Zinc Oxide: Skincare Superhero
Posted by Claudia Sa on
Zinc, the star ingredient in all our sunscreens, is also an incredible skin ally, with benefits known since ancient times and proven scientifically more recently, especially as a sun protector and skin healer. Perfect for after the sun too - it calms and regenerates sunburnt skin.
Zinc oxide skin benefits include regulating oil production, minimising shine (only where needed) and reducing the chance of unwanted blemishes.
Its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties help to kill bacteria and soothe any flare ups too. It has been used for many years with great success for herpes. Companies like Weleda use zinc to treat labial herpes. You can use any of our sunscreen products for the same purpose.
Zinc oxide is ideal for use as an SPF for most skin types, but especially if you have sensitive skin. Since it sits on the surface of the skin, instead of absorbing in (which is what most chemical UV filters do), it can be less irritating for sensitive skin.
One drawback of zinc oxide is that it is naturally bright white and pretty thick, so if you have a darker skin tone you might find your skin takes on a slightly grey-ish hue when wearing zinc oxide products. In this case, it is a good idea to use a tinted sunscreen (find our Tinted Sunscreens here) or a super lightweight cream like this one.
Zinc oxide has many uses and benefits, including:
- Helping to reduce skin inflammation associated with rashes, allergies, or irritation (including diaper rash)
- Providing broad-spectrum sun protection to prevent burns (including on photosensitive skin)
- Improving wound healing and preventing bacterial infections
- Assisting in the recovery of burns and damaged tissue
- Helping to treat acne breakouts
- Keeping moisture locked into dry skin
- Treating melasma and other pigmentary disorders
- Preventing skin aging
- Improving the synthesis of collagen and the formation of new connective tissue
In our shop we make sure to have a good variety of mineral sunscreens, tinted and non tinted, with or without essential oils, for adults and kids, thicker and thinner consistencies - but all very healing for the skin.
We have sunscreens for all tastes: A simple formula for sensitive skin and kids: PURU Suisse.
An aromatic marvel with essential oils and Sea buckthorn from Living Libations.
The luxurious blend from Kari Gran both tinted and non-tinted, a perennial favourite of yours.
And the new everyday cream from Forah, which is super silky, almost invisible and nourishes, hydrates and protects the skin.