What is Zinc Oxide?
Basically it’s a white powder made from oxidising zinc.
Have you heard of it? You most probably have used it many times before.
Zinc Oxide is a common active ingredient found in sunscreens, Nappy rash creams, calamine lotions, etc. Zinc oxide is most commonly added to topical solutions such as moisturisers, sunscreens, makeup products like foundations, and so on.
So what’s so good about this white powder?
Well, let me tell you…
1. Protects from sun damage.
Research has found that zinc has natural sun protection benefits.
Zinc Oxide reflects and absorbs the harmful UVA and UVB rays. This blocks the harmful rays from penetrating your skin. However the efficacy of this ingredient completely depends on its concentration.
Usually sunscreens contain
25% to 30% of zinc oxide.
ALLEVIATE has 15% Zinc Oxide
2. Heals the skin
Zinc has a natural ability to heal wounds.
People suffering from skin damage like sunburn, tenderness, or wounds (big and small) can use zinc oxide to heal the skin from within and soothe it.
3. Controls excess oil
Are you a person like me who has oily skin?
Well Zinc Oxide can help here too. It works as an astringent when you apply it topically.
It controls the oil formation beneath the skin and prevents oil from being produced.
This also helps to maintain the oil balance which also decreases the risk of acne breakouts.
4. Goodbye Acne
Studies have shown that the anti-inflammatory properties of Zinc help to treat skin conditions such as acne. (As well as the whole oil balance thing above). Zinc also helps kill the bacteria that cause the breakouts in the first place.
5. Prevents Bacterial Infections –
Zinc is antimicrobial & anti-inflammatory. As mentioned earlier, it can heal wounds.
These qualities help to lower the chances of bacterial infection. A 2003 study suggested that Zinc Oxide decreases the risk of developing a bacterial infection by preventing the internalisation of the bacteria.
Uses of Zinc Oxide.
1. As a sunscreen.
Remember sunscreen needs to be applied 30 minutes before you go out into the sun. To completely protect yourself from sun damage, use high quality sunscreen and apply to your face, neck, top of the ears and basically anywhere the sun can get to.
Remember Slip, slop, slap.
2. As a cream.
To treat acne you may use a small amount of our ALLEVIATE on your blemishes after you have washed the area. Remember to do a spot check before applying to large areas.
You can check with your doctor if you have any concerns about using Zinc Oxide.
3. As a healer
Using ALLEVIATE to heal a wound.
Clean the wound first, apply to the top of the wound and cover. You may wish to wrap a bandage around the area. Or allow it to dry.
You can apply ALLEVIATE whenever you feel the need.
Precautions and side effects
Zinc Oxide does not cause any severe side effects. Products containing Zinc Oxide could be combined with other ingredients that may cause symptoms.
In the rare case you develop any side effects, please seek medical help. Also, if you are already allergic to this particular ingredient, avoid using it. In case you have any other allergy or skin condition, consult your doctor before using topical Zinc Oxide. It may worsen the situation rather than doing any good for your skin. If you are pregnant or lactating, please consult your doctor before using any product with Zinc Oxide.
Useful tips
1. Always do a patch test before using Zinc Oxide on the skin.
2. Never apply to fresh, bleeding wounds.
3. If you have dry skin, use ALLEVIATE along with a moisturiser to prevent your skin from drying out. We suggest using our Goat Milk Moisturiser.
4. If you are using any medication, consult your doctor before using ALLEVIATE
5. DO NOT use Zinc Oxide as an internal medicine.
6. Avoid using Zinc Oxide near your eyes. Zinc Oxide is mostly safe for all skin types. It suits sensitive and acne-prone skin.