The Benefits of Zinc Oxide in Skincare

If you have been on the look out for a one-stop ingredient to resolve your skin woes, your search is over. We found the perfect one for you, introducing Zinc Oxide!

OVERVIEW

Zinc Oxide is a white, powdery mineral with a long history of use in some cosmetics. This mineral is not soluble in water, but it does dissolve in acidic environments. It is known best in the United States as a primary ingredient in sunscreen lotions.

We use non-nano zinc oxide, which means it will not enter the blood stream or absorb into the cells. Instead, it sits on the skin to form a protective barrier against the elements and outside factors. This also greatly reduces the risk of allergic reaction and irritation.

Zinc oxide, a commonly known active ingredient found in diaper-rash relief products and sunscreens, offers a plethora of benefits when applied to your skin. Here’s what zinc oxide does to your skin and how it can help your skin look healthy and feel beautiful.

ATTRIBUTES

Naturally non-comedogenic
Helps prevent sunburn
Anti-inflammatory agents reduce swelling, stinging and redness
Shields skin from pollution, sunlight and also strong winds
Encourages healing and regeneration
Reduces acne
Controls dandruff and dry skin issues
Completely safe for men, women, children and pregnant moms
Stops itching
Absorbs odor

1. UVA & UVB Protection

Zinc oxide has been recognized as a safe ingredient for the skin, according to a February 2019 study in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology. The mineral protects the absorbs both UVA and UVB ultraviolet light. Unfortunately, commercial sunscreens and cosmetics are often rather loaded with other dangerous chemicals.

According to the American Cancer Society, UV rays penetrate the skin and damage tissue, speeding up the aging process and drying out the skin. These rays also increase the risk of skin cancer. Sunscreens containing zinc oxide block out UV rays, keeping them from penetrating the skin and causing cell damage.

2. Treats Rashes & Irritation (Including Diaper Rash)

Research shows that zinc oxide helps to aid in new tissue growth, skin healing, repair work of wounds, and prevention of inflammation. Zinc oxide cream can be used to treat minor burns on the skin, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Zinc oxide can be used to naturally help heal:

Diaper rash
Mouth cold sores
Skin ulcers
Scrapes or abrasions
Burns
Irritation from chemical products

3. Helps Treat Acne and Shine

To help treat acne, zinc oxide helps to lower the appearance, severity, duration and pain of cystic hormonal acne blemishes and breakouts. It also helps balance the production of oil to minimize pores and reduce shine. A 2013 study printed in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, show that there are several ways that zinc oxide can help treat and prevent acne:

Reducing antimicrobial/bacterial properties associated with acne.
Lowering inflammation that is triggered in response to acne-causing bacteria and clogged pores.
Reducing the likelihood that acne will reappear once the skin becomes resistant to antibiotic substances (whether applied topically to the skin or taken in pill form).
Regulating oil/sebum production.
Acting as an astringent, which helps to dry excess oil and shrink, constrict, or tighten the appearance of damaged skin and large pores.

4. Anti-Aging Effects & Improves Healing

Not only does zinc oxide help prevent future sun damage, wrinkles and dark spots− it also helps to improve synthesis of new skin tissue and collagen, a key substance needed to maintain skin’s youthful appearance. The body requires zinc and other trace minerals for the synthesis of collagen that helps to build and repair connective tissue. National Library of Medicine.

Studies have found that treating damaged, dry or wounded skin with zinc oxide products for just 48-hours (including during post-operative treatment) helps skin to heal better, inflammation/redness to be lowered, pigment to be restored, and interstitial fluid and sebum (oil) to be better regulated. Zinc can also help increase the amount of other active ingredients that are absorbed into the skin when its used in conjunction with other anti-aging products.

5 Prevents Bacterial Infection

With the ability to act like a mild astringent, zinc oxide can help keep harmful bacteria from causing infections of the skin, and act as a natural skin-drying agent.

Zinc oxide also helps to decrease permeability, increase tightness of junctions so that bacteria can’t make their way through, and reduce inflammation through modulating cytokine gene expressions. National Library of Medicine.

Many skincare products containing zinc oxide help to reduce redness, swelling, pain, and inflammation caused from bacterial build up. As an added benefit, just like other commercial or beauty astringent products, zinc oxide helps to minimize the appearance of large pores and prevents shininess of the skin by regulating oil production.