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Surprisingly, the trace element zinc plays a huge role in the functioning of a living system called “human”. And sometimes in the most delicate areas.
The role of zinc in the body
A lot depends on zinc.
Protein synthesis, the main building material of any biological organism. This function is due to other beneficial properties of zinc.
immune response, that is, the synthesis of proteins that counterattack infections or toxins. Accordingly, if there is not enough protein, the immune system weakens.
Strong bones (nails and hair): the calcium responsible for this is deposited in a matrix built from proteins, which, again, require zinc. Some calcium preparations reduce zinc absorptionwhich makes them useless.
Male power and female happiness: Zinc deficiency is one of the most common causes of erectile dysfunction and male infertility. So men need to be fed with zinc. A typical male diet is a lot of meat and a minimum of fast carbohydrates.
Taste and smell. With zinc, it turns out, life is more fun and tastier. And its serious deficiency causes the development of anorexia and bulimia.
Glucose uptake. It is with the participation of zinc in the liver that an enzyme works that helps glucose turn into energy. If there is too little zinc, glucose is deposited as fat.
Another valuable property of zinc is in the composition of a special enzyme break down alcohol and thus reduce its negative effect.
The colossal benefits of zinc for skin: it helps to cleanse it of infections, heal and restore, protect it from external influences, starting with the same infections and ending with ultraviolet radiation.
Sources of zinc
To solve all these important tasks, we need only 12-15 mg of zinc per day, and this is just … 200 g of oysters. If your diet, most likely, is not too rich in this product, there are plenty of options closer to us.
Animal source of zinc
Offal: 100 g contains approximately half of the daily value.
Meat (beef and lamb). A XNUMX-gram portion is about a third of the required norm
Cheese: 100 g contains about a third of the amount needed per day.
Turkey: it will need more – 100 g contain 20% of the norm.
Egg yolk contains a quarter of the norm.
vegetable source
Wheat bran: 61% DV in 100g
Walnuts, especially cedar.
legumes, including peanuts.
Restrictions for use
Zinc is an essential element and is well tolerated even by newborns (if we talk about external use). It is important not to go beyond the recommended doses. It should be borne in mind that zinc preparations can reduce the effectiveness of certain antibiotics, diuretics (diuretics), vitamin A.
The use of zinc in cosmetics
The first “cosmetic product” that a person encounters, as a rule, contains zinc – more precisely, zinc oxide or other zinc compounds. We are talking about creams and ointments against diaper rash for newborn. One of the most popular remedies to this day is zinc ointment.
The main interest is precisely the external action of zinc, it does not need to penetrate deep into the skin. On its surface, zinc works in several directions.
It has a drying and astringent effect, prevents infection.
It relieves inflammation and irritation, narrows the ducts of the sebaceous and sweat glands (that’s why it is also used in deodorants).
Protects from ultraviolet radiation (zinc oxide is a physical UV filter).
Helps to form a protective lipid film on the surface of the skin.
Helps strengthen the structure of hair and nails.
Overview of products with zinc in the composition
© Garnier
Gel + scrub + mask “Clean Skin Active 3-in-1” with charcoal against blackheads, Garnier designed for young oily skin. The active formula includes zinc, which reduces inflammation and tightens pores. Effective for both girls and boys.
© L’Oréal Paris
Washing gel “Pure Power. Volcanic mineral” against acne, Men Expert L’Oréal Paris — special development for male problematic oily skin. Helps even with whiteheads thanks to the active action of four components: an ultra-absorbent volcanic mineral, salicylic acid, zinc and menthol.
© La Roche-Posay
Corrective cream-gel for problem skin against imperfections and post-acne Effaclar Duo (+), La Roche-Posay includes zinc. Easy to use, mattifies the skin and reduces visible imperfections, prevents the appearance of new acne. Used for day and / or evening care.
© Biotherm
Cleansing lotion with micropeeling for oily skin Purefect Skin Toner, Biotherm thanks to zinc and kelp extract reduces skin imperfections, visibly tightens pores and creates a mattifying effect
© Lancome
Gel for deep cleansing of the skin Gel Pure Focus, Lancôme contains the Dermo-Guide System complex, which cares for oily, problematic skin, normalizes sebum production, cleanses pores and prevents acne. It contains zinc.
© Ganier
Shampoo 2-in-1 for normal hair with zinc pyrithione Fructis, Garnier It has a pleasant fresh aroma of green tea and visibly reduces dandruff after the first application. Normalizes the microflora of the scalp, makes hair soft and manageable.