Zinc is a divalent cation and plays a significant role in the health of our skin. It is known to deliver protection to injured or exposed skin from damaging stimuli. It is used in treating dermatological issues such as leishmaniasis, warts, inflammatory dermatoses, acne vulgaris, rosacea, and pigmentary disorders (melasma). This essential micro-nutrient is a major component of more than 300 metalloenzymes and over 2000 transcription factors that are required for protein and nucleic acid metabolism, lipid regulation, and gene transcription. Zinc’s wide range of effects can be attributed to Zinc- finger proteins, steroid and thyroid receptors, that bind to hormones to facilitate various functions. Its role in wound repair is carried out via regulation of DNA and RNA polymerases, thymidine kinase, and ribonuclease. It regulates macrophage and neutrophil functions along with natural killer cell activity.
Zinc is known to trigger white blood cells and phagocytic function of granulocytes and stabilize plasma subcellular membranes. It inhibits the expression of integrins by keratinocytes and modulates the production of TNF-α (Tumor Necrosis Factor alpha), an inflammatory cytokine produced by macrophages/monocytes during acute inflammation. Along with the previously mentioned functions, Zinc diminishes the production of inflammatory mediators like nitric oxide.
A clinical trial containing 21 female patients was performed to evaluate the effects of 0.1% copper-zinc malonate- cream on wrinkles and photoaged skin. After 8 weeks of therapy, significant elastic fiber regeneration was seen in the papillary dermis leading to minimization of the appearance of wrinkles. The combined photo-protective and elastic regenerative properties of zinc could be effective in anti-aging therapies.
Studies have revealed that patients with skin conditions like acne have low serum zinc levels. Products containing zinc acetate or octoate, with or without erythromycin, is either equal or superior to erythromycin, tetracycline, or clindamycin used alone in treating acne.
In summary, zinc is critical in promoting skin health, with its diverse effects extending beyond wound repair to include topical applications for both anti-aging and acne treatment. Ongoing research aims to unveil additional benefits of Zinc in the dermatological space.
References:
TNF alpha and the TNF receptor superfamily: structure-function relationship(s)