Zinc: an essential mineral for healthy and youthful skin (and hair). Experts tell us why. And how to take it
Until relatively recently, the fight against skin aging was approached as a “battle” against the telltale symptoms of age, such as wrinkles, blemishes, sagging… The reality is that Prevention is better than cureand it is precisely for this reason that today the discussion focuses – fortunately, we add – on the importance of protecting the skin barrier, so that it is able to defend itself from external aggressions and to strengthen its mechanisms of repair. From this perspective, it is of fundamental importance to improve the ability to skin healing, as a starting point to prevent aging. He explains it Patricia Ogilviedermatologist, founder of the Skinconcept clinic in Munich, as well as member of the scientific committee established by Dior to study Age Reverse.
In this regard, on the occasion of an international presentation of the brand, the skin longevity expert declared that she usually reminds her patients of the importance of zinc: «I recommend taking it both topically and through diet, due to its power to improve the healing capacity of the skin,” he said. «Because it is precisely this ability that weakens with age: just observe how the skin of a newborn or child heals compared to that of an adult. These processes are linked to the prevention of aging, as, for example, life depends on them skin response to the sun». Let’s say that, rather than attenuating wrinkles or imperfections, the idea is to make the skin strong, so that it is prepared to repair itself against any type of aggression or extreme situation, be it pollution, ultraviolet rays, dehydration… And zinc becomes a fundamental ally in this area.
The benefits of zinc for the skin
Andrea Vázquez Remuiñanpharmacist and nutritionist, explains that «zinc is a essential mineral, essential for our body to carry out more than 300 enzymatic reactions. It is present in bones, muscles, skin, liver and other organs. In the skin, in particular, it is more concentrated in the epidermis, where the skin’s barrier function resides. Helps repair and maintain skin in good condition, protects against photoaging and prevents damage caused by solar radiation. Furthermore, zinc promotes healing.” And to add other voices in support of its benefits, we quote the pharmacist Paula Martín Clares, who defines it as “essential for the synthesis of skin proteins”, adding that “its deficiency limits the growth and regeneration of tissues”.
The benefits of zinc for hair
But that’s not all yet. “Zinc helps slow hair loss and strengthen the hair fiber,” adds Remuiñan. «In fact, it contributes to stimulate hair growth and protect the bulb. Furthermore, by promoting the synthesis of keratin and collagen, it prevents premature aging of the lengths and protects their pigmentation”,
How to take zinc
Although it is essential to strengthen the presence of zinc in the body through nutrition, Ogilvie usually recommends taking supplements orally, in addition to topical application, since zinc is an active ingredient present in photoprotectors and healing creams. Supplementation is important, because the deficiency of this mineral occurs quite frequently, especially in cases of vegan or vegetarian diets. “In the case of an adult, the nutritional reference values for zinc are 10 mg per day, with the recommendation not to exceed 25 mg daily,” says the expert. «Particular caution is needed in the case of pregnant and breastfeeding women, which should not exceed 40 mg of zinc per day. Zinc sulphate is normally used in supplements, and the dose depends on the compound with which the product is formulated. In the cases of people suffering from rosacea, atopic dermatitis and alopecia areata, zinc sulphate is effective as an adjuvant in the treatment of these pathologies.”
Zinc deficiency: what to eat to avoid it
To avoid zinc deficiencies, it is advisable to consume the following foods:
- Legumes.
- Dried fruit.
- Chicken and turkey.
- Red meat.
- Seafood.
- Seeds, whole grains and pumpkin seeds.
- Wheat germ.
- Sardines.
- Egg.
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This article was originally published on Vogue Spain.
