Many of us probably remember zinc ointment and its healing properties from our childhood days, when we came home to have our grazed knees seen to. In fact, many people overlook the many other beneficial characteristics of zinc.

Iron and calcium, for example, are essential for specific functions in the body, but zinc is needed by every single cell in the body to help boost the immune system. After iron, it is the most abundant trace element in our bodies.

Zinc plays a critical role in the well-being of our eyes, reproductive system, even our memory. It also helps keep our skin, hair and nails in optimum form too.

Health experts say that without specifically focusing on foods rich in zinc, it is not easy to ensure we get our daily requirement of this important mineral. (The recommended daily allowance for adults is 15mg.) Oysters are the ultimate, if we feel like indulging ourselves, but we can also obtain good amounts of zinc from foods such as red meat, shellfish, eggs and cheese. It is worth noting that zinc is easy for our bodies to absorb when it is obtained from animal products rather than from vegetables.

Since the hair is made up of some 90 per cent protein, it needs a substantial amount of vitamins, mineral and amino acids to look its best, but zinc is vital for healthy hair. When zinc is lacking in the diet, hair may look brittle and dull and growth slows down and may even stop. However, zinc has wonderful soothing properties that help fight the cause of dandruff and an itchy scalp.

After two years of screening many different forms of zinc, Head & Shoulders have come up with a formula that gives the hair and scalp just the right amount of zinc needed for good health and a perfect shine. The Head & Shoulders range of shampoos was already using an extremely effective anti dandruff compound called ZPT, explains Dr Steve Shiel. “What we’ve discovered is that zinc carbonate can make ZPT more effective against dandruff and that’s why the new range contains zinc in a new formula. The HydraZinc formula is more bio-available, meaning it can start to act more quickly.” Head & Shoulders provides complete care, so important for that all-round confidence, which shows that you look good and feel comfortable in your own skin.

A campaign detailing important information on the new Head & Shoulders is currently taking place. Leaflets containing a useful dandruff indicator are being distributed to households on the island.