Why is everyone talking about zinc? From skincare to haircare, here's how to incorporate it into your routine

There’s a name that, in recent months, seems to be resonating everywhere,among beauty editors’ feeds, skincare brands’ formulations, and the chatter of wellness addicts: zinc. That discreet, unglamorous mineral we used to associate with winter supplements or cold remedies has now become the new obsession of the beauty world. And rightly so. Vitamins and minerals have always had their place of honor in the wellness vocabulary, but zinc is different, it protects, repairs, rebalances, and strengthens. It’s the mineral of balance, the one that connects the skin to the metabolism, the immune system to vital energy. And if until now we had relegated it to the status of a simple supplement, it’s time to rediscover it as the star of a smart beauty routine, one that doesn’t try to correct, but to harmonize.

What is zinc and what does it do?

Talking about zinc means talking about regeneration, vitality, and cellular protection. This trace element and essential mineral, though present in the body in only small amounts, participates in more than three hundred fundamental enzymatic reactions. It’s a true biological conductor that regulates collagen synthesis, tissue repair, wound healing, and even hormonal balance. In skincare, zinc acts like an invisible guardian, stabilizing the skin barrier, strengthening its natural defenses, and preserving elasticity. The results show as firmer, brighter, and more resilient skin, better able to withstand environmental stressors such as pollution, stress, and UV rays. But zinc doesn’t stop at the surface. It’s a mineral that speaks to the deeper body too, supporting the nervous system, regulating metabolic energy, and helping to keep the mind alert and calm. When zinc levels are optimal, the skin glows, thoughts are clearer, and the body functions more harmoniously.

Zinc oxide: the sunscreen that’s truly good for you

Among the many forms zinc takes in cosmetics, zinc oxide is certainly the most loved and versatile. It’s the star ingredient in mineral sunscreens, an ultra-fine white powder that creates a physical barrier between the skin and UV rays, reflecting them rather than absorbing them. But zinc oxide does more than protect: it’s also a powerful soothing and regenerative agent, ideal for sensitive, red, or reactive skin. After sun exposure or a stressful day in the city, a zinc oxide cream feels like a gentle caress, restoring comfort, reducing redness, and helping the skin recover. And thanks to new formulations enriched with micronized zinc, this ingredient has become even more effective and pleasant to use, without the chalky white cast that once made it less appealing.

Zinc as a natural anti-aging ingredient

When it comes to anti-aging skincare, ingredients like hyaluronic acid and retinol usually take center stage. Yet, in the vast world of age-defying treatments filled with high-performance molecules and sophisticated formulas, zinc holds a special place. It doesn’t promise miracles, it delivers real results. Its power lies not in filling or tightening, but in strengthening the skin’s natural regeneration mechanisms. Thanks to its ability to stimulate collagen and elastin synthesis, zinc helps maintain skin that’s firm, elastic, and radiant. It’s as if it restores the tissue’s "memory of youth", bringing it back to its original state of harmony. At the same time, zinc acts as an antioxidant shield, protecting cells from oxidative stress and environmental damage that threaten their vitality. Including zinc in your skincare means embracing a form of quiet beauty that works silently from within, day after day, to restore balance and luminosity.

Zinc and acne

Anyone with impure or acne-prone skin knows the frustration of finding something that purifies without irritating. Zinc is one of the few ingredients capable of doing both, thanks to its dual sebum-regulating and antibacterial action. Zinc reduces sebum production, limits the proliferation of acne-causing bacteria, and calms the inflammation that leads to pimples and blackheads. It also helps speed up tissue healing, minimizing the risk of post-acne scars and discoloration. Unlike harsh actives, zinc doesn’t disrupt the skin’s microbiome, it supports it, helping the skin regain its natural balance. Many dermatologists recommend zinc supplements (in sulfate or gluconate form) as a natural aid, often in combination with targeted skincare. The result? Clearer, calmer, and more balanced skin. 

Zinc and hair

Hair, just like skin, benefits from zinc. This mineral is essential for the synthesis of keratin, the protein that makes up the structure of the hair, and supports scalp health by improving circulation and resilience. When zinc levels are low, hair can lose strength, become brittle, or fall out prematurely. Getting enough zinc, through a diet rich in seeds, eggs, legumes, fish, and whole grains, or with targeted supplements (always under medical advice!), can transform hair quality in just a few weeks. Your hair regains density, shine, and strength from root to tip. 

Zinc and mood

Zinc is truly a pillar of holistic wellness. It supports the immune system, helps regulate blood sugar, aids digestion, and promotes proper wound healing. But few know that zinc also affects how we feel. Recent studies have shown that a zinc deficiency can influence emotional balance, contributing to mental fatigue, irritability, or lack of concentration. Why? Because this mineral is involved in the production of neurotransmitters that regulate mood, such as serotonin and dopamine. When zinc levels are right, the brain works better, the mind feels clearer, and, as a result, the skin reflects a different kind of glow. It’s the principle of beauty from within: starting from inner balance to achieve outer radiance.

How to integrate zinc into your beauty routine

Experts recommend about 10 mg of zinc per day for a healthy adult, without exceeding 25 mg. During pregnancy and breastfeeding, the requirement can rise to 40 mg. Integrating zinc into your daily routine is easier than it seems. Start with food: choose zinc-rich ingredients like white meat, fish, whole grains, nuts and seeds, and leafy green vegetables. Or use zinc supplements in short cycles, always under medical advice. But the real magic happens when internal action meets external care. Creams, serums, and masks containing zinc PCA or zinc oxide complete the effect, rebalancing and protecting the skin day after day. Over-exfoliated or spent too much time in the sun? Don’t panic. A zinc oxide cream can calm redness, irritation, and micro-lesions, speeding up cellular renewal, all thanks to its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties. It only takes consistency, regularity, and a bit of awareness. 

Why is everyone talking about zinc?

Because it’s the mineral of intelligent essentiality, the one that unites science and nature, internal and external care, wellness and beauty. Whether in the form of zinc oxide in a mineral sunscreen or zinc gluconate in a supplement, this element is the key to stronger skin, a more balanced body, and a calmer mind. It’s the perfect partner for a kind of beauty that’s conscious, natural, and profoundly authentic.