Why Zinc Oxide Is the Hero Ingredient Your Skin Needs

The Science of Zinc Oxide in Skin Care

Zinc Oxide in Skin Care

Zinc oxide is one of the most effective sunscreens in today’s skin care products. This naturally occurring mineral compound has numerous benefits for healthy, youthful skin.

In this detailed blog post, you’ll learn all about zinc oxide in skin care and how to incorporate it into your daily routine.

Take your free Baumann Skin Type Test today to find the personalized skin care routine that’s best for you!

What is zinc oxide?

Zinc oxide is made up of interconnected zinc and oxygen atoms. In its natural state, it is a fine, white powder.

While zinc itself is an essential trace element for the human body, zinc oxide has unique properties in skin care formulations.

Topically applied zinc oxide is usually deposited in the outermost layer of the skin, rather than penetrating deeper layers. This is key to understanding its mechanism and benefits.

In skin care, zinc oxide is primarily used as a physical broad-spectrum sunscreen.

It protects skin cells from UVA and UVB radiation by reflecting and scattering light waves, preventing them from damaging skin cells.

Before we get started, I want to introduce you to some of my favorite physical sunscreens:

The Science of Zinc Oxide in Skin Care

Zinc oxide is an important mineral for hundreds of bodily functions, and its properties are well-studied.

New studies are constantly being published on the potential benefits and drawbacks of zinc oxide in topical products.

We know that zinc oxide has other skin benefits besides sun protection, which we will discuss in detail below.

Sunscreen with Zinc Oxide

Zinc oxide is the most common ingredient in mineral sunscreens.

Due to its mineral composition and poor skin absorption, zinc oxide effectively blocks UVB rays (wavelength 290-320 nm) and short-wave UVA rays (320-340 nm).

This prevents sunburn, cell mutation, premature skin aging, and skin cancer.

Zinc oxide blocks long-wave UVA1 rays (340-400 nm) better than the mineral titanium dioxide. It provides very broad protection.

Research shows that it not only reflects radiation, but also absorbs a large portion of it.

Zinc Oxide for Melasma

Through UV protection, zinc oxide helps prevent melasma and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, especially for those who are prone to discoloration.

UV rays that trigger excess melanin production are blocked before they reach skin cells. Additionally, oral zinc supplements can treat existing melasma.

Good sun protection is key to treating hyperpigmentation.

Zinc Oxide and Blue Light

Recent studies have shown that zinc oxide can protect the skin from visible blue light emitted by digital devices and fluorescent lights, which can cause premature aging of the skin over time.

While further research is needed, this mineral shows potential to neutralize blue light.

Antimicrobial Effects of Zinc Oxide

Most zinc oxide formulas do not penetrate the skin, but instead stay on the surface of the skin, providing antimicrobial benefits, where nanoparticle zinc oxide has shown antimicrobial properties in studies.

This means that zinc oxide cannot directly treat acne in most cases, and even in nanoparticle form, it is not enough to prevent acne on its own.

Is Zinc Oxide Safe?

Zinc oxide is considered a safe skin care material. Organizations such as EWG rate it 1-3, which is considered safe in most formulas.

CIR also describes it as safe. (10) It is not safe in all formulations because zinc oxide in nanoparticle form can be partially absorbed by the skin.

Zinc is different from some chemical sunscreen filters, which can cause irritation, allergies, or seep into the bloodstream in some people.

Zinc oxide, as a physical blocker that sits on the surface of the skin, is less susceptible to such reactions.

Be sure to wash off thick sunscreens at the end of the day to prevent them from clogging pores. Zinc oxide itself is not comedogenic, but some ingredients it is sometimes combined with can cause it.

Zinc Oxide Product Manufacturing

To achieve the above benefits, zinc oxide must be properly formulated in skin care products. Factors such as shape, coating, and mixing with other ingredients can affect its effectiveness.

Here are some scientific findings on this claim:

Zinc Oxide Particle Size

Depending on the application, zinc oxide has different particle sizes, which can affect its properties and effectiveness:

Nano zinc oxide contains tiny particles less than 0.2 microns in size. This makes them appear transparent on the skin and does not leave a white tint.

However, there are concerns that nanoparticles may penetrate the skin.

Micronized zinc oxide particles are slightly larger, at 0.2–0.3 μm. This particle size minimizes light scattering and ensures clarity, but is still too large to penetrate deeply into the skin.

Micronized zinc oxide offers the best of both worlds.

Larger, non-micronized zinc oxide particles are approximately 0.5–1 μm in size. They tend to leave a thicker, white residue on the skin, but are sometimes used in natural or mineral makeup.

Solid zinc oxide particles are larger than 1 μm and appear noticeably white on the skin.

Although they provide effective UV protection, most consumers consider the white residue cosmetically unacceptable.

The smallest nanoparticles provide the most elegant results, while micronized zinc oxide is too large to be absorbed by the skin, offering a balance between effectiveness and safety.

The best size depends on your skin concerns. Ultimately, the best sunscreen for you is the one you use regularly.

Zinc Oxide Coatings

Zinc oxide particles are coated with various coatings to improve certain properties:

Silicone, dimethicone, and polymer coatings make zinc oxide smoother, more visually appealing, and more water-resistant while enhancing UV protection. They also minimize photoreactivity.

Lecithin, glycerin, and aluminum oxide provide moisture and reduce particle agglomeration.

Larger zinc oxide particles are coated more frequently than smaller zinc oxide particles.

Mixing Zinc Oxide with Other Ingredients

Mixing Zinc Oxide with Other Mineral Sunscreens

While zinc oxide can absorb and reflect a fairly wide range of radiation, it works best when mixed with other ingredients, such as chemical sunscreen ingredients or other minerals, such as titanium dioxide or iron oxide.

To make sure all the ingredients in your sunscreen are working together to improve your skin’s health, take this quiz (coming soon!) and find the best sunscreen for you!

One interesting ingredient that can be used with zinc oxide is diamonds!

Products like Pavise Dynamic Age Defense use the highly reflective surface of diamond powder to significantly increase the radiation protection of your sunscreen. I highly recommend this product.

For our full range of sunscreens and SPF products, click here!

Pavise uses Diamond Core Technology to combine zinc with diamonds to create a clear, vegan, and marine-safe sunscreen that provides sun protection and antioxidants.

Zinc Oxide vs. Titanium Oxide

Like zinc oxide, titanium dioxide acts as a physical UV filter on the skin. However, there are some differences. Here’s how the two mineral sunscreens compare:

Zinc oxide offers slightly better UVA protection, while titanium dioxide offers excellent UVB protection.

Titanium dioxide is more photoreactive, and zinc oxide is more stable.

Titanium dioxide has a higher risk of penetrating the skin.

Zinc oxide is safer and less irritating overall.

In addition to protecting against UV radiation, zinc oxide also protects against blue light and discoloration.

For best results, a combination of the two minerals is ideal. The versatility of zinc oxide makes it an essential ingredient in skincare products.

Fun Facts About Zinc Oxide

The effectiveness and safety of zinc oxide has been scientifically proven. Zinc oxide is more than just a sunscreen.

Look for zinc oxide in sunscreens, moisturizers, serums, and masks to reap its many benefits. Your skin will thank you!

As always, the best skin care includes products tailored to your individual Bowman skin type. We’d be happy to provide you with personalized recommendations for zinc oxide tailored to your needs.

Take a test today and start your journey to healthy skin!

DQH Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek. “Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more. Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals. Sunscreen “We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.” Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup. Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand. Vitamin C Serum “A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging. Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation. Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants. Peptides Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.” Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses. Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively. This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek. At-Home Peel Pads Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate. “The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.” According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says. Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection. KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation. Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids. Emollient Night Cream “In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.” “Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products. Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid. RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme “The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.

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