What is zinc?
Zinc is one of the trace elements, like iron, selenium, or manganese. It is found in trace amounts, mainly in muscles and bones.
Not produced by the body, it must be obtained through the diet.
Seafood, red meat, cheeses, oilseeds, and wheat germ are among the best sources.
Taking a dietary supplement also helps increase intake and meet daily needs.
ANSES (National Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety) recommends an intake of 10 to 14 mg/day for men and women.
Although present in small amounts, zinc plays several major roles in the body. Thus, it:
- soutient l’immunité et stimule la production de lymphocytes T
- réduit l’inflammation
- participe au bon fonctionnement du système nerveux
- soutient la vision et la santé oculaire
Read also | How to choose the best zinc ?
This trace element is also known for its benefits for the skin. It is particularly recommended for dermatological conditions such as acne.
How does it help reduce acne?
It reduces skin inflammation
Acne is linked to inflammation of the pilosebaceous follicles. This manifests as breakouts and the appearance of different types of blemishes: blackheads, papules, pustules, or even nodules.
Zinc is an excellent natural anti-inflammatory.
As shown by this study, it can inhibit skin inflammation and limit acne flare-ups. At the same time, it helps balance sebum production.
Furthermore, zinc deficiency is often associated with skin lesions and redness of the skin. It can even trigger inflammatory acne.
It fights bacteria
Thanks to its antibacterial action, it fights the bacteria responsible for acne, including Propionibacterium acnes.
In this study, zinc supplementation was able to inhibit the multiplication of the bacterium thanks to its bacteriostatic action.
At the same time, it also reduced inflammatory lesions on the skin, redness, and the size of pimples.
Read also | The best dietary supplements for acne
It promotes healing
Finally, this trace element is involved in the wound healing process. It is essential for the synthesis of collagen and for the regeneration of dermal cells.
Thus, it helps to reduce the appearance of scars left by acne and pimples.
