or a specialty store that sells cosmetics.

With a lifting effect

There are anti-aging creams that contain zinc. According to cosmetologists, the element does not affect collagen synthesis. Its task is to delay ultraviolet rays, relieve irritation and inflammation, prevent moisture loss and the formation of comedones.

Smoothing of wrinkles occurs due to the presence of other components:

plant extracts;
natural oils;
hyaluronic and fruit acids.

A facial product with zinc will provide optimal care for oily skin. With its help you can cope with various problems. If desired, it is easy to prepare the composition yourself, taking into account the individual characteristics of the dermis. For these purposes, a well-known pharmaceutical preparation is used - zinc ointment.

Sources

https://zinkit.ru/dlya-kozhi/
https://modnaya.org/kosmetika/6258-cink-v-kosmetologii.html
https://skin.ru/ingredient/cink/
https://econet.ru/articles/182595-tsink-dlya-kozhi-litsa-polza-i-primenenie
https://www.vogue.ru/beauty/kak-cink-vliyaet-na-sostoyanie-kozhi
https://uhodzalicom.com/krema/522-cink-kosmetika
https://faceandcare.ru/luchshij-krem-dlya-litsa-s-tsinkom-v-apteke-dlya-zhirnoj-kozhi/
https://tonustela.net/face/face-cream/cinkovaya-mazy.html

Important trace element

Zinc is a trace element present in every cell of our body. It is important for many life functions, including the sense of color, smell and taste.

Healing zinc is important for fertility, proper cell division, vision and immunity.

Due to such extensive participation in the life of our body, zinc is very widely used. Zinc oxide and sulfate powder combined with other ingredients are used for external use. Their use for medical purposes requires consultation.

What are zinc creams used for?

Care products containing zinc oxide have healing, protective, and cleansing properties. Such products are available in the lines of various cosmetic companies.

Antiseptic effect, control of sebaceous secretion production, acne treatment, relief smoothing, accelerated healing of microtraumas, protection from sun rays - this combination of properties makes creams with zinc in demand.

An unpleasant feature is that it is better not to use a composition with zinc as a base for makeup. It is recommended to apply the product at night.

In cosmetology, zinc ointment is used to treat acne, whiten freckles and age spots caused by pregnancy or photoaging. Other beneficial properties of zinc ointment:

rehabilitation of foci of inflammation;
sun protection;
maintaining a normal level of moisture;
liberation from toxins and waste.

During a course of treatment, the layer of keratinized cells is gradually removed, the relief is leveled, and the complexion improves.

Contraindication is increased dryness of the skin.

We invite you to watch a detailed video about the best face creams:

Is zinc effective for acne?

You're probably wondering if zinc is scientifically proven to be effective for acne? A couple of studies have already been conducted, and they show really positive results.

1) In a Turkish study, researchers recruited 87 people, 47 of whom had acne and the rest had clear skin. They divided them into separate groups based on their skin condition.

Scientists found that in a group of acne patients, 54.1% of people were deficient in zinc, compared with just 10% of people with clear skin. They also noticed that the average zinc levels in the blood of acne patients were much lower than average.

2) The second study involved 54 patients who took either zinc supplements or a placebo. After 6 weeks of treatment, the amount of acne in patients taking zinc decreased by 33%.

3) This large study recruited 332 people with acne. They were given 30 mg of zinc gluconate, which is twice the recommended daily intake.

After three months, all patients had a 49.8% reduction in the total number of acne lesions! It was also noted that in 31.2% of participants the reduction in acne was two-thirds or more.

Zinc gluconate is not the most effective form of zinc supplementation. There are other forms: zinc oxide, acetate, sulfate, glycate, etc. Zinc picolinate is considered the most effective. Picolinic acid promotes the fastest absorption of zinc in the intestines.

How does zinc stop acne?

For a long time, the reasons why zinc was so effective in treating acne were unknown.

People knew that vitamin A reduces sebum production, but they had no idea about the benefits of zinc for the skin. Many people believed that it was necessary for the formation of cells in the skin, hair and nails.

New evidence suggests that zinc's benefits go much deeper, with effects on the immune system including:

1. Controls inflammation

If there is chronic inflammation in the body, with pro-inflammatory cytokines produced en masse, then consuming more zinc can quickly alleviate the problem.

Zinc is closely related to the immune system and controls some of its functions. This means that the inflammatory response to acne bacteria won't be as huge and the red pimples won't swell massively.

Zinc controls acne inflammation by reducing levels of NF-kB, which is the messenger that precedes the release of many pro-inflammatory cytokines in our body.

Zinc actively reduces the inflammatory response to bacteria. When bacteria invade blocked pores, they can cause severe irritation in the area, causing pimples to become red and very painful.

Acne-prone skin reacts much more strongly to bacteria than normal, healthy skin. Zinc helps moderate the inflammatory response and reduce the impact of bacteria on the skin.

2. Transport of vitamin A

Vitamin A - directly reduces the activity of the sebaceous glands, and zinc is vital for the effective transport and use of this vitamin.

Zinc is a key component of the retinol-binding protein, which transfers vitamin A from the bloodstream to receptors on the skin, where it further performs its functions.

3. Fast wound healing

This is another effect of zinc on the whole body and on the skin directly. It helps acne heal faster, thereby reducing the overall number of acne.

4. Antioxidant effect

Antioxidants benefit the skin by preventing sebum from oxidizing (another cause of acne).

In addition to the presence of antioxidants in fruits and vegetables, our body is capable of producing some of its own: superoxide dismutase and glutathione. It is known that patients with acne have a deficiency of these enzymes.

Zinc is a key component of glutathione. By increasing its levels in the body, we enhance overall antioxidant activity.

5. Kills bacteria

Test tube tests show that zinc kills acne-causing bacteria. Of course, not as effective as antibiotics, but it still works.

Bacteria cannot cause resistance to zinc, so it is also effective for people with antibiotic-resistant bacteria on their skin.

6. Reduces keratinocyte activation

Keratinocytes are cells that produce keratin, which in large quantities interferes with cell separation and leads to the formation of blocked pores, which also causes acne. By reducing keratin production, zinc helps skin pores remain open.

7. Blocks DHT (dihydrotestosterone)

Zinc is also useful for acne in the case of blocking dihydrotestosterone, which means it reduces the effect of hormones on the skin.

Other DHT blockers are known to reduce the amount of sebum that produces clogged skin pores.

Unfortunately, zinc does not block DHT too much, but this is a huge plus for it.

What else is zinc good for the skin?

Zinc deficiency is extremely common among acne sufferers.

It helps not only with severe inflammation of the skin, but also promotes the speedy healing of wounds, strengthens hair and nails

One important risk factor for zinc deficiency is an unhealthy grain-based diet.

You probably think that bread, pasta and similar foods contain high amounts of zinc.

Perhaps so, but along with it these products contain phytic acid, which does not allow the body to normally absorb zinc, iron, potassium, magnesium and calcium.

Don't be tempted by these grain products often. They are certainly useful, but constant diets on grains will not benefit the body. And even if you consume enough zinc, the body will not be able to absorb it into the bloodstream.

If you are not deficient in zinc, you should still consider getting more of it; this will give you additional acne benefits such as faster wound healing.