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Copyright @ Pol J Cosmetol
Pol J Cosmetol 2014, 17(3): 192-196pl  Zinc in cosmeticsRafał Szymanowski, Halina Zaporowska Katedra Biologii Komórki, Instytut Ochrony Środowiska, Wydział Biotechnologii i Nauk o Środowisku, Katolicki Uniwersytet Lubelski Jana Pawła II w Lublinie Summary Zinc as a trace element is essential for proper growth, development and metabolism of the human. It is a component of many enzymes including DNA and RNA polymerases, delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase, matrix metalloproteinases, and superoxide dismutase. Therefore, its deficiency may mean decrease of activity of enzymes mentioned above and, as a consequence, cause symptoms such as growth retardation, delayed puberty, hypogonadism, skin changes, tenderness and spotting nails, alopecia, difficulty in wound healing and decreased immunity. In addition, zinc deficiency impairs the body´s antioxidant system leading to oxidative stress and, consequently, accelerates the aging process. This can be prevented with proper diet, enriched with products such as beef, lamb, cheeses, almonds and oatmeal. Zinc is also present in many cosmetic formulations: as one of the 33 compounds allowed for the use, or as a component of many raw materials used in cosmetics, such as plant extracts, clays and mineral waters. Depending on the present compound, zinc-containing cosmetics have different functions. They can act protectively, nurse and regenerate skin or confer antibacterial and antioxidant properties. Key words: zinc, supplements, nutricosmetics, cosmetics |