The Benefits of Zinc Oxide Sunscreen
It’s finally summertime! Time to hit the beach, play outdoor sports, or enjoy music festivals and food fairs all over town.
But remember, if you don’t protect your skin from harmful UV rays, being out and about might take a toll on your body that lasts long past the summer season. Sun protection can’t be an afterthought — consider using a zinc sunscreen to protect yourself.
What is Zinc Oxide Sunscreen and How Does it Work?
Zinc oxide is one of 17 ingredients approved by the Federal Drug Administration for use in sunscreens. This is because the zinc oxide particles rest on the outermost layer of skin, where they scatter, reflect, and absorb ultraviolet radiation.
This protects the lower layers of skin from UVA, UVB, and UVC rays from the sun, making zinc oxide a broad-spectrum blocking agent.
Why Should I Purchase Zinc Oxide Sunscreen?
Because zinc oxide is a metal that’s been oxidized, sunscreens containing it, such as SolRX's SPF 50 Zinc Sunscreen and Zinc Sunscreen Face Stick, are considered mineral rather than chemical, and are therefore more natural than most of the sunscreens currently on the market.
That makes it better for your body and better for the environment. When zinc oxide is the active ingredient in sunscreen, it can be safe and effective without introducing chemicals to your skin.
Are there any Concerns in Using Zinc Sunscreens?
Zinc oxide is very safe; you may have already encountered it in topical ointments such as calamine lotion and diaper creams. The main disadvantage to Zinc Sunscreens is that you generally have to use more of it to get to a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 30, than you would with other sport sunscreens.
This can make zinc oxide sunscreens more expensive initially, however, you don't need to reapply as often, so they can be effectively cheaper. Also, zinc generally shows up white on skin instead of clear, and the more you use, the more the whitening effect, and some people don’t like that. In response, companies like SolRX have created clear zinc products that apply cleanly.
Ultimately, to get the best protection from the sun you should utilize a combination of strategies - including covering up with clothing and staying in the shade. If you are going to expose skin, zinc oxide sunscreen can provide a natural and beneficial alternative to chemical sunscreens, and offer a very effective amount of protection from dangerous UV rays.
