Zinc Oxide and Zinc Sunscreens

Zinc oxide has been used to protect the delicate skin of babies since the early days and chances are you had it on your buns too to prevent and cure diaper rash. You can ask your mother about it.

And maybe you can remember it from the times your mother has put in on your skin to prevent you from getting a sunburn so you can easily say that zinc oxide has a long history as a protecting aid. Historical reports show that the Greeks have used it as early as 500BC as a salve for treating eyes and small wounds.

Zinc Oxide, what is it?

You probably know Zinc Oxide (ZnO) as white powdery stuff that is insoluble in water and it consists of one zinc atom (Zn) and one oxygen atom (O). It comes from the mineral zincite.

What kind of Zinc Oxide does Happinesz use?

Happinesz is very much concerned with the environment hence we use ingredients that will not harm the environment.
For our mineral zinc sunscreens we use non-coated and non-nano zinc oxide that is considered to be coral reef safe. This mineral ingredient does not penetrate the skin and will not end up in your bloodstream nor will it end up in the bloodstream of any animals. That is why it can be used in lipsticks and in mineral zinc sunscreens. Did you know that an average person who uses lip balms or lipsticks will swallow about 2 kilograms of it in a lifetime?

How well do mineral zinc oxide sunscreens protect your skin
from the sun?

Mineral zinc oxide sunscreens protect your skin from dangerous UVA and UVB sunrays by reflecting and effectively blocking Ultraviolet (UV) light waves that come from the sun and reach the earth's surface.

Also it is photo stable because it resists change in the presence of light and that is a very valuable property of ZnO.

There are three types of UV rays:
UVA has the longest wavelength so it will penetrate deeper into the skin and will cause more damage to the skin as well.
UVA rays are known to cause skin cancer, wrinkles, dark spots on the skin and more.
And that is exactly why dermatologists strongly recommend to always use sunscreens. It doesn't harm to use it daily and especially when you live in a sunny climate. Even on sunny winter days it is good to use a mineral  zinc sunscreen.
UVB are the sunrays that give you the sunburn.
UVC are a lesser concern, as the ozone layer will block these rays before it reaches the earth's surface. But be aware that depletion of the ozone layer can be of a great concern as they protect the skin from the UVC rays.

What skin types have the greatest profit of mineral zinc oxide sunscreens?

Mineral zinc oxide sunscreens are beneficial for all skin types. With the latest technologies we are using and the high quality of the zinc oxide we use, the whiteness of the zinc is almost not occurring anymore. Our mineral zinc oxide sunscreens are velvety smooth and invisible.

Wearing sunscreen is very important and sunburn may not always occur at first but over the years sun damage may show up in the form of skin cancer, the appearance of prematurely aged skin, uneven skin tones, dark spots and rough and dry skin.

How is ZnO working compared with chemical SPF?

Sunscreens with chemical SPF will not block longer wave UVA rays and are harming the reefs. In some countries in the world they are being banned and many countries will follow in the near future.

Another huge advantage of mineral sunscreens with ZnO is that they are made with skin caring and moisturizing ingredients that will even help against dry skin, eczema and other skin problems.

Some other things for consideration are:

• Chemicals in sun care products can be absorbed by the skin while the mineral sunscreens with ZnO create a (invisible) layer on the skin like a barrier.
• Besides that no chemicals will be penetrating the skin, there are only organic moisturizing ingredients that will penetrate the skin for protection against sunburn and drying out of the skin.
• People with a sensitive skin better tolerate zinc oxide.
• Younger skin and sensitive skin and skin affected by psoriasis and eczema which have all a weaker barrier are more prone to be effected by chemicals in sunscreens.

Other benefits of Zinc Oxide

It keeps the skin moisturized as it forms an active protective layer and prevents water loss from the skin. This is important because as we age the skin's natural ability to regulate moisture slowly decreases. And because it locks in moisture it also has a great anti-aging benefit.

Antibacterial
Besides being used in mineral sunscreens as a protective layer against UV rays it is also known having antibacterial properties so it keeps the products stable and helps the body to protect against bacteria. It also helps against acne and it supports wound healing.

Are there any negative aspects to consider?

Zinc oxide has more positive benefits like the fact that it can heal small skin problems like rashes and it is also non-comedogenic. (Not clogging pores)

Zinc Oxide has the benefits of being non-irritating and being non-allergenic.

Chemical sunscreens are known to contain ingredients that can clog pores and are positively affecting acne. You certainly must avoid sunscreens with oxybenzone, octocrylene and cinnamates.

With nowadays technologies it is possible to make a zinc oxide sunscreen that doesn't leave a white or grayish hue on the skin. It took us a couple of years to find the perfect ingredients and formulas to accomplish this.

Side affects of zinc oxide.

Although it is non-cormogenic and anti-allergenic and mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide are safe to use, not all people are the same. Some people may be allergic and when skin allergies occur you must not continue to use it. People with allergies should consult a doctor before they apply anything on their skin.

Nothing looks better in your fifties or sixties than wearing sunscreens in your twenties.