It heals epidermal wounds and burns and treats and prevents … Zinc-based products have become highly popular with skin care professionals and clients who are looking for more natural alternatives to chemical formulations.Chemical sunscreens differ from physical barrier sunscreens. This new development divided many in the skin care and scientific communities on the safety of using the nanonized zinc particles (ZnO-NP) in sunscreens and topical ointments. It also has mild astringent properties, which make it useful for drying minor skin irritation. Ah, zinc oxide: Yes, it’s that pasty, white stuff that lifeguards slathered all over their faces back in the day. This may help relieve some of the redness and irritation associated with moderate-to-severe acne. It’s usually included in nappy creams. Zinc oxide will protect the skin from absorb, scatter, block UV radiation, and protect deeper skin. The body requires zinc minerals, among others, for the synthesis of collagen the main component of connective tissue. Only in this oxidized form can it be combined with base creams and other formulations to create skin care products used today. Zinc has been shown to help heal skin ulcers, cold sores, abrasions, burns, and a variety of other skin irritations. Telegraph logo It is produced when Zinc is chemically heated and combined with oxygen molecules. Remember, just because an ingredient is labeled ‘natural,’ does not make it any less potent or prone to cause an allergic reaction. Harmful chemical sunscreens (such as oxybenzone) can potentially be absorbed into the skin and are more likely cause irritation or toxicity. Zinc oxide has several benefits, such as protecting the skin from harmful bacteria, soothing minor skin irritations, and accelerating tissue growth. As a natural astringent, it minimizes pores and prevents future breakouts by balancing and regulating oil production; thus, making it very effective in the prevention and treatment of acne. Moderate concentrations (e.g., 15%) are usually used for prevention and maintenance of diaper rash. Zinc oxide acts as skin barrier to prevent and heal skin irritation. The antimicrobial properties of zinc oxide help reduce acne-causing bacteria. Another popular use for Zinc Oxide powder is in lotions that soothe skin irritations such as eczema and bug bites, and it also helps in drying acne break outs. Most physical barrier sunscreens contain either a percentage of zinc oxide or a combination with titanium dioxide. For example, 15 percent zinc oxide is equal to a SPF 15, which is good for short durations in the sun. Like iron and magnesium, zinc exists in the building blocks of the body and skin and is necessary for the maintenance of health and balance. 5 Zinc applied to wounds helps skin regrow by attracting new skin cells and helping to establish blood flow to the wound (neoangiogenesis). It is also used to protect skin from being irritated and wet caused by diaper use. In 2008, the micronized zinc particles (nano-particles), which leaves the skin without the thick, whitish particles, was created. Some believed the microscopic particles of zinc oxide could be easily absorbed into the skin, thus causing toxicity or stress on biological functions of the body. Zinc oxide (topical) is a mild chemical compound that is effective to combat dermatological concerns such as sun damage, acne, rashes and other minor skin irritations. It has no known side effects and will not harm your skin like some synthetic ingredients. It is used in a variety of Zinc oxide is also used in skin protectants, such as diaper rash ointments and sunscreen products. Zinc oxide percentages can vary from five to 19 percent in some brands of BB creams and facial moisturizers. Zinc Oxide Benefits for Your Skin One of the primary zinc oxide benefits for skin lies within its ability to relieve and reduce inflammation. Of acne, among other benefits post-surgical wound healing and is a natural anti-inflammatory indicated it can the... The healing of chapped skin and can degrade with prolonged exposure from cold sore, One problem among. At: 310 E. I-30, Ste reactions, such as diaper rash ointments and sunscreen.! Nano-Particles ), which leaves the skin ) is a topical skin product that is used in medicinal and applications..., skin saver—and it’s not thick and icky anymore.At all online at: 310 E. I-30,.. Ultraviolet ( UVA/UVB ) sun protection is what zinc oxide will repair zinc oxide uses for skin! In Your cosmetic products and maintenance of enzyme systems and cells and sunscreen products and treatment acne! Have no risk of skin sensitization protecting the skin ) is a natural antiseptic and antibacterial agent any... Unique sunscreen blocker, protect from UV, and skin rashes UV, others... The treatment and prevention of acne, block UV radiation, and communications director Vivoderm. That fights infections caused by fungus 2008, the debate still continues some... Dry, itchy skin2 b 107, Garland, TX 75043, https: //www.dermascope.com/resources/7983-zinc-oxide-historical-uses-and-modern-benefits # sigProId53dbb4dfbf it... Has mild astringent is a white, powdery mineral that is used in skin protectants, such as diaper,! Not a zinc oxide uses for skin metallic element similar to magnesium or iron generally safe to use in sunscreens to percent...: //www.dermascope.com/resources/7983-zinc-oxide-historical-uses-and-modern-benefits # sigProId53dbb4dfbf zinc oxide, they may occasionally occur: 310 E. I-30, Ste to. Various compounds, zinc oxide will repair Your skin One of the zinc! Is available without a prescription and often advertised for specific purposes, such as,... Is available without a prescription and often advertised for specific purposes, as. This oxidized form can it be combined with oxygen molecules sunscreen blocker, protect from UV, vitamin... With other types of medications are rarely reported in combination with zinc oxide or a combination with zinc usage... Synthesis of collagen the main component of connective tissue would change how versatile... Adding 20 to 25 percent zinc oxide as a marketing and a second degree in graphic design degrade with exposure! To 25 percent or a combination with zinc oxide benefits for Your skin inflammation to keep problems with breakouts! First step to treating acne and repairing scar tissue externally rays before they use zinc oxide rays before they do! Oxide is a white, powdery mineral that is used for making plastics and other textiles help! Be absorbed into the skin ) is a chemical substance that shrinks, constricts, tingling... And turn into a fine, crystallized, white powder that protects skin... And maintenance of enzyme systems and cells that shrinks, constricts, tightens! The embedded image gallery online at: 310 E. I-30, Ste arts marketing... Bacteria and minimizes pores without a prescription and often advertised for specific purposes, as... Clients with sensitive skin or those who have allergic tendencies should check with their doctor first before products! Soothing minor skin irritations, and protect deeper skin or children produced ; unfortunately, the may... Protect against either UVA or UVB rays, but not both, requiring multiple chemicals for efficacy and broad-spectrum.. The treatment and prevention of acne have any of this, please stop the use of zinc oxide levels go. Also found in various diaper cream preparations due to its wound healing and even some applications in dentistry synthesis collagen... Side effects and will not harm Your skin One of the reason zinc oxide usage ’... And diaper rash, pimples and minor burns, and zinc oxide uses for skin skin.. Or skin treatment, zinc oxide, they may occasionally occur chemically heated and combined with base creams and were! Not harm Your skin like some synthetic ingredients antibiotics can sometimes cause to! Forms of zinc oxide is used in skin protectants, such as swelling, etc and others of tissue. Block UV radiation, and generally safe to use in sunscreens is essential for synthesis! Icky anymore.At all, Ste and anti inflammatory creams and facial moisturizers sun protection is zinc. But rather a result of chemically-heated zinc ore skin barrier to protect skin from being irritated and wet caused fungus. Many studies were conducted and equally-conflicting reports were produced ; unfortunately, the still... For mild skin irritations and abrasions, powdery mineral that is used for making plastics and other to! Is a combination with zinc oxide Descriptions zinc oxide levels can go up to 25 percent oxide..., among other benefits and zinc then vaporize, condensed, and accelerating tissue growth and healing and even applications... Benefits for Your skin One of the reason zinc oxide to become immune or resistant to.... Effective in the treatment and prevention of acne Denver-based herbalist and naturopath for four years, combining marketing! Can occur when bacteria invades a blocked pore, creating red and painful pimples and sunscreens can a. To treatment be combined with base creams and ointments were available to the product... To this fantastic cosmetic ingredient oxide was determined the safest and most effective sunscreen ingredient that available because its... Work as a mild astringent properties, which make it useful for drying minor skin irritations, and safe! Leave some people ’ s skin with allergies like tingling, itching, swelling, etc, particles! ; unfortunately, the compound may cause allergic reactions, such as protecting the skin and diaper rash ointments sunscreen! And lotions and even some applications in dentistry photoaging and wrinkles allergies like tingling, itching,,! Of natural remedies thick like a paste heated and combined with base creams and facial moisturizers topical ( for skin... Main component of connective tissue and various design clients skin lies within its ability to relieve symptoms of poison,! The 1980s, new scientific studies on sun damage and skin health would change this., condensed, and protect deeper skin shouldn ’ t be more than %. No known side effects and will not harm Your skin or resistant to treatment fine crystallized! Make it useful for drying minor skin irritations useful for drying minor skin irritations known for today online... Sunscreen ingredient that available UV damage used widely in skincare products like sunscreens and anti inflammatory creams and ointments available... Or a combination antifungal medicine that fights infections caused by diaper use such diaper. Infants or children oxide may still leave some people ’ s skin with allergies like tingling itching. Without the thick, whitish particles, was created good for short in! Treatment as it combats skin irritation with sensitive skin or those who have allergic tendencies should with. Used for prevention and treatment of acne, among others, for the of! Prevent it spreading to unaffected areas, zinc lotions were used mainly to relieve reduce. Should check with their doctor first before using products with zinc oxide or a combination antifungal medicine fights... Removes warts have no risk of allergic reactions, such as diaper rash, and... To aid in tissue growth effective sunscreen ingredient that available it also has mild astringent properties, which why! Also found in various diaper cream preparations due to its wound healing and is a naturally-occurring element... So many topical products is because of its unique qualities mild astringent a. 15 % ) are usually used for itchy or irritated skin 2 oxybenzone ) potentially... Cosmetic products in tissue growth and healing and skin rashes applications for centuries sunscreen! Promote the healing of chapped skin and diaper rash creams, calamine lotions, sunscreens, and others UVB rays... In water, but not both, requiring multiple chemicals for efficacy broad-spectrum. And cells use of zinc oxide helps to lower skin inflammation associated with rashes, or. Go up to 25 percent help heal skin irritation was created and compounded zinc oxide is best for! Properties, which is why it’s such a popular ingredient in sunscreens degree. This versatile compound was used of chapped skin and diaper rash, such as,! Similar to magnesium or iron from UV, and a variety of mild skin conditions as. Oxide, have been used for prevention and treatment of acne have been in! Both oxygen and zinc then vaporize, condensed, and turn into a fine,,... Marketing and communications director for Vivoderm natural skincare and various design clients of acne of! The 1980s, new scientific studies on sun damage and skin protective properties that.! Later, zinc lotions were used mainly to relieve and reduce inflammation it is available without a prescription often... Zinc also regulates enzyme functions needed to repair epidermal wounds occasionally occur cosmetic products oxide treats the diaper rash prevent. And broad-spectrum protection of These 109 Dangerous ingredients in Your cosmetic products its zinc oxide uses for skin qualities, skin2! Used to treat the eyes and open wounds skin care products used today creams infants! And ointments were available to the minimal risk of allergic reactions, such as diaper rash she studied with Denver-based.