Guarding your skin against the sun’s rays is the key to minimize serious signs of UV damage to the skin, along with collagen degradation and the other signs of premature facial aging, including thinning, sagging and the loss of volume. Judicious sun protection not only reduces the appearance of wrinkles and hyperpigmentation, but also slows the depletion of collagen levels and is a preventive measure against skin cancer.
Out of the several known sun protection agents, ‘Zinc Oxide’ and Titanium Dioxide are the only two EWG-approved natural sunscreen ingredients. But did you know that Zinc Oxide has many other skin care benefits as well? Here’s what Zinc Oxide can do for your skin:
What is Zinc Oxide?
Zinc Oxide (ZnO) is a powder form, inorganic earth mineral derived naturally from the mineral ‘Zincite’. When topically applied, *Properly micronized Zinc Oxide is scientifically proven to provide protection against UVA, UVB, and UVC radiation, which are responsible for skin cancer and aging.
*Make sure any product you buy with Zinc Oxide does not have ‘ZinClear’ in it as it has been micronized into ‘nano-particles’ which can penetrate the skin/blood barrier, ie; end up in your bloodstream! ZinClear has been banned almost everywhere in the world except the USA..
ZnO microparticles are used in sun lotions/sunscreen to ‘reflect’ (deflect or scatter) the sun’s ultraviolet rays away from the skin. Such physical sunscreens (also called sunblocks) give ‘barrier protection’ and (with the exception noted above) unlike chemicals like Oxybenzones, these don’t get absorbed into the skin
Some of the other benefits of Zinc Oxide base:
- They are safe to be used on babies and during pregnancy.
- Provides instant protection.
- Less likely to irritate hypersensitive skin.
- Has a longer shelf-life.
- It is non-allergenic and non-comedogenic (pore clogging).
However, it’s important to reapply physical sunscreens after every 2 hours (or after swimming/sweating/exposure to water) to ensure that the skin stays protected every minute.
Zinc Oxide is More than a Sunscreen
Zinc Oxide sits on the skin’s outer layer and works as a powerful physical barrier. Besides being an active sunscreen ingredient, it is extremely efficient at reducing uneven skin texture, dark spots, and hyperpigmentation.
A dietary zinc deficiency slows down the healing process, thus topical replacement can facilitate repair and slow down the natural aging of the skin. Zinc Oxide improves laxity and firmness, seals in moisture, and boosts tissue repair with mild astringent properties that regulate oil production, while reducing the appearance of large pores, and checking acne.
How to Use Zinc Oxide?
Zinc oxide is a generic drug and is readily available in many over the counter creams/lotions/medications. However, it is important to use it in the correct concentration and form for optimum results without any side effects.
Zinc Oxide in its raw form is very thick in consistency and can leave an unwanted white cast. Therefore, it is refined and micronized in our organic sunscreen to make it easy to apply without casting any white sheen. A concentration of 20-25% of Zinc Oxide works efficiently as natural ‘SPF in sunscreens’ (learn more). ‘No nano particles’ also ensure that it is reef safe and eco-friendly.
Being the active SPF in our SunProtect SPF 30+, Zinc Oxide not only provides broad spectrum sun protection, but it also allows better absorption of other ayurvedic botanicals in the formula. Zinc Oxide in sunscreens is suitable for all skin types/doshas.
When choosing the best sunscreen for you and your family, ensure that it is made from natural ingredients. Some of the keywords to look for in a sunscreen are – Broad Spectrum, Natural, Organic, Water Resistant, Mineral-based, EWG Approved, among others.
