Are you looking for sustainable sunscreen for the summer? Then you have certainly come across zinc oxide sunscreen during your search. What is zinc oxide actually? What does zinc oxide do on the skin? And how does mineral sunscreen work? In this blog, we dive deeper into the ingredient list of our mineral sunscreen and list the most frequently asked questions for you. This way, you know what you are putting on your body. And together, this summer too, we are one step closer to planet-friendly living!
What is zinc oxide?
Zinc oxide is the ingredient that protects you from the sun in most mineral sunscreens. It is a mineral that occurs naturally, but can also be produced synthetically. It has many active properties and is therefore a common ingredient in cosmetics and pharmaceutical products. The mineral zinc oxide works as a broad-spectrum UV filter, and thus zinc oxide sunscreen protects you against UVA and UVB radiation. This helps prevent sunburn and counters skin aging.
What does zinc oxide do on the skin?
We will tell you all about zinc oxide in natural sunscreen in a moment. Zinc oxide is widely used: Zinc oxide protects the skin and has a slightly drying effect, which is why it is also used in other pharmaceutical products, such as:
- Sunscreen: zinc oxide particles remain on the skin and act as a physical filter against UV radiation. It is the active ingredient in most mineral sunscreens.
- Cold sore: zinc oxide is also used for the treatment of cold sores. It helps dry out the skin and counters pain and itching. For this, pharmacies sell zinc oxide paste, oil, or lotion.
- Eczema: for weeping eczema, zinc oxide lotion, paste, oil, or ZOK ointment helps dry out the skin a bit. It also helps to cool the skin and quickly reduces itching. A doctor can prescribe this.
Tip for dry skin Zinc oxide can have a slightly drying effect. If you suffer from drier skin after using mineral sunscreen, use a nice body lotion or soft day cream with moisturizing ingredients. This way, you can enjoy the sunbeams and let your own skin shine again.
How does mineral sunscreen work?
Environmentally friendly: When chemical sunscreen ends up in the water, harmful substances also end up in the water. When zinc oxide sunscreen gets into the water, zinc oxide dissolves slowly and turns into zinc ions through a natural process. Zinc ions also occur naturally in the sea. As a result, natural sunscreen does not add chemical, harmful substances. The content of zinc ions does increase in the sea and there are studies suggesting that this can have a negative effect on marine life. However, the contribution of mineral sunscreen to this is likely negligibly small compared to industry. In addition, it is currently the most environmentally friendly and safe choice.
Also for your own skin:
The mineral sunscreen contains zinc oxide particles that are not nano. Particles smaller than nano level are absorbed by the skin. You don't want that. The zinc oxide particles are non-nano and therefore remain on the skin. This creates a physical barrier that blocks both UVA and UVB radiation.
Why choose mineral sunscreen?
Mineral sunscreen, or zinc oxide sunscreen, has several advantages over traditional sunscreen.
- Traditional sunscreen absorbs UV radiation and converts it into heat, while zinc oxide actually reflects UV radiation.
- Zinc oxide filters protect immediately after application, so you don't have to wait.
- The particles are not absorbed by your skin, which means zinc oxide sunscreen often causes less irritation.
- Zinc oxide sunscreen is considered reef-safe, making it suitable for use at tropical destinations.
- No other harmful substances like in this mineral sunscreen from Sol de Ibiza
Which zinc oxide sunscreen do you choose?
Are you still looking for a mineral sunscreen for the coming summer? Before you head out, check the shelf life of your current sunscreen. That way, you can head into the summer protected and with peace of mind! Whether you choose this zinc oxide sunscreen or one of our other sustainable or hypoallergenic options. If you order them now, you will be prepared for all those sunny days.