Zinc for the skin: what are the benefits, and when should it be used?

Zinc, an essential trace element

Zinc is a trace element that is essential for the body, as it is involved in numerous biological functions (1).

Acting as a cofactor in over 300 enzymatic reactions, it is one of the most versatile minerals in the human body.

In particular, it plays a role in protein synthesis, in protecting cells against oxidative stress, and in the proper functioning of the immune system.

Zinc’s various properties thus explain its many benefits for the skin.

It is being studied for its role in regulating sebum, the healing process and inflammatory responses, making it of interest for issues such asacne, blemishes, redness and certain irritations.

However, despite its importance, zinc is not stored by the body.

Zinc deficiencies, whether due to dietary factors or linked to certain medical conditions, are therefore now widespread in the population.

However, zinc intake can be increased through supplementation, particularly using highly bioavailable forms:

Discover L-OptiZinc®, a zinc dietary supplement with optimal bioavailability thanks to zinc methionine, a particularly well-absorbed and potent form, for significantly increased retention. (2)

Discover Zinc Orotate, a form in which zinc is bound to orotic acid, allowing it to pass directly through the intestinal barrier for immediate absorption.

Discover Advanced Zinc Bisglycinate Lozenges, mint-flavoured lozenges formulated with zinc bisglycinate, known to be (along with orotate) the most bioavailable form of zinc, best absorbed and best tolerated by the body. (3)

In what cases is zinc beneficial for the skin?

Zinc and acne or skin blemishes

This trace element plays a significant role in research into acne and skin imbalances. By helping to maintain healthy skin, it acts on complementary mechanisms:

• A clinical trial conducted on patients with inflammatory acne showed that zinc gluconate supplementation for three months significantly reduced the number of superficial inflammatory lesions (4).
• Zinc is thought to play a part in skin repair processes, with its role documented in several stages of skin tissue renewal, notably collagen synthesis, cell proliferation and re-epithelialisation (5).

For an even more targeted approach to acne and blemishes, zinc can be combined with certain active ingredients that have proven efficacy or are the subject of extensive research:

• Burdock is a plant traditionally used for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties on the skin (6).
• Lactoferrin, meanwhile, is a protein being studied for its potential influence on sebum regulation and skin comfort (7).
• Vitamin A, for its part, helps maintain healthy skin and promotes cell renewal.
• We should also mention N-acetylcysteine (NAC), an amino acid attracting growing scientific interest for its potential antioxidant properties that help protect skin cells.

Discover Clear Skin Formula, an exclusive blend of 7 active ingredients (burdock, lactoferrin, NAC, milk thistle and vitamins A, B3, B6) designed to promote skin balance and beauty.

Zinc and oily skin

Zinc may also play a role in balancing oily skin by helping to regulate sebum production.

Studies suggest that it may inhibit the action of certain skin bacteria involved in the productionof irritating fatty acids that trigger an inflammatory response on the skin’s surface (8).

Thanks to its inhibitory effect on bacterial lipases, zinc may thus help to limit the skin imbalances associated with oily skin, without drying out the skin, thanks to its gradual regulating action.

Furthermore, zinc contributes to the normal metabolism of fatty acids, a mechanism involved in maintaining normal testosterone levels in the blood.

According to some studies, a zinc deficiency may promote the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone that directly stimulates sebum production by the sebaceous glands (9).

Zinc and skin healing

Zinc’s role in skin repair processes has already been mentioned in the context of acne. But its role in healing goes far beyond that.

By contributing to normal protein synthesis and the process of cell division, it is involved in several mechanisms essential for skin regeneration:

• Studies on the impact of nutrition on skin healing and the resulting aesthetic outcomes suggest that zinc, along with vitamins A, B and C, positively influences the various phases of healing (10).
• Other research shows that it also plays a role in regulating keratin filaments and the production of filaggrin, two key structural proteins of the epidermis (11).
• Furthermore, zinc is thought to contribute to collagen synthesis and wound strength by influencing the division and proliferation of skin cells involved in tissue renewal and wound closure (10–12).

Vitamin C also contributes to the normal formation of collagen, which is essential for the proper functioning of the skin.

Collagen is the most abundant structural protein in the body. Composed of specific amino acids, it is central to the skin’s elasticity, firmness and resilience.

A meta-analysis of 26 trials showed that supplementation with hydrolysed collagen significantly improved skin hydration and elasticity (13).

Discover Marine Collagen, a highly bioavailable powder of hydrolysed type 1 marine collagen peptides, enriched with vitamin C to support both external collagen intake and the body’s natural production of collagen.

Discover Liposomal Vitamin C, a liposomal form of vitamin C with optimised absorption, to support normal collagen formation and protect cells against oxidative stress.

Zinc and redness or inflammation

Skin issues such as redness, sensitive or reactive skin often have an inflammatory component.

Zinc contributes to the normal functioning of the immune system, which gives it an indirect role in regulating certain inflammatory skin responses.

A meta-analysis shows that in people with psoriasis, serum zinc levels are significantly lower than in patients without this inflammatory condition.

It highlights the fact that oral treatments aimed at normalising zinc levels could improve the course of the disease (14).

A review published in 2023 also documents the use of zinc in several inflammatory skin conditions, including acne, rosacea and eczematous dermatitis, highlighting its potential in managing skin inflammation (15).

Turmeric, for its part, has also been extensively studied for its anti-inflammatory properties. Research suggests that it may be able to interact with numerous molecular targets involved in inflammation (16).

Discover Curcumin Solution, an antioxidant dietary supplement with the highest bioavailability on the market, to fully harness the potential of turmeric.

Zinc and overall skin health

More broadly, zinc plays a role in the skin’s overall balance.

By helping to protect cells against oxidative stress, it safeguards DNA, proteins and skin lipids from daily damage.

Its role in cell division, meanwhile, supports the constant renewal of the epidermis. Together, these mechanisms help maintain healthy skin, with visible effects on the radiance of the complexion and overall skin balance.

Other nutrients are also involved in the skin’s overall balance. Biotin (vitamin B8) helps maintain normal skin, hair and mucous membranes. It is often referred to as the ‘beauty vitamin’ due to its effects on the skin, hair and nails.

Discover Biotin, a biotin supplement containing 10 mg per capsule, to support the health and radiance of your skin every day.

Among the active ingredients often found in dietary supplements for the skin are evening primrose oil and borage oil, rich in gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), whose effects on skin hydration and suppleness are the subject of extensive research.

Discover Borage & Evening Primrose, a blend of cold-pressed borage and evening primrose oils, providing 300 mg of GLA per day.

For a holistic approach, some formulas combine vitamins, minerals and antioxidants for the skin in a single supplement.

Discover Daily Beauty, a new-generation, all-in-one dietary supplement containing the finest beauty-boosting nutrients.

Finally, it is worth noting that zinc itself is available in several highly bioavailable forms:

Discover L-OptiZinc®, Zinc Orotate and Advanced Zinc Bisglycinate Lozenges, three zinc supplements in optimised forms, presented at the start of this article.