Zinc for skin: Know why this magic ingredient should be a part of your skincare regimen

With so many ingredients introduced in skincare, sometimes it can be overwhelming to fathom which one is better for your skin. While you must have heard of hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and retinol, have you heard of adding zinc to your skincare regimen? Zinc in skincare can do wonders for your skin and offer several benefits.

Health Shots consulted Celebrity Dermatologist Dr Chytra Anand, founder of Kosmoderma and SkinQ, to know more about the benefits of adding zinc to your skincare regimen.

Zinc for skin

For the unversed, zinc is a mineral that has the ability to repair damaged skin and reduce inflammation. Your skin can benefit from it both internally, through food and supplements, and topically as well. Studies have shown that zinc contains anti-inflammatory properties, making it a great ingredient to add to any skincare routine. It can help treat inflammatory skin problems, acne, and even dry skin brought on by eczema.

1. Works well with sunscreen

Did you know zinc oxide is commonly used in sunscreens? Dr Anand shares, “Zinc oxide is a potent sunscreen formulation because it works against the UVA rays. So, Zinc oxide can be used in the 20 to 25 percent range to provide a UVA spectrum of sunscreen and therefore, it’s commonly added to mineral sunscreens and also added to physical sunscreens.”

Also, you need not worry about the white cast left after using sunscreen. The newer versions are micronized zinc oxide particles because they won’t have the white cast, that normal zinc oxide has.

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2. Good for acne-prone skin

Turns out, zinc sulphate is rich in anti-inflammatory properties so it helps reduce inflammation. It can work wonders for people with acne-prone skin. It is commonly used in masks, serums, or moisturizers as zinc sulphate. It’s also used in overnight spot reduction cream and immediately reduces the inflammation, caused by acne or pimples. It can also help reduce the size and redness of the pimple, adds the expert.

However, it does help the clogging not does it help with whiteheads and blackheads.

Also Read: Here’s the only skincare routine that cleared my acne prone skin!

3. Used in moisturisers

If there’s one thing, all skincare experts recommend adding to a skincare routine is a moisturiser. And what’s better than using one that contains Zinc PCA, an antioxidant ingredient that enhances skin repair function and reduces redness and inflammation? Dr Anand recommends zinc-containing moisturisers as they can be beneficial for your skin.

Are there any side effects of using zinc in skincare?

The three prominent forms of zinc are used in skincare and can work wonders for you if used properly. Dr Anand says that zinc is generally safe and can be used. “Very rarely can a person have a sensitivity reaction to zinc like itching or a rash, but it’s extremely rare. So most times zinc is a safe option to use.”
While it is considered safe, you must take a patch test to know if your skin is sensitive to zinc or not. In case you develop a rash, stop using topical zinc and consult your dermatologist.