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How Does Zinc Oxide benefits your skin: A complete Guide
You might come across the term zinc oxide, a bit of a buzzword in skin care- while looking for sunscreen and wonder what exactly this chemical is.
Zinc oxide which is frequently associated with sunscreen is more than just a sunscreen. It offers all-around skin protection when used topically, and functions as a mild astringent with antibacterial properties.
Zinc oxide is also utilized in medical items like bandages, ointments, skin protectants, and a prominent element in a variety of cosmetics.
This article will explain what zinc oxide is and how it can improve the feel and appearance of your skin.
Highlights:
What is Zinc Oxide?
It is an inorganic molecule that is white and powdery. Since zinc is oxidized, it can be used to treat inflammation, sun damage, acne, and many other skin issues. In ancient times, zinc oxide has been employed as a potent sun protection ingredient.
Topical treatments including moisturizers, sunscreens, makeup items like foundation, and other products are where zinc oxide is most frequently included.
Do you know?
- Between 1940 and 1980, products containing zinc oxide were mostly used to treat skin conditions including poison ivy or rashes. By the 1980s, medical literature had supported its advantages for treating sun damage.
- The body needs zinc and other trace minerals for the manufacture of collagen, which is crucial for the development and maintenance of connective tissue.
Benefits of Zinc Oxide for skin
A genuine unsung hero, zinc oxide is one of the safest types of sun protection for even the most delicate skin types and is great for treating wounds, inflammation, and acne. We've listed some of the benefits of this potent component so you can see why you should incorporate it into your skincare regimen if you aren't already.
Sun protection
Researchers have discovered that zinc has built-in advantages for sun protection. A thick zinc oxide coating protects your skin from UVA and UVB radiation. In this manner, it prevents the skin-damaging rays from reaching it. The concentration of this chemical, however, is the only factor that affects its effectiveness.
There are two types of sunscreen: chemical and physical, or mineral-based. The main component of a physical or chemical sunscreen is zinc oxide.
Here are some interesting details concerning zinc oxide in sun protection:
- A sun protection product's ability to effectively prevent burns can be associated with the amount of zinc oxide present in it. Generally speaking, the longer you'll be protected against burns, the more zinc oxide there is.
- SPF levels are influenced by the proportion of zinc oxide applied. The amount of zinc oxide in the most popular skincare products is as follows:
Sunscreens: 25% to 30%
Makeup products: 10% to 19%
Skin Healing
Applying zinc oxide topically has an astringent effect. It regulates the production of oil beneath your skin and stops overproduction. Therefore, topical zinc oxide has significant advantages for those with oily skin. Reducing oil production also aids in keeping the oil balance, which lowers the likelihood of acne breakouts.
Experts claim that a zinc shortage is a factor in the sluggish healing of wounds. By keeping the area around the wound clean and moist and by giving the skin the extra zinc it needs, aids in skin repair.
Acne treatment
Zinc oxide is an effective acne treatment because it can lessen skin irritation and inflammation. According to studies, zinc's anti-inflammatory qualities make it useful for treating inflammatory skin problems.
It is typically used with other antibacterial substances, which collectively lessen the discomfort, intensity, and appearance of acne outbreaks.
Controls Excess oil
Applying zinc oxide topically has an astringent effect. It regulates the production of oil beneath your skin and stops overproduction. Therefore, topical zinc oxide has significant advantages for those with oily skin. Reducing oil production also aids in keeping the oil balance, which lowers the likelihood of acne breakouts.
Fights signs of ageing
Skin ageing lowers the skin's amounts of collagen and elastin, which decreases skin renewal potential, elasticity, and firmness. Zinc encourages the production of collagen and elastin, which strengthens the skin's underlying structure. In turn, this lessens the visibility of ageing indicators.
Treat Dark spots
Although zinc oxide won't whiten skin, it should be used as part of your treatment regimen if you have melasma or dark spots.
A broad-spectrum sunscreen with zinc oxide that has an SPF of 30 or higher can help stop additional skin darkening when applied every day. Remember that even when it's raining or snowing outside, you should still wear sunscreen on any exposed skin that isn't covered by clothing.
Keep skin hydrated and moisturized
The skin's inherent capacity to control moisture declines with age. The skin's TEWL, or transepidermal water loss, is known to be prevented and reduced by zinc.
Additionally, zinc oxide enhances the skin's ability to function as a barrier and keeps the skin moisturized and nourished. For those with dry skin, it works.
Prevents Bacterial Infection
Zinc oxide helps in wound healing and also repairs tissues. Additionally, it prevents bacterial infections by keeping skin dry and also reduces the chances of contamination.
According to a study that was published in the Journal of Nutrition in 2003, zinc oxide helps to reduce the likelihood of infections by blocking the adhesion and internalization of bacteria, as well as by lowering skin permeability and increasing skin tightness to keep germs at bay.
Zinc Oxide for Face: How to Use?
Sunscreen
Apply zinc oxide-containing sunscreen 30 minutes before going outside in the sun if you're wearing one. Apply a sufficient amount of sunscreen to your face, neck, etc., and rub gently. You can also use it on other exposed regions like the hands, legs, or back.
Cream
The best way to treat acne is to dab a small amount of zinc oxide cream on your acne scars after washing and moisturizing your face. Before using any of these zinc oxide-containing creams, it is always advisable to consult your dermatologist.
Important points to remember
- Zinc oxide should never be applied to broken or blistered skin.
- Every day, wear sunscreen rich in zinc oxide. Wearing sunscreen indoors can protect you from the blue light emitted by laptops and mobile devices even if you aren't going outside.
- If you have dry skin, use zinc oxide together with a moisturizer.
- Use zinc oxide externally only, never internally.
- Most skin types can safely use zinc oxide. Additionally, it is ideal for sensitive and acne-prone skin.
Key Take-Away
We are always very careful about what we want to put on our faces when it comes to skincare.
Zinc oxide has a lot of advantages for healthy skin. It certainly does wonders to provide beautiful skin as a key component in cleansers, astringents, and sunscreen. This potent ingredient can be a part of your everyday skincare regimen. But be sure to carefully study the product labels to comprehend the dosage and adhere to the usage directions.
