What role does Zink play in skin aging?

Zinc is an essential trace element that supports wound healing, collagen synthesis, and antioxidant defense in the skin. In theory, zinc deficiency could accelerate skin aging by increasing oxidative stress and impairing repair processes. However, direct human evidence for zinc supplementation as an anti-aging intervention is limited. Most data come from mechanistic or animal studies. Some observational studies link low zinc status with poorer skin health, but randomized controlled trials are scarce. High-dose zinc can be toxic and induce copper deficiency. For consumers: ensuring adequate zinc intake through diet (e.g., oysters, beef, pumpkin seeds) is reasonable, but megadosing is not advised. DNA tests for zinc-related genes (e.g., SLC30A8) currently lack clinical utility for skin aging. Evidence: mechanistic/unclear, not practice-changing.