Anyone who has acne-prone skin knows that a multi-pronged approach is usually the best way of dealing with zits. You bust out your patches, creams, and clay masks in the hopes of making them disappear by tomorrow. You also bring out the big guns, aka the best blemish-busting skincare ingredients like salicylic acid and tea tree oil. And if you’re searching for another option to add to your arsenal, zinc is one you can further look into. Below, we discuss everything it can do for your acne, plus some of the best products worth the try:
What is zinc?
Zinc is a mineral that can be found in food, supplements, and topical creams. According to Jennifer Herrmann, M.D., zinc is needed for numerous healthy bodily functions, including boosting the immune system, healing wounds, and assisting in protein synthesis.
You probably only know zinc as part of your daily multi-vitamin, but did you know that it also has *major* anti-acne benefits? It works in tandem with Vitamin A, which helps convert it into an active form on retinol (which is a tried-and-tested zit-zapping treatment, btw). Aside from that, it also stunts bacteria growth in your sebaceous glands. And as we all know, having clean pores equals fewer breakouts!
What are the benefits of zinc on my skin?
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It reduces inflammation.
Due to its anti-inflammatory effect, zinc is highly-beneficial for people with acne-prone complexions. Using a zinc-infused product can help soothe irritated skin.
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It protects your skin against the harmful rays of the sun.
Another place you’ve probably seen zinc in is in the ingredient list of your fave SPF product. Zinc oxide falls under physical sunscreens, which means that it deflects sunlight so the UV radiation does not penetrate the epidermis. Aside from protecting yo ur complexion from the harmful rays of the sun, it’s non-comedogenic so it won’t clog your pores and cause acne. Read more
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