Zinc's Role in Beauty: A Timeless Ingredient
When we think about zinc supplementation, we immediately jump to immune support and skin health. Yet, discussing the role of zinc in beauty offers us myriad insights into why this ingredient supports anti-aging, skin health, hair health, and nails.
Zinc: A Powerful Antioxidant
The cells in our bodies have their own complex systems, producing energy and waste. This waste is often associated with oxidative stress, meaning the cells accumulate waste material that needs to be expelled to maintain cell integrity and health. Zinc plays a powerful role in supporting the cells in this process, hence why it is known as an antioxidant. It supports normal cell differentiation and cell health.
Maintaining cell integrity and health is essential to stay healthier for longer, translating to vitality as you age. Inflammation is also a common side effect of aging, and zinc is known for its anti-inflammatory benefits, which assist in slowing down the aging process. This powerful nutrient plays a big role in keeping you healthier for longer and prolonging the overall health of your cells.
Skin Health
Minerals like zinc and selenium are important for keeping skin healthy, and zinc is a key part of many enzyme proteins. It helps protect the skin from photodamage by absorbing UV rays and reducing the amount of radiation that penetrates the skin. Combining zinc with vitamin C has shown antimicrobial activity, helping to clear bacteria in acne.
 |
|
|
|
Hair Health
If a person is low on zinc, it can disrupt the balance of nutrients needed for healthy hair growth, potentially leading to problems like hair loss. Not having enough zinc can weaken hair follicles, causing hair to thin and shed more.
While zinc deficiency might not be the only reason for hair loss, it can be a significant factor when combined with other elements like stress, nutritional imbalances, and genetics, which contribute to conditions like male pattern baldness and female pattern hair loss.
Symptoms of a zinc deficiency may include:
- Excessive hair shedding
- Thinning hair
- Hair that appears dull, brittle, or dry, with strands prone to breakage and lacking shine.
- Changes in hair colour or texture
- A slower hair growth cycle
Zinc deficiency is also associated with certain hair loss conditions, including male pattern baldness, female pattern hair loss, telogen effluvium, and alopecia areata. Research indicates that zinc supplements can improve hair health and may help those experiencing hair loss or thinning.
However, results can vary from person to person, so it's best to consult a healthcare professional to determine the right dosage and duration of zinc supplementation based on individual needs and health conditions.
Nail Health
Zinc deficiency is related to brittle nails and onychorrhexis, a condition causing vertical ridges to form on the fingernails. Studies suggest that without enough zinc, the rate of nail growth decreases, and the nails themselves become fragile and brittle, causing them to crack.
A zinc deficiency can lead to your body not developing as well, slowing down nail growth and making them more fragile. This can lead to various nail issues like Beau’s lines and onychorrhexis.
By understanding the multifaceted role of zinc in beauty, we can better appreciate how this timeless ingredient supports our overall health and vitality.
 |
 |
|
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24371385/
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jocd.12865
https://journals.lww.com/ijd/pages/default.aspx
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26147750/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6124235/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5685931/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0946672X20300742