What Is Zinc?

According to Herrmann, “Zinc is an essential mineral that is needed for numerous healthy bodily functions, including boosting the immune system, healing wounds, assisting in DNA/protein synthesis and growth, and the development of children.”

She adds that since zinc is not stored for long periods in the body, daily consumption is important for overall maintained health. And without it (or if you’re deficient), Goodman points out that it can lead to a variety of conditions like rashes and lesions.

And interestingly, according to Rumsey, the top layer of our skin contains more zinc than any layer underneath, which is why supplementing with the mineral and making sure you have enough can support the growth of new, healthy skin cells.

Benefits of Zinc For Skin

  • Treats lesions and acne: As Shapiro explains, zinc works with other vitamins and minerals to help treat skin lesions and when taken orally, it can decrease the severity of acne.
  •  Aids in wound healing: If applied topically via products containing zinc oxide (like Renée Rouleau’s formula, below), the mineral has been shown to protect the skin and aid in wound healing and regeneration.
  •  Helps protect against harmful UV rays: Zinc’s protective properties, Shapiro says, explain why zinc oxide is so often found in high-performing sunscreens, as it can reflect the sun and it creates a barrier between the skin and any damaging UV rays. Ng agrees: “Zinc (oxide) is one of the two physical sun filters capable of deflecting UV rays, protecting skin from sun damage, [from] erythema to premature aging,” she says.
  • Has antibacterial properties: “Zinc is by nature inert, making it a great sun filter for children, or anyone with extremely sensitive or reactive skins,” Ng says. “Zinc is also antibacterial, astringent, and barrier-protective.”
  • Can be used both internally and externally: And from a dermatologic standpoint, Herrmann offers the following benefit: “Using zinc for skin can help when it’s taken both internally and externally. As mentioned earlier, taking zinc orally can help heal wounds, lessen inflammation, and improve inflammatory conditions such as acne.”
  • Assists in collagen synthesis: “Because zinc acts as an enzyme cofactor, it assists in collagen synthesis and DNA repair, which can help keep skin looking younger and healthier,” Herrmann says.
  • Available over-the-counter: Unlike some super skincare ingredients, zinc products are available in most beauty and drugstores.

Who Should Use Zinc?

In general, people with acneic skin can benefit from adding zinc to their routine. Zinc can also be used as a spot treatment for breakouts. (More on this later.)

Side Effects of Zinc

If you do your research on quality brands (Twinlab, Solgar, Rainbow Light, Metagenics, Thorne, Pure Encapsulations, and Eidon are expert-approved) and keep your daily dose to the recommendation of up to 8 or 9mg daily, 11mg if pregnant, and 12mg if lactating—although as much as 40mg is the TUL—supplements can also be an option if you’re looking to take zinc for skin.1

“These daily recommendations of zinc are very small, as our bodies don’t require the mineral in large quantities. It should be noted taking extra zinc is not likely to improve your skin, but not getting enough can cause problems like acne, eczema, and dermatitis,” says Frank.

“If a person gets too much zinc, they may develop symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, and headaches. Too much zinc can also lead to low copper levels and a weakened immune response. Therefore, it is extremely important to be careful when taking supplements, as too much can cause serious problems,” she warns. So again, it’s always best to talk with your physician, and then begin with a lower dose and work your way up depending on your body’s reaction.

According to Herrmann, certain antibiotic medications and a few other prescriptions can inhibit zinc absorption—as does alcohol, says Rumsey.

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What are some zinc-rich foods?

Oysters, beef, chicken, pumpkin seeds, chickpeas, cashews, beans, and fortified breakfast cereal are a handful of the best sources of zinc if you're looking to naturally improve your skin's glow.

Can zinc help with acne?

Zinc has anti-inflammatory properties, which help the body reduce swelling and redness. Anecdotal evidence has shown it can help with acne but more studies need to be conducted to establish a link.