Sunscreens are a vital ingredient in our skin care regimens. In fact, enough has been said already about why and how we need to apply sunscreens every day no matter what time of the year it is. Efficient sun protection comes from using efficient sunscreens which are comprised of effective 'sun-screening' ingredients.
Zinc Oxide is one of the key ingredients in sunscreen formulations. It is known for its superior sun protection capabilities and preventing skin damage. In fact, it is the safest and most effective ingredient that protects the skin against long wave UVA rays.
Sun Damage by UV Rays
The sun rays are comprised of two types of ultraviolet radiation – UVA and UVB.
The UVA rays penetrate deep within the skin surface and cause damage to the elastic tissues thus accelerating the process of photoaging (skin aging as a result of sun exposure). It also weakens the immune system and increases the risk of skin cancer like melanoma.
UVB rays damage the upper most epidermis layer of the skin and harm the DNA structure of the skin cells. This is because they encourage the formation of oncogenes, genes that transform normal cells into malignant cells, that leads to basal or squamous cell cancer.
Skin Care Benefits of Zinc Oxide
Zinc is an extremely essential element for healthy skin. Apart from sun protection, it is useful for wound healing, acts as an astringent and also helps with the treatment of acne. Here are the potential skin care benefits of the ingredient.
Sun Protection
Zinc oxide provides superior protection against UVB, long wave UVA and short wave UVA radiation. In fact, it is the only ingredient that protects against all three types of radiation.
Wound Healing
Oral supplements as well as topical treatments of zinc oxide help to heal wounds. It helps with bed sores, skin ulcers, surgical incisions, sun burns and other skin irritations. The body requires zinc for the synthesis of collagen, which is consequently responsible for the healing of wounds. Zinc is also required by the body for the proper functioning of enzymes that further work to repair wounds.
Astringent Properties
Astringents are chemical substances that shrink the skin cells and tightens the body tissues. Zinc oxide also has subtle astringent properties and acts as a skin drying agent. It controls inflammations and relieves the skin against irritations and rashes.
Acne Treatments
Zinc also helps to heal acne blemishes, reduce inflammations and control the androgenic hormonal effects on skin that contribute to acne breakouts.
Product Suggestions:
Innovative Skincare SPF 20 Powder Sunscreen – It is a one of its kind powder sunscreen that contains physical UV blockers comprising of 25% titanium dioxide and 20% zinc oxide. This special nanotechnology formulation provides broad spectrum sun protection. It contains micronized mineral filters that protect the skin against sun burns and harmful UVA/B radiations that cause premature aging and skin damage. It is non-comedogenic and thus does not clog skin pores. Moreover, it is free of fragrances and doesn’t irritate the skin at all. The Innovative Skincare SPF 20 Powder Sunscreen is available in translucent base or sun medium. It has a brush for easy application.
Innovative Skincare Treatment Sunscreen 25 – This sunscreen provides broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection and repairs sun damage. It reduces redness and painful inflammation for all skin types including oily, acneic, and Rosacea. It contains microfine zinc oxide and microencapsulated organic sunscreens combined with powerful antioxidant botanicals centella, astiatica, olive leaf extract, and pure vitamin E to help protect and heal.
Nia 24 Sun Damage Prevention SPF 30 – This is a physician recommended lotion with dual action mechanism. It prevents sun damage and also acts as a 100% mineral sunscreen. It is weightless, oil free and gets absorbed into the skin almost instantly. It is even suitable for sensitive skin types. It contains micronized Titanium Dioxide and micronized Zinc Oxide along with Vitamin E and Alpha Bisabolol.
Dr. Marilynn Syrett is a graduate from Western University of Health Sciences, College of Osteopathic Medicine Of The Pacific. She has authored several articles about skin care products like Acne skin care products, Sun Tanning & Sunscreens and so on.