As per the American Academy of Dermatology, every day 20-21 people die from Melanoma (a type of skin cancer that produces skin pigment) in the United States. Though it accounts for 1% of all diagnosed cancers, its impact is significant. This is due to its aggressive spread and comparatively higher mortality rates.
But what really causes Melanoma? None other than the exposure to UV radiation which causes DNA damage in skin cells.
There are several steps you can take to prevent it. These include decreasing exposure to direct sunlight and avoiding tanning beds. But today, we’ll be discussing Zinc Oxide for Sun Protection.
Why is Zinc Oxide Still the Gold Standard for Sun Protection?
Known for its antiseptic and astringent properties, Zinc Oxide is an inorganic compound made of Zinc and Oxygen (a natural mineral with a synthetic compound) – hence, ZnO. It is commonly used in creams and medicines due to its ability to reduce inflammation and protect against irritants.
Dermas used to call ZnO tiny mirrors, as unlike chemical sun protection, it does not absorb the UV but reflects it entirely. Before we move further, you must be well aware of the different wavelengths of the UV rays.
I’ll summarize this up real quick as the industry has categorized these into 3 different types of UV radiation.
UVA: These have the longest wavelength and comprise about 95% of the total radiation that reaches the Earth’s surface. It penetrates deeply into the skin and is responsible for premature aging, tanning and also contributes to skin cancer.
UVB: The UVB rays have a shorter wavelength but higher energy as compared to UVA and affect the outer part of the skin. Most of these rays are absorbed by our planet’s ozone layer but these still manage to surpass that. UVB rays are responsible for sunburns and also contribute to the development of skin cancer.
UVC: With the shortest wavelength, UVC rays have the highest energy of all UV radiation. Fortunately, these do not surpass the surface of the Earth. And therefore, we’re safe from any type of skin issues, but they can cause eye damage.
What we’ve learned so far is that our skin is safe from UVC rays but requires protection from UVA and UVB radiation.
Why Zinc Oxide?
Chemical sunscreens that claim to protect your skin from any sun damage bring excellent protection from the UVB rays. But it becomes a challenge for them to block UVA radiation. Unlike chemical sunscreens, ZnO solutions like vizorsun.com excel at blocking both UVA & UVB radiation.
Zinc Oxide’s molecular properties allow it to scatter all over the skin and contrary to absorbing the UV rays, it reflects all the wavelengths of UV rays and that makes it one of the best gold standards for sun protection.
Why Do Dermatologists Choose Zinc Oxide First?
We have already discussed much about why Zinc Oxide is the gold standard for sun protection but there’s more to why you must choose ZnO physical sunscreen than other sunscreen that only protects you from partial UV radiation.
- Non-comedogenic – The reason why ZnO sunscreens are considered better is also because they don’t cause comedones commonly known as black and whiteheads and won’t clog pores.
- Effective for All Skin Types- Zinc oxide sunscreen can be a safer option as compared to other chemical based sunscreens. ZnO is known for its light sun protection without causing any harm to the skin. Thus, no matter what your skin type is, you can always opt for a ZnO sunscreen.
- FDA approval history- FDA has put ZnO in a “generally recognised as safe and effective” category making it a safer option. FDA says that zinc oxide along with titanium dioxide can be used in sunscreens.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is too much zinc oxide harmful for my skin?
If you use 15-25% zinc oxide sunscreen, it can be enough for you. Zinc oxide sits on your skin and doesn’t get absorbed which makes it a safer option and can be used in a good quantity.
Is it safe to use ZnO sunscreen everyday?
You must use sunscreen everyday, even ZnO because it’s gentle on the skin, it won’t irritate or harm your skin. Since UV exposure doesn’t stop even on cloudy days, using a ZnO sunscreen everyday is recommended.
Can a pregnant or breastfeeding woman use zinc sunscreen?
ZnO sunscreens are one of the safest options for breastfeeding or pregnant ladies. As it doesn’t get absorbed in your skin, it won’t harm it.
How often should I apply a ZnO sunscreen?
You should reapply every 2 hours or after you’ve come out of a pool, or started sweating. Basically, right after it has been wiped off because although zinc oxide is waterproof, it can still get wiped off so reapplying is the key.
Do Zno sunscreens expire?
All sunscreens including the zinc oxide expire, and their effectiveness gradually decreases as they reach their expiration date.
Does zinc oxide sunscreen leave white residue?
With time, the formulation of these sunscreens have changed. Thus, there are brands such as Vizor, which offer sunscreens that don’t leave a chalky white residue or white cast. You just need to apply a thin layer and keep reapplying.
Final Thoughts
It’s not about sunburn prevention alone – it’s about maintaining your long-term health and avoiding lethal diseases like melanoma. As 20-21 Americans die from this deadly cancer each day, sun care becomes a habit to add to your daily regimen, not an afterthought for a day at the beach.
Zinc oxide is the best bet largely due to the fact that it does something that most chemical sunscreens simply can’t: it keeps you safe from UVA and UVB rays without actually penetrating your skin. It’s like wearing a personal skin shield, bouncing those yucky rays off of you rather than absorbing them.
If you have sensitive skin, are pregnant, or simply desire the best coverage out there, zinc oxide completely has your back. That white cast you used to tolerate that scared people off is largely a thing of the past now, thanks to improved formulas that match well on all skin types.
Your skin’s got your back for life – so look after it. Use zinc oxide, apply it every day, and don’t forget to reapply. Your future self will seriously thank you for making this easy but good choice in your everyday life.