Zinc Oxide: Skin 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 as an after-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 acne and 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 greyish 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. Blending these 2 is a great idea: you can customize the consistency and colour you need on any given day.
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 - one thing is vital: all sunscreens are 100% natural and are nurturing and healing for the skin.
We have sunscreens for all tastes:
An aromatic marvel with essential oils and seabuckthorn from Living Libations.
The luxurious blend from Kari Gran, both tinted and non-tinted, is a perennial favourite of our customers.
And the new everyday light cream from Forah is super silky, almost invisible, nourishes, hydrates, and protects the skin.
When taken internally, it will optimize the external application of Zinc. Here is a gentle on the stomach, and very effective, Ionic Zinc to take internally: Liquid Ionic Zinc.