Wrinkles are a natural part of aging. As we get older, our skin gets thinner, loses elasticity, and no longer snaps back into place when stretched. This leads to the development of fine lines and wrinkles on areas of the face and body that get frequent movement and sun exposure, such as around the eyes, mouth, neck, hands, and chest.
While wrinkles are inevitable as we age, there are certain lifestyle factors and skin care ingredients that may help slow their progression. One ingredient that has received attention is zinc.
Zinc is an essential mineral that plays many important roles in the body. In terms of skin health, zinc is critical for collagen production, skin renewal, oil production, and antioxidant protection against free radical damage caused by UV rays and pollution.
This has led to excitement around the use of zinc to prevent wrinkles and maintain youthful, healthy skin as we age. But does the research actually support these claims? Let’s take a closer look.
How could zinc benefit the skin?
Here are some of the proposed ways that getting enough zinc could help minimize wrinkles and keep skin looking its best:
- Stimulates collagen production – Collagen provides structure and elasticity. As collagen breaks down, wrinkles develop.
- Regulates oil production – Zinc deficiency can lead to excess oil production, which may worsen acne and inflammation.
- Supports skin renewal – Zinc assists in cell turnover and growth of new skin cells.
- Protects against UV damage – Zinc has antioxidant properties that may help protect skin cells from harmful UV rays.
- Reduces inflammation – Chronic inflammation can degrade collagen. Zinc helps reduce inflammation.
Through these mechanisms, ensuring adequate zinc intake and using zinc-based skin care could theoretically help maintain smooth, youthful looking skin.
What does the research say?
While the proposed benefits of zinc for wrinkles sound promising, what does the scientific research have to say?
Most evidence looking directly at zinc for wrinkles or skin aging is limited to cell culture or animal studies. However, results have been encouraging:
- In mice, zinc supplementation reduced wrinkling and inflammation caused by UVB light exposure. It also increased collagen production.
- In laboratory cultures of human skin cells, zinc enhanced collagen synthesis and slowed the breakdown of collagen.
- Cell studies show zinc can reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, both of which are tied to accelerated skin aging.
A few small human studies also provide clues about zinc’s anti-aging potential:
- One double-blind trial had women take zinc supplements (50 mg/day) or placebo for 8 weeks. In the zinc group, participants had increased skin elasticity and smoother texture.
- Another study found that higher intake of zinc from diet and supplements was associated with a lower likelihood of developing wrinkles and dry skin.
Overall, while very limited, most research indicates zinc may help preserve collagen and protect against UV photodamage – two major factors in wrinkle development.
Topical zinc for wrinkles
In addition to dietary zinc intake, there is also interest around using topical zinc formulations to reduce wrinkles and improve skin appearance. Creams and serums containing zinc have become popular anti-aging products.
Some research has looked at how these topical zinc preparations may work:
- One study tested a cream with zinc sulfate and vitamin C. People who used the cream for 8 weeks experienced significant improvement in fine lines and blood flow to the skin versus placebo.
- In another trial, a serum with zinc PCA reduced clinical grading of wrinkles and increased skin elasticity after 12 weeks. Zinc PCA is believed to help stabilize vitamin C in formulations.
Experts theorize that zinc may be helpful when applied to skin aging for a few reasons:
- Zinc can directly boost collagen production in fibroblasts, the cells that make collagen.
- Its antioxidant properties may help fortify skin cells against oxidative damage.
- Zinc also has mild antimicrobial properties, which could benefit acne-prone skin.
However, more research is still needed to determine optimal topical zinc formulations and concentrations for anti-aging benefits.
Food sources of zinc
While zinc is available as an oral supplement or component of skin creams, eating a healthy diet with zinc-rich foods is the best way to obtain this mineral. Foods with high zinc content include:
- Oysters – 74mg per 3oz serving
- Beef – 7mg per 3oz serving
- Baked beans – 3mg per 1/2 cup
- Yogurt – 1-2mg per 6oz serving
- Chickpeas – 1.5mg per 1/2 cup
- Cashews – 1.6mg per 1oz serving
- Almonds – 0.9mg per 1oz serving
- Milk – 1mg per 1 cup serving
- Cheese – 1-2mg per 1oz serving
- Chicken – 1mg per 3oz serving
Aim for at least 8-11mg of zinc per day from foods to meet the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA). Older adults may require slightly higher intake levels.
Is there an ideal zinc dosage for skin?
There isn’t a standardized dose of zinc proven to minimize wrinkles. However, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) lists the following daily zinc intake recommendations:
- Men: 11mg per day
- Women: 8mg per day
- Pregnant women: 11-12mg per day
- Breastfeeding women: 12-13mg per day
Consuming adequate zinc from foods or a basic multivitamin should be sufficient for most healthy adults. Research has used supplemental zinc ranging from 30-50mg per day specifically for potential anti-aging skin benefits.
However, high doses of zinc supplements can interfere with absorption of other minerals. Too much zinc may also worsen acne and increase inflammation. It’s best to get guidance from a doctor before taking zinc supplements, especially at amounts greater than the RDA.
Are there benefits to combining zinc with other ingredients?
Rather than relying on zinc alone, many anti-aging skin care products combine zinc with other antioxidant and collagen-stimulating ingredients. Some complementary ingredients often paired with zinc include:
- Vitamin C – Boosts collagen production and provides additional antioxidant benefits.
- Vitamin E – Potent antioxidant vitamin that may work synergistically with zinc.
- Hyaluronic Acid – Helps skin retain moisture and elasticity.
- Retinol – Derivative of vitamin A; stimulates collagen and cellular turnover.
- Niacinamide – Form of vitamin B3 shown to improve elasticity and reduce redness/blotchiness.
Combining zinc with these other topical ingredients may provide enhanced anti-aging results. However, additional clinical trials are needed to determine optimal anti-wrinkle formulations.
Should you use zinc for wrinkle prevention?
Here are some key takeaways about the role of zinc for wrinkles:
- Lab and animal research indicate zinc has properties that could theoretically minimize wrinkles. Findings around collagen production and UV protection are promising.
- Small clinical studies show some positive effects from both dietary and topical zinc on skin elasticity and appearance.
- More robust clinical trials are still needed, especially on topical zinc preparations.
- Ensuring you meet the RDA for zinc through diet should help maintain overall skin health as you age.
- Using a broad-spectrum sunscreen daily is arguably more impactful for wrinkle prevention than any single antioxidant like zinc.
- Topical creams with zinc may provide additional anti-aging benefits when combined with other antioxidant ingredients like vitamins C and E.
While not proven to be a “miracle” anti-aging nutrient, zinc does show promise for minimizing wrinkles. Focus on getting adequate zinc from whole foods. A quality broad-spectrum sunscreen should form the core of your anti-aging skin routine. Try zinc-based creams as an additional wrinkle-fighting strategy, not a replacement for sun protection and healthy lifestyle habits.
Are there any risks or side effects of using zinc for skin?
When obtained through food sources, zinc is generally quite safe. However, zinc supplements or high topical use does come with potential side effects to be aware of.
Side effects of too much supplemental zinc:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Metallic taste in mouth
- Loss of appetite
- Abdominal cramps
- Headaches
Long-term risks of excessive zinc intake:
- Copper deficiency
- Altered iron function
- Reduced immune function
- Nerve damage (rare)
High consumption of zinc for extended periods of time can potentially cause these complications. That’s why dietary sources are recommended over supplements for meeting daily zinc needs.
As for topical zinc creams and serums, skin irritation is possible, especially with combinations containing retinol and vitamin C:
- Dryness
- Peeling
- Redness
- Itching or burning
Start by applying topical zinc products only 2-3 times per week. Monitor skin reaction and reduce frequency if irritation develops. Consider consulting a dermatologist to find properly formulated anti-aging products with zinc.
Who may need to be cautious with zinc?
While zinc is generally well-tolerated, some people may need to take special precautions or avoid zinc supplements altogether due to underlying medical conditions. These include:
- Those with iron deficiency – High zinc intake can inhibit iron absorption from diet.
- People with low copper status – Excess zinc depletes copper reserves long-term.
- Individuals taking antibiotics – Zinc may make certain antibiotics less effective if taken at the same time.
- Men and women trying to conceive – High zinc levels can affect fertility in both sexes.
- Pregnant women – Excessive zinc early in pregnancy may increase risk for neural tube defects.
- Those with weakened immune systems – Zinc supplementation above 40-50mg per day may further suppress immunity.
Speak to your healthcare provider before taking zinc supplements if you have any medical conditions or take prescription medications. They can help determine safe vs. excessive zinc intake.
The bottom line
While human research is in early stages, current evidence suggests zinc may offer anti-aging skin benefits. Its role in collagen production, UV protection, antioxidant defense, and inflammation reduction indicate it may help reduce wrinkles and maintain youthful looking skin.
Make sure to obtain zinc through a healthy, well-balanced diet. Topical anti-aging products that combine zinc with vitamins C, E and other antioxidants may also prove helpful. However, sun protection is still the most vital component of any wrinkle prevention regimen.
Further clinical trials are warranted to solidify the role of zinc – both oral and topical – for skin rejuvenation and wrinkle reduction.