Author: Maarja Serg Bronze Member

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ACNE SKINCARE INGREDIENTS TO AVOID!

Acne is a complex condition. Often, it can seem a chronic affliction that simply nothing can shift! For so many of us who were promised that acne was simply a part of growing up, it can be disheartening to suffer on with symptoms well into our 30s and even beyond.

It’s natural, then, that searching for acne skincare products can become something of an obsession. Every new product and slogan promises a solution, and everything seems worth a try. Unfortunately, however, advertising slogans cannot be trusted, and it’s important to delve into the composition of products and understand what effect they might have on your skin. You may be doing more harm than good!

Today, we give an overview of the most common acne skincare ingredients that you should avoid, as well as giving you some perfect recommendations for skin-healthy alternatives!

Acne sufferers should be sure to exclude these 5 things from their care routines:

1. Products containing salicylic acid.

One of the most common recommendations for acne-prone skin is to use products containing salicylic acid. However, the use of synthetic salicylic acid in certain cosmetic products has largely been banned due to its endocrine-disrupting effects. Synthetic salicylic acid is still allowed to be used in very small amounts as a preservative in some products, though it is prohibited completely in products intended for children under 3. The allowed percentage of salicylic acid is higher in washable products. You can find salicylic acid in a product’s International Nomenclature Cosmetic Ingredient (INCI) list under its common name Salicylic Acid.

Try instead: LUMI’s Tundra line, which contains willow bark extract, a natural alternative to synthetic salicylic acid that does not have the same harmful effects. Its INCI name is Salix Nigra Bark Extract. It is a strong antioxidant and has skin-soothing, sebum-reducing and mattifying properties.

2. SLS washing gels and excessive face cleansing.

We have spoken about this many times before, but it’s such an important point that it always bears repeating – foaming face washes and over-cleansing the skin should be left in the past! Excessive cleansing makes skin more sensitive and causes increased sebum production. 

Avoid products that contain sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) in their INCI lists. SLS has been shown to lead to extreme drying of skin and increased pore clogging over time. Whilst removing makeup, dirt, and sebum from the surface of the skin, SLS also washes away the corneocytes between cells, which act in a similar way to cement between bricks. Just like a brick wall with no cement, skin without corneocytes loses much of its rigidity and protective capacity. In general, skin (especially delicate facial skin) does not want to come into contact with any surfactants, which makes it extremely difficult to find a cleansing product on the market today that is actually good for the skin. We have been living in an era of skin over-purification for decades!

Try instead: LUMI Cleansing Milk can be used as a cleansing foam, either during a shower or as part of a morning/evening routine. Oil-based cleansing milks are perfect for removing makeup and dirt from the face whilst also maintaining the natural balance and protective qualities of skin. If you’re still unconvinced, try LUMI cleansing milks for a month and see what your skin says! You will no doubt find yourself left with un-reddened, balanced skin that has found its sense of comfort once more!

3. Fragrances

3000 different substances can be hidden behind the INCI name ‘Fragrance’. You can therefore never be sure which of these substances you are putting on your skin. Both synthetic and natural fragrances increase the risk of allergic reactions to products. Additionally, fragrances are often labelled with the names ‘Aroma’ or ‘Parfum’, the most common components of which include linalool, limonene, farnesol, and geranium. In the best case scenario, you may get away with irritation from these substances; in the worst case, they may disrupt the proper functioning of your endocrine system. When applying essential oils such as these to the skin, one must also be aware of their interaction with the sun. Occasionally, phototoxic reactions may occur.
Fragrances can also disrupt the skin’s microbiome, which can be particularly unhelpful for those already suffering with acne. A balanced microbiome can better limit the reproduction of bad bacteria and thus significantly ease acne symptoms.

Try instead: LUMI creams that never contain added fragrances. Our creams have a natural scent that you can trust. Synthetic fragrances can linger in products for up to 5 years, and can be used to mask other ingredients and confuse the user into believing things are fresher and healthier than they are. LUMI’s natural creams are quite the opposite – they smell fresh because they are fresh! You can read more about the natural scents of LUMI products here.

4. Silicones.

Silicones are not inherently pore-clogging, but the occlusive layer they create locks acne-causing sebum and acne-promoting bacteria in-between the silicone and the skin, which can then increase the frequency of breakouts and pore clogging. Additionally, silicones do not completely wash off the skin because they are hydrophobic compounds.

Try instead: Let your skin breathe freely by choosing LUMI’s silicone-free creams and serums! By doing so, you can be sure that products’ active substances are properly absorbed by the skin and do not get trapped on top of the occlusive layer silicones create.

5. Retinol.

Retinol, sometimes seen under the INCI name Retinyl Palmitate/Retinol, is an extremely popular active ingredient in both anti-ageing and anti-acne skincare products. Despite having some positive effects, it should be noted that retinol causes heightened skin sensitivity, making skin hypersensitive to UV radiation. If UV radiation is the fastest ageing factor for human skin, how can a substance that makes us extra-vulnerable to it keep us young? Sensitive skin also tends to produce more oil, redden more, and become inflamed more easily – all of which can exacerbate the issues of acne-prone skin.

Try instead: LUMI Pimple Stopper and Iconic Well-ageing treatment both use bakuchiol, a natural alternative to retinol that has a similar effect whilst being non-irritating to skin and photostable (can be used during the day, unlike retinol). Bakuchiol helps correct hyperkeratinisation and bacterial growth, whilst also maintaining the lipid balance of skin. It also protects against oxidative stress and prevents the main causes of acne. Bakuchiol, like retinol, also has a strong anti-ageing effect, reducing wrinkles and evening out skin tone, whilst also improving skin elasticity. It’s also suitable for sensitive skin without causing irritation.

In addition to acute active substances, LUMI products contain supporting active substances which intensify and facilitate the absorption and functioning of other active substances.

Of course, with acne, there are a multitude of factors that influence the course and severity of the disease, and we always recommend a holistic and well-researched strategy to treating acne. In this post, we have only had chance to touch on a few specific substances that can actively make your acne situation worse. Avoid them, however, and you’ve already taken a big step towards healing your skin and solving your acne woes!

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MAARJA’S SKIN STORY

Background

My skin has always been my weak point, ever since the first symptoms of acne appeared on my face at twelve years old. Years of worrying and searching for solutions led me to study as a cosmetologist, and thanks to that, I always had access to the best creams, products, procedures, and information. The things that have worked for me were watching my diet (less over-processed, fried, or spicy foods, a strict regimen with limited coffee and alcohol, and more herbal teas and plant-based foods). Properly-performed mechanical cleaning also had a visible effect on my skin.

Despite access to all this information, treatments, and creams, even at the age of 32, I was not completely rid of bouts of acne and oily skin. The worst was over, but my skin didn’t look good at all. My skin was porous, very oily, easily irritated, and reddened. I did acid peels once a month and used a moisturising SPF 50 cream daily!

The Breaking Point

In the spring of 2022, a rough layer of skin appeared on my face, particularly on my forehead, along with lots of tiny pimples. These did not disappear after acid peels or squeezing. I started to worry that I might have rosacea. In the summer of the same year, I stopped using any skincare products at all, as I felt my skin couldn’t handle anything anymore. I had become tired of the experimenting and of the products themselves, finding that their initial ‘wow’ factor disappeared after only a few uses.

I was very skeptical of cosmetics based on natural oils because I thought they clogged pores even more than synthetics did. I also thought that the unflattering comparisons made between natural and synthetic cosmetics were the result of fearmongering and current trends, rather than synthetic cosmetics actually being worse for your skin. After all, there had been studies that found mineral oils and silicones were safe for the skin (although these studies also showed the synthetics had no particular benefits and did not promote skin health in the long term). As a beautician myself, I had seen first-hand how some natural creams could clog skin and cause allergic reactions.

Eyes Opened

When I delved into the methodology and principles of LUMI, my opinion began to change. I realised that all natural cosmetic brands cannot be lumped together and treated as the same. The organic origin of raw materials is only one factor amongst many – all of them important considerations. LUMI use natural materials that are properly suited to use on skin, with minimal risk of allergies or clogging, and based only on supporting skin health. I began to realise how logical and correct LUMI’s whole theory of skincare was. I have always known about the skin’s protective barrier and its microbiome, but I did not realise that what we do to our skin on a daily basis can literally destroy these vital components of skin health, resulting in much discomfort and inflammation.

It also stands to reason that when lipids (which play a role in maintaining moisture balance) are washed from the surface of the skin, the skin simply produces more lipids to compensate. We consistently remove them with strong soaps and tonics, however, not realising that we are futilely fighting against a natural process. This is our body’s defence response and survival program that no topical product can stop. Therefore, the logical solution is to stop trying to wash these vital lipids off the skin, and instead seek to preserve them in order for skin to calm down and stop producing excess oil. This also helps in preventing inflammatory processes because the skin’s immunity is stronger.

#MYFIRSTLUMI Experience

Starting in August, I gathered up the courage to start using LUMI skincare products. LUMI’s 4-week journey blog was a great resource and pointed out that skin may initially get worse as skin adapts to a new routine. I used Tundra cleansing milk, NAKED serum and ICONIC face cream. The expected decline in skin quality did not occur for me! After a while, I felt my skin was no longer so oily and the roughness on my forehead disappeared. I also added Bio-Klinik cream and Tundra pimple stopper to the care routine.

About a month later, I noticed that my skin looked better without makeup than with it, because my skin tone was even, with no redness in the cheeks. New pimples appeared much less often, and shiny skin (caused by excess sebum) was a thing of the past. With Tundra pimple stopper, the texture of my skin became so much smoother, and enlarged pores and scars do not stand out as much.

Unwavering LUMI Convert

It’s hard for me to put into words how happy I am that every day at home, a 32-year-old woman with a healthy, glowing complexion looks at me in the mirror. I no longer have to worry about pimples, redness, or shiny skin, and I no longer fear the signs of aging, because I know that such healthy and radiant skin looks good at any age!

Now, 2 months further into the process, I’m getting compliments from others, too. Children can be brutally honest, and my 7-year-old daughter told me frankly: ‘Mommy, you are much more beautiful without makeup; you don’t have those little bumps anymore!’ My dermatologist also told me my skin looks better than ever before. And that’s without mentioning Helen, who sometimes screams in delight in the middle of the workday because she is so pleased with the effect her skincare products have had upon my skin!

I would never have expected the world’s best cosmetic products to be made right next to my home. LUMI’s beliefs have been steadfast since the brand’s creation a decade ago. Our skin has a great ability to regenerate and heal itself, to stay youthful and beautiful, if we only let it do so and support its natural processes. By trusting your skin to LUMI, you know you are in safe hands, supporting the environment, and helping your skin reach its true potential. You’ll never have to worry about the endless options in the beauty product world again!

A picture speaks more than a thousand words!

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ATOPIC DERMATITIS IN CHILDREN

Helen Hirv is one of the founders of Estonia’s premier natural cosmetics brand, LUMI. Helen came to skincare after her child was struggling with atopic dermatitis.

What to look for in skincare?

Helen: “Always keep in mind the principle of less is more. The product must be pure in its composition, and usually just one product is enough – either a bath oil or a base cream. The worst irritants and allergens are fragrances and preservatives. I have never washed a small baby with a body wash or liquid soap – most of these products only serve to dry the skin out and destroy the child’s skin’s protective layer. The moisturising oil or base cream must be properly absorbed into the skin – do not rush to clothe your child after application.

La-Laa Caressing Baby Oil softens, soothes and is fragrance free; composed of food-grade quality ingredients with organic certification.

 

“In the case of milder eczema, moisturising with vegetable oils is often enough – there is no need for more complex formulations. It is important to monitor your child and assess how severe the eczema is. There is a big difference in the types of intervention necessary for skin that is simply rough or is fully inflamed, for example. From my experiences with my own two children, slight roughness or redness of the skin can often be effectively treated with basic skincare. However, as with any condition, dermatitis treatment requires us to consider and address the needs of the whole body, not just an affected area.”

Is Skincare Alone Enough?

“Skincare is an important part of treating dermatitis, but is essentially only dealing with the consequences of the condition. It’s vital to find out the circumstances that trigger dermatitis symptoms. In general, in summer, dermatitis is mostly alleviated or disappears entirely, thanks to sun and seawater. The disease can be much more active in spring, autumn and winter – particularly around Christmas time, where bad weather combines with children eating lots of sweets and high-sugar fruits, etc.”

“In the case of caring for my own children, I try to ensure that all products used at home – from cleaning products to body washes – must also be pure compositions that are as free of additives as possible. I use as few as possible, and don’t have shelves of products each only catering to very specific niches. For example, I use soda a lot – a very basic yet useful cleaner. We also eat home-grown or organic food as much as possible, and try to avoid store-bought fruit. Additionally, we supplement all of this by taking vitamin D and probiotics, as the gut microbiome affects the entire body’s health.”

“I strongly recommend consuming Omega fatty acids – hemp oil is taken daily in our family. I often see people afraid to give vegetable oils to their kids, as if it is something dangerous, yet never question the medicines they regularly use with them. My children have been consuming hemp oil since they were babies, because I know just how beneficial it can be – helping with digestion, skin conditions, child development, and much more.”

What else should I keep in mind?

“Continual monitoring of your child is key – keeping a diary can be extremely helpful, as atopic dermatitis is a very individualised disease. Avoid external irritants as best you can, and avoid food additives and processed foods. Sometimes, it’s possible that small children are not actually reacting to additives, but are simply adapting to new types of food. For example, some babies cannot eat carrots without skin irritation until at least a year old.”

“Focus on your child, not how others are doing. Be alert to their wants, needs and reactions. If some things are not working, do not push your child’s body to accept them, but rather give it time. If a child’s skin is itchy, don’t scratch it; instead, pat it or gently massage vegetable oil into the affected area – it will have a much less damaging effect on the skin.”

Helen’s Reminders

Probiotics and hemp oil:

“Number one in my dermatitis skincare kit. Both are supported by a wealth of research. It has been shown that the microbiome of allergy sufferers is significantly less diverse than non-sufferers, and since modern humans have already lost a significant amount of their bacterial diversity compared to our ancestors, probiotics can be beneficial for everyone. There is nothing to lose, whilst results can often be astonishingly effective – especially for babies born via caesarean section.”

“Hemp oil provides us with Omega-3, which approximately 85% of people are lacking, and supports many bodily functions. Why cannabis? Because hemp has the perfect ratio of omega acids for humans, and also contains gamma linolenic acid (GLA), which is great for fighting skin problems.”

Probiotics can be beneficial for everyone.

 

Home cleaning:

“For cleaning my house, I only use soda, citric acid and vinegar, and try to avoid taking home anything with excess additives. I do my laundry with an eco-friendly liquid detergent and I always research ingredients before buying products; I use liquid products with simple compositions that are as natural as possible, and always fragrance-free. I do not use powders of any kind, and won’t go near questionable preservatives (such as anything containing methylisothiazolinone). Sometimes you’ll find such products labelled eco-friendly, so it pays to be attentive to ingredients labels. Fragranced products can be recognised by parfum/fragrance on the bottle, or words such as linalool, limonene, etc. This is also how I can tell if skincare products are fragranced. Added chemicals and synthetic fragrances are often the root cause of allergic reactions. Finding the reason for your flare-up is imperative to properly solving the issue.”

Find the reason:

“When you are aware of food allergies or intolerances, allergies to household chemicals, etc., your chances of controlling the problem are much greater. In milder cases, a good cream can relieve atopic dermatitis symptoms, but it is still important to identify the root cause of the issue. Visiting a doctor is always a good idea, but you can also do a lot yourself through observation, experimenting, and using a food diary. Try to think when the problem started – perhaps after introducing new foods, medicines or vaccinations, beginning nursery or school, etc. Something new in the child’s life may have caused this overreaction of their immune system.”

Stress

“Stress can be a big factor in atopic dermatitis manifesting, and stressors on the body can be wide-ranging. According to research, about 30% of skin diseases have a psychological component to them; after all, the skin is an emotional organ, too.”

Nutrition

“Try to provide organic foods for children, and avoid additives (e-numbers), sugar, wheat, and dairy products. The composition of food should be simple and nutritious (things like ready-made meals often are not). Ensure your child’s diet contains plenty of prebiotics or food for the good bacteria in the gut (e.g. green vegetables). We put a special emphasis on garden vegetables and fruit – local berries, for example, are full of essential nutrients.
“Of course, reactions to vegetables and other healthy foods are also possible – there will always be certain people who cannot eat certain things. Food is such a broad topic that it is impossible to do it justice in so few words, but avoiding processed foods that promote inflammation is always going to be of benefit.”

“I have come across cases where a parent has observed and tried many things, but ultimately the root of the problem often comes down to wheat or milk. For example, after eating a pancake, the child’s face may have been very red for several days. It can be difficult to spot signs right away, but you will become better the more you try. If there are several irritants at work the situation can become more complicated, as eliminating one may not cause a visible improvement if other substances are still causing symptoms.”

“Processed foods are generally unsuitable for a healthy lifestyle because they contain lots of additives, have been sitting for a long time losing nutrients, and myriad other reasons. Oriental teachings recommend eating stewed food. Particularly in winter, try to favour warm stewed meals over raw food, so as not to add moisture to the intestines or reduce their temperature. A particularly effective body restorer is a mild homemade bone broth (this can also be great for adults, as it restores the collagen reserves responsible for skin elasticity).

“We often hear it said that because an allergy test has come back clean, someone must be fine to eat absolutely everything. However, in reality, a food intolerance test can give completely different results. You may still find that if you adjust a child’s diet properly, positive results will follow. The diet must be strictly adhered to when it comes to potential intolerances, though. It is not enough to not drink milk at home or only at nursery, etc. Additionally, it is important to monitor whether there are other health concerns that may factor into the issue – diarrhoea or constipation, abdominal pain, long or intense periods of illness.”

Zinc

“Zinc helps greatly as a dietary supplement, as it supports the immune system and cleanses the body. In the case of breastfed babies, it’s usually enough for the mother to take high-quality zinc on her own. Since it is increasingly difficult to get the requisite levels of minerals and vitamins from food these days, babies can also struggle to inherit enough of these substances from their mothers. Children may also benefit from supplemental digestive enzymes.”

Highly reactive and absorbable, zinc diglycinate is an important mineral for the functioning of the whole body.

 

Children’s clothes

“It is advised to choose eco-cotton if possible, as well as eco or additive-free nappies. Silk and wool (or blends including them) are also fine, though wool may not be suitable for everyone.”

Bath and pool

“These would be minimum recommendations, with the pool being a ‘no’ in any case. Applying cream is not a solution for repeated irritation. I washed my children just with clean water until quite late on – babies do not need liquid soaps or similar under any circumstances. Both adults and children can use hemp oil and Epsom salt in bath water, for example. With shower products (and the same with creams), make sure you use clean, pure products – petroleum products, preservatives, fragrances and strong surfactants destroy the skin’s microflora, rather than supporting it. As a result, the skin’s protective barrier becomes weaker. The sun and sea water are great saviours – even one day at the beach can be transformative. In winter, when the weather is at its harshest, a sunny beach holiday will only do you good.”

“Finally – if the microbiome is strong, the mind is calm, and the body can handle allergens on its own. The key word is B A L A N C E.”

Skincare recommendations for a child with atopic dermatitis:

  • Instead of a bath, try a quick and lukewarm shower. Avoid foaming soaps. If you wish, add LUMI La-Laa Caressing Baby Oil whilst bathing or apply afterward onto damp skin. The oil has a certified organic formula that makes babies’ skin silky soft. It is also suitable for removing baby dandruff or softening crusty areas of skin.
  • In the case of atopic dermatitis, it is important to remember that if skin is very red or broken, any water-based product can sting the child and make skin redder. In such cases, we recommend applying anhydrous products, such as LUMI CBD+ healing salve, for the first few days. If redness recedes, you may switch to a LUMI Bio-Klinik cream. Read more about our treatment combo for children’s atopic dermatitis here.
  • When cold weather arrives, you may notice irritation on your children’s hands or a harsh dryness. Children often do not dry their hands properly after washing them, which can cause their skin to become fragile and not function properly. LUMI Arctic Hand Cream creates a protective layer over the skin that will help remedy and prevent such situations.
  • We recommended giving your child 2 tablespoons of mild hemp seed oil daily. Our favourite is PĒLL mild hemp seed oil. You may be surprised at the gentle taste and how happy your children are to take it!

“My 3-year-old daughter developed red, dry patches on her legs. At first, there were a few that disappeared by themselves, but as time went on, more of them started to appear and the situation worsened. We received a diagnosis from the doctor – atopic dermatitis. The doctor immediately recommended to start using hormone ointment, but my mother’s heart did not allow me to apply hormone ointment for my child as the first option.

I decided beforehand to delve deeper into the disease and try to find alternatives. As a first step, we gave up strawberries, sweets and juices from our dining table. On the recommendation of the specialists, we also started using a moisturizing cream to reduce the itchiness and speed up the healing of the skin. The chosen cream was LUMI’s Bio-Klinik Moisture-Lock Body Cream. In the past, I have used various LUMI facial care products on myself, which I really, really liked. In addition to being effective, these products are also 100% natural!

We used the cream twice a day and after two weeks we could already see signs of improvement. After four weeks of use, the red dermatitis spots were gone! Atopic dermatitis is characterized by rapid resolution with proper care, but the result may not be long-lasting. So we have been using the cream once a day until now, and the signs of dermatitis have not returned. I wholeheartedly recommend to everyone to try LUMI’s Bio-Klinik Body Cream before taking medication – Your body will thank you!” – Little Nora’s mother

Photo: Caroline Sada
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HELENA’S SKIN STORY

“My skin story began in my adolescent years, when, like many other teenagers, my face began to suffer from milia and acne. Looking back on that time now, I know I could have changed my diet, skincare routine, and lifestyle as a whole. Unfortunately, I was an impossible young woman who didn’t take care of her health for years.”

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FREE FROM HORMONAL ACNE

“I am sending you a LUMI success story! 😊 We started our LUMI journey on 17th May and the last photos were taken on 14th August. My 15-year-old son was in great trouble with hormonal acne, which had resulted in inflamed and scarred areas on his forehead and temples. On 17th May, he started daily skincare using the LUMI Tundra series – using the cleansing milk, tonic and cream.”

“He missed skin cleansing on some days, but in general he tried to stick to the routine as best he could and treated the skin twice a day. At first, the smell of the products seemed strange, but in time, the yarrow came to feel very pleasant and fresh. Once a week, I performed a classic facial treatment on him with the LUMI Tundra series. In addition, I exfoliated his face with a mixture of honey and ground oatmeal, and I used a mixture of LUMI’s CBD+ Extra Strong Repair Salve and Bio-Klinik Restorative Moisturiser as a mask. I avoided mechanical cleaning, because I knew Erik would not let me near him again if I used a pore spoon on him! 😅”

“The results could already be seen by 20th June. The inflammation had receded, the scars healed, and the microflora of Erik’s skin restored. I am convinced that this is thanks in part to the CBD+ ointment, because after using it, the skin calmed down significantly. It was interesting to see the skin begin to ‘work’ by itself, and that after a while, clogged pores did not need to be treated because the whiteheads were opening by themselves.”

“You could especially see this effect when his skin warmed up (after exercise or showering). In July, Erik was in a sports camp for a week, where skincare became a secondary concern, but this did not seem to cause any major setbacks for him. The 14th August photographs were taken before a skin treatment. We completely believe in LUMI products now and will continue using them going forwards!

“Erik takes much better care of his skin now than before, because he has realised that it actually takes fairly little effort to keep problem skin under control. And you no longer have to grow a fringe or wear a hat to hide your forehead! Problematic skin on your face can be a great source of stress and insecurity for anyone, but especially a teenager. I am so happy to be able to recommend natural Estonian products that really work!” – Kristel, Erik’s Mother #LUMIEXPERIENCE

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ZINC – YOUR SKIN’S 24-HOUR REPAIR TECHNICIAN

Our bodies are constantly sending us signals. You might ignore these warnings, passing them off as your own individual quirks. But if you start to research these symptoms, which by themselves seem so disparate, you may find that all signs lead to a deficiency in one specific substance – zinc!

If you have noticed tiny white spots on your nails, excessive hair loss, constant diarrhoea, wounds that heal slowly, eyes that do not adapt to darkness, and skin constantly irritated by reddened patches of dermatitis or acne, then your body may be signalling to you that you have a zinc deficiency.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about 30% of the world’s population is zinc deficient.

The most common cause of zinc deficiency is chemical farming, which depletes the natural zinc content of crops, and subsequently the food we eat. Zinc deficiencies can also be caused by the use of certain medications, malabsorption (a digestive disorder that prevents the absorption of nutrients), and an imbalanced diet. Since excess zinc is not stored in our body, it is important to regularly consume foods that are high in zinc or take zinc supplements.

Zinc is the most abundant intracellular metal in the body after iron. It is found everywhere in the body, with 85% stored in muscles and bones, 11% in the skin and liver, and the rest in other bodily tissues.

 

Our greatest physiological need for zinc occurs as we go through puberty, coinciding with a period of rapid bone growth. Newborn infants, children, pregnant and lactating women, and the elderly also need more zinc. Regular alcohol drinkers, vegans, and those suffering from leaky gut syndrome all have a heightened risk of having a zinc deficiency.

Symptoms of a zinc deficiency may include:

  • Loss of appetite
  • Irritability
  • General hair loss
  • Rough and dry skin
  • Slow wound healing
  • Poor sense of taste and smell
  • Diarrhoea and nausea

Zinc rich foods include:

  • Red meat and poultry.
  • Beans, nuts, and whole grains.
  • Dairy products such as yoghurt, milk and cheese.
  • Seafood such as crab, lobster and oysters – in fact, oysters contain more zinc per serving than any other food!

Zinc absorption occurs in the duodenum (the first part of the small intestine, connected to the stomach). Citric acid increases zinc absorption, whilst iron, fibre and phytic acid have the opposite effect.

Zinc and skin

The skin is our largest organ and has a huge physiological need for nutrients. Our bodies constantly repair and renew skin, and it is vital to understand the importance of nutrition when it comes to overall skin health. If you want healthy skin, you must nourish and protect it – from outside and in!

Zinc is an important trace element that is necessary for skin to function normally. It is vital for cell renewal, collagen formation, and wound and tissue repair. Zinc is also an important antioxidant.

Even a mild zinc deficiency can impair collagen production, fatty acid metabolism (including Omega-3), and wound healing.

 

Zinc is necessary for the formation of keratin and the skin’s structural protein, collagen. Collagen in the skin is produced by zinc-dependent enzymes. Zinc is not only vital for enzymes producing skin collagen types 1 and 3, but also for collagen cross-linking, which gives the protein strength and stability.

Studies have shown that a decrease in zinc leads directly to a decrease in our bodies’ total collagen levels. Our skin contains a high content of zinc – almost 5% – which is mainly located in the epidermis. Because of this, even a slight zinc deficiency can quickly manifest itself with noticeable symptoms such as skin roughness and slow wound healing. Zinc is our skin’s 24-hour repair technician.

Zinc deficiency and skin problems

Zinc is recommended as a dietary supplement for acne, rosacea and dermatitis. This is because it reduces keratinocyte activity and our inflammatory response to bacteria, as well as strengthening immunity.

Given that the overuse of antibiotics is considered by many to be a global health emergency, the role zinc can play in addressing skincare problems should not be ignored. Studies on the combined use of zinc and vitamin B3 (nicotinamide) to treat inflammatory skin problems such as acne are particularly promising. The treatment has been shown to have an anti-inflammatory effect on the skin and a bacteriostatic effect against propionibacterium acnes, as well as reducing excessive sebum secretion.

Zinc and hormones

Zinc plays an important role in the endocrine system, supporting thyroid hormones and helping the body cope better with reactions to stress. Zinc regulates menstrual cycles in women, promotes ovulation, and can reduce premenstrual discomfort. It can also help to balance the production of sex hormones, including testosterone and prolactin. Women with polycystic ovaries (and associated hair loss), acne, or hirsutism are frequently found to be zinc deficient and can benefit from zinc supplementation.

Zinc and the human papillomavirus (HPV)

Given zinc’s abilities to facilitate immune system, tissue and wound healing, the potential effects of zinc on post-papillomavirus healing have also been studied. In April 2022, an article published in the Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention detailed a recent study where 80 women with a positive HPV PAP test and abnormal changes in cervix cells (ASCUS or LISL) were given zinc supplements for 3 months. The results of the study showed that oral zinc consumption accelerates the disappearance of the HPV virus and the healing of existing cervical lesions.

Zinc and children

A zinc deficiency can occur even in an adult with a varied diet, so it should come as no surprise to learn that children, particularly those with selective eating habits, can be susceptible to zinc deficiencies. Zinc helps children’s immune system better cope with frequent viral diseases, supports age-appropriate growth, and helps with cognitive development. Zinc can also help in combating common childhood skin problems.

The most common signs of zinc deficiency in children are:

  • Low-functioning immune system and frequent upper respiratory tract infections
  • Slow growth rate
  • Slow cognitive development
  • Poor appetite
  • Diarrhoea
  • Difficulty concentrating or being easily distracted
  • Skin issues and slow wound healing

An individual’s daily requirement of zinc will depend on their age and body condition. It is recommended to consult your family doctor before administering food supplements to children. LUMITEEK offers zinc in the form of zinc diglycinate, which has been shown to have excellent absorption capacity. The daily dose contains 25mg of zinc. Take 1 capsule a day after a meal, as a course of 3-6 months (as needed).

Photos: Vlad Matsnev
Bibliography
Kogan, S., Sood, A., & Garnick, M. S. (2017). Zinc and Wound Healing: A Review of Zinc Physiology and Clinical Applications. Wounds : a compendium of clinical research and practice, 29(4), 102–106.
Gupta, M., Mahajan, V. K., Mehta, K. S., & Chauhan, P. S. (2014). Zinc therapy in dermatology: a review. Dermatology research and practice, 2014, 709152.
Ecosh.ee, What causes zinc deficiency in the body?
Ayatollahi, H., Rajabi, E., Yekta, Z., & Jalali, Z. (2022). Efficacy of Oral Zinc Sulfate Supplementation on Clearance of Cervical Human Papillomavirus (HPV); A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial. Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention : APJCP, 23(4), 1285–1290.
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