Zinc Benefits: Why You Need This Essential Mineral

Zinc isn’t exactly the queen bee of minerals. When you run through a list of nutrients, it falls under the category of nice-to-have and rarely in the top-tier of supplements to take. In the past two years, its role in reinforcing the immune system lifted its status. However, zinc benefits are diverse and far-ranging. You may not realize it, but it is a common ingredient in many beauty and personal care products.

The paper “Zinc: An Essential Micronutrient” stresses that zinc is necessary for human metabolism to catalyze more than 100 enzymes, facilitate protein folding, and regulate gene expression. It has antioxidant properties but plays well with other antioxidants in delaying age-related macular degeneration. Without zinc, your vitamins A, E, and folate will unlikely work.

Your body doesn’t naturally produce zinc. You can introduce it through your system via supplements, but a regular, healthy diet is usually enough.

Since zinc deficiency was discovered in 1961, much research has been dedicated to learning more about the benefits of zinc to the human body. According to a 2013 study in the Journal of Research in Medical Sciences, some of zinc’s current uses include treatment of digestive distress, wound healing, and chronic illnesses. Apart from strengthening the immune system, it also plays a role in improving bone health.

But what can zinc do for beauty and personal care?

Check the label of your beauty products and chances are zinc or a compound featuring zinc is included in the formulation. Below are ways you can integrate zinc into your grooming rituals – if you haven’t already.

Antibacterial? Check. UV protection? Check. Anti-aging properties? Check. According to the 2014 study “Zinc Therapy in Dermatology: A Review,” zinc is one of the most studied substances for managing acne. Apart from being antibacterial, it also helps reduce redness and inflammation commonly associated with acne.

Zinc also plays a role in collagen synthesis. Collagen helps ward off signs of aging, such as wrinkles and crow’s feet. Zinc can also prevent photodamage in your skin – yet another telltale sign of time passed. Zinc oxide is one of the most effective UV blockers after all.

Enjoy zinc benefits all over your skin with the Dove Beauty Nourishing Body Wash. This gentle lather combines the patented NutriumMoisture with mild cleansers. It maintains your skin’s natural moisture and pumps up its softness and smoothness in just seven days.

Admittedly, according to a 2018 paper in Dermatology and Therapy, more research is needed to confirm the effect of zinc on hair loss. However, hair loss is one of the physical symptoms of zinc deficiency, so it’s only logical that getting your daily dose of zinc would address that. Moreover, studies have also shown that zinc assists in tissue growth and repair and keeps the oil glands in your scalp working in order.

Give your hair some zinc love with Dove Hairfall Rescue+ Keratin Tri-Silk Serum Shampoo. Keratin Tri-Silk Serum and DynaZinc complex work together to nourish the strands from end to end, making your hair strong and resilient.

As previously stated, zinc is antibacterial and that quality isn’t exclusive to acne-causing bacteria. You can use it to fend off the bacteria that cause bad breath and plaque, too! A 2020 study in Nutrients journal lists the zinc benefits for dental health. Apart from reducing halitosis and preventing calculus formation, it decreases the rate of enamel breakdown and strengthens oral tissues.

Fight bacteria breath with closeup Red Hot toothpaste. It has zinc that cleans the deepest recesses of your mouth and clears 99% of bacteria, giving you fresh breath and strong teeth.

Now that you know all these zinc benefits, don’t neglect to add it to your daily nutrient list – and your beauty routine!