Zinc for Your Skin
Zinc is a metallic chemical element essential to human health. It is involved in the functioning of approximately 100 enzymes, protein synthesis, DNA, cell division, and the immune system, according to the National Institutes of Health. The recommended daily allowance of zinc is 11 milligrams for men age 19 and over and 8 milligrams for women age 19 and over. Zinc has several effects on the skin. Among the effects of a zinc deficiency are skin conditions, hair loss and delayed wound healing, according to Medlne Plus, a website of the National Library of Medicine and National Institutes of Health.
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Acne and Psoriasis
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Creditable studies show that topical application of zinc or taking zinc orally are safe and effective in the treatment of acne vulgaris, said Medline Plus. The website Healthy Skincare reported that zinc oxide, zinc stearate and zinc sulfide were not shown to have a beneficial effect on acne according to an advisory panel of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Zinc has not been proven to be helpful in the treatment of psoriasis, according to the National Institutes of Health
Hair Loss, Dandruff and Fungal Infections of the Scalp
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Medline Plus reported that the studies conducted to evaluate the effects of zinc on hair loss have been inconclusive. Zinc pyrithione is an ingredient often found in dandruff shampoos. According to Medline Plus, shampoos containing 1 percent zinc pyrithione have been effective in reducing dandruff for some people, and human trials have shown that zinc pyrithione shampoo could be effective in treating tinea versicolor fungal scalp infections.
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Wound Healing
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Thrice-daily applications of zinc sulfate have been shown to be effective in helping to heal wounds after surgery, says Medline Plus. Healthy Skincare also says oral zinc supplements can be helpful in healing bed sores and skin ulcers. Medline Plus says the findings regarding the effectiveness of zinc in helping to heal leg ulcers is inconclusive.
Diaper Rash
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Zinc oxide has long been a treatment for preventing and healing diaper rash in babies, and Medline Plus confirms that it is possibly helpful. It may also help in dealing with skin damage cause by incontinence in older patients.
Boils and Burns
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One promising study has shown zinc can prevent the recurrence of boils. Studies on whether zinc sulfate helps burns heal have been inconclusive, reports Medline Plus.
Other Benefits
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Healthy Skincare names zinc as a natural insect repellent and sunscreen, and as an aid in the treatment of poison ivy, blisters and gum disease.
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References
- Photo Credit macro of great skin image by nutech21 from Fotolia.com
