What is zinc oxide: is it more than just sunscreen?
As skin health experts, we are passionate about educating clients and clinic clients on the importance of having a skincare regimen unique to your age, skin type, and your specific skin problems. We never prescribe a cookie-cutter routine. However, we all agree that sunscreen should be the last step in your morning skincare routine as well as something you reapply throughout the day if you’re out in the sun.
The benefits of daily SPF go beyond its ability to protect the skin from harmful UV rays and reduce the risk of developing skin cancer. Incorporating sunscreen into your daily routine can prevent signs of premature aging, including the appearance of wrinkles, loss of firmness, and sunspots. Although sunscreen is a relatively new skincare product that sparked interest in the 1950s, zinc oxide has been a popular ingredient in mineral sunscreen for much longer. Below, we share some of our favorite facts and benefits about zinc oxide and how you can incorporate this ingredient into your skincare routine.
What is zinc oxide?
Zinc oxide is a powdery white mineral commonly used in topical skincare applications. Additionally, it is added to many cosmetics and can be found in medical goat milk products like diaper rash cream, zinc oxide ointment, and bandages.
Zinc oxide in sunscreen
Almost all skin types will benefit from zinc oxide, which is why dermatologists recommend introducing zinc oxide sunscreen at six months of age. It provides maximum UVA protection for people whose skin is still maturing. It is also suitable for people with sensitive skin whose natural skin barrier may have weakened over time.
Zinc oxide is the main ingredient in physical sunscreens, including our Kate Somerville Daily Deflector™ Mineral Facial Sunscreen. What makes it so effective? In addition to preventing premature aging caused by UV rays, it also helps protect your skin against blue light from laptops, cell phones, and other electronic devices. When applied topically, zinc oxide sits on the skin and acts as a protective barrier rather than being absorbed into the skin like most chemical sunscreens.
Because young, sensitive skin often has a weaker natural barrier, skin care products are absorbed more deeply, leading to irritation. This zinc complex sits on the side of your skin, making it less annoying and less likely to bring about breakouts.
Physical Effects of Zinc Oxide in Sunscreen
Because zinc oxide sits on your skin, it’s often more visible than chemical sunscreens. Additionally, its white coloring and thick consistency can cause a visible plaster upon application that can turn the skin to a temporary grayish hue. When used in the right concentration and when combined with other skin-beneficial ingredients, it will not leave an unwanted plaster.
Benefits of Zinc Oxide in Skin Care Products
In addition to protecting your skin from harmful UV rays and UVB rays. Zinc oxide offers a wide range of other benefits, including:
Benefit #1: Helps Balance Oil Production
If you have oily skin and/or unwanted shine, applying a zinc oxide cream. Or any other product containing zinc oxide can help minimize excess oil. Zinc Oxide helps visibly reduce pores and improve your overall complexion.
Benefit #2: Promotes Healing
Zinc oxide is amazingly healing and is frequently utilized to cure wounds and soothe skin after irritation. Much like how it protects your skin from UV rays. It forms a barrier against other irritants that can prevent wounds from healing.
Benefit #3: Prevents premature aging
The properties of zinc oxide make it a strong skincare component for anti-aging reasons. Additionally, zinc oxide can boost your body’s ability to produce collagen, the main contributor to plump, youthful-looking skin. By regularly applying products containing zinc oxide, your skin will retain its elasticity, minimizing visible fine lines and wrinkles.
More than just a skincare product
Not only is zinc oxide an efficient skincare product. But it can also be discovered in other beauty products like shampoo. Just as it can help minimize excess oil on your face. It can also control the amount of oil produced on your scalp. Using hair care products containing this beneficial mineral can help calm the symptoms of a dry, itchy scalp.
There are many benefits to using zinc oxide in your personal care routine, from sun protection to wound care. And while it’s safe to use for almost all skin types, the product. And concentration used may need to be adjusted from person to person. When applying products like goat milk soap containing zinc oxide, pay attention to the reaction of the skin. We recommend slowly incorporating it into your skincare regimen for best results.
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