Let’s play safe in the sun and do it in the best way!

Sun protection is such a crucial step in maintaining healthy skin that it’s no longer something you can only get from traditional sunscreens. For some time now, skin care and makeup products formulated with SPF have been steadily becoming a thing—from foundation to mists and  moisturizers. And if you’ve been  reviewing the back labels of these products, you’ve likely noticed that ingredient: zinc oxide.

Backed by skin care pros, zinc oxide is considered one of the most effective types of UV protection, but how exactly does it work? And more importantly, what makes zinc oxide sunscreen different from regular SPF? safe in the sun, here we go!

What Is Zinc Oxide?

Zinc oxide is a FDA-approved powdery compound that comes from oxidizing zinc. This oxidation process can occur naturally, resulting in the formation of its mineral form zincite. But because zincite is so rare, most commercial products use a lab-reproduced version of the ingredient.

The use of zinc oxide in skin care is nothing new. Scientists have been studying the compound since the 1930s, and its earliest recorded use can be traced all the way back to a medical text from ancient India. Besides earning a rep as an A-list sunscreen ingredient, zinc oxide is also known for its skin-healing properties and is commonly found in diaper rash creams, acne treatments, and anti-inflammatory creams and lotions.

How Does Zinc Oxide Work in Sunscreens?

Sunscreens come in two different types—chemical and mineral or physical sunscreens—and their main difference lies in how they deal with UV rays. A chemical sunscreen penetrates the skin’s upper layers and works like a sponge. It intercepts the sun’s UV rays and alters their chemical structure before they reach and damage your skin’s deeper layers.

On the other hand, mineral or physical sunscreens act like a shield. Think of them as microscopic hats and umbrellas for your skin. Unlike their chemical counterparts, physical sunscreens don’t get absorbed by the skin. Instead, they sit on the surface, reflecting and scattering UV rays away from your skin, essentially forming a barrier between your complexion and the sun’s radiation. Zinc oxide, together with its SPF bestie titanium dioxide, falls under this category.

 

What Are the Benefits of Zinc Oxide Sunscreen?

When it comes to sun protection, zinc oxide sunscreen is praised for its comprehensive UV-filtering abilities while being gentler on the skin and the environment. 

Broad spectrum defense

As a physical UV filter, zinc oxide provides natural broad-spectrum defense, delivering year-round protection from both UVA and UVB radiations.

Gentle also for sensitive skin

Sunscreens with zinc oxide are gentle and suitable for all skin types, including those with sensitive or highly reactive skin and those coping with conditions like acne and rosacea,  because they don’t penetrate the skin’s layers,

Long-lasting protection

When exposed to direct UV light, zinc oxide sunscreens tend to last longer than chemical SPFs.

Works right away

You typically need to give chemical sunscreens a bit of time (20 to 30 minutes) to get things in order before you can go out in the sun. On the other hand, zinc oxide sunscreen hits the ground running and gets to work immediately.

Skin care benefits

Zinc oxide has been found to have anti-inflammatory properties that support skin healing and soothe conditions

Plus, naturally formulated zinc oxide sunscreens are often packed with good-for-your-skin ingredients that not only enhance your skin’s UV defense but also skin health. This includes powerful hydrators like hyaluronic acid and protection-boosting antioxidants.

Better for the environment

One of the most compelling reasons to switch from chemical to physical sunscreens is their environmental impact. Unlike mineral sunscreens, which are considered reef-safe, chemical sunscreens often contain ingredients that harm marine life and have even prompted some beach destinations like Hawaii to ban certain types of sunscreens. Oxybenzone, for example, is a common chemical sunscreen ingredient that has been linked to coral bleaching.

My top picks for SPF:

Pure spf30 face mineral sun protection cream is a super smooth and gentle cream that will, besides giving you the spf benefits, will deeply nourish and hydrate your skin. You will enjoy applying and reapplaying it becaus eit simply feels like your favourite moisturizer! I, many times, will use it without a moisturizer…

 

Isntree Hyaluronic acid natural sunscreen 50spf- when you need a higher protection, this one ia amazing! No white cast and feels like silk on your akin. Its a korean brand that i really love!

I hope you now know the different, that you keep applying and reapplying your SPF and play safe in the sun!