Zinc and Zinc Transporters in Dermatology

The review "Zinc and Zinc Transporters in Dermatology" discusses the vital role of zinc and zinc transporters in maintaining skin health. Zinc, which the human body cannot produce or store, supports over 200 enzymes, is essential for DNA synthesis, immunity, wound healing, and normal fetal growth. Zinc transporters control zinc homeostasis within the skin's layers, and their dysfunction can lead to diseases like spondylocheirodysplastic Ehlers–Danlos syndrome (SCD-EDS) and acrodermatitis enteropathica (AE). Zinc deficiency can impair keratinocyte proliferation, differentiation, and survival, and cause abnormal hair keratinization. Zinc and its transporters, particularly ZIP7 and ZIP13, play crucial roles in maintaining dermal homeostasis, regulating inflammation, and promoting optimal development of the dermal layer. Clinical trials have demonstrated that zinc can reduce acne and manage other skin disorders such as psoriasis and eczema. Zinc Oxide (ZnO) is widely used in sunscreen formulations due to its ability to absorb, scatter, and reflect harmful UV radiation. The document concludes that zinc, in various forms, plays a significant role in managing and treating a wide range of skin disorders, including alopecia.