Granted, it may not be the most attractive item in your skincare collection, but did you know that the most essential anti-aging product available is sunscreen? Approximately 80–90% of visible indicators of aging are caused by photoaging, or exposure to the sun. The good news is that this may be avoided. You can protect your skin from damaging UV rays that can lead to premature aging, dark spots, fine lines, wrinkles, loss of elasticity, and rough texture by applying sunscreen every day. With so many options for sunscreen, it’s important to choose one that you’ll use consistently, works well for your skin type, and doesn’t irritate or trigger breakouts in order to maintain good SPF habits. We’ll let you in on a little skincare secret, though, before you get carried away with sunscreen recommendations: zinc oxide sunscreen is one of our all-time favorites.
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“Zinc oxide is one of the best sunscreen ingredients that works well for all skin types and tones,” says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Nina Desai. Zinc oxide has a lot of advantages. It is resistant to water and photostable, meaning that it won’t degrade in the sun or in the water while blocking damaging UVA and UVB radiation.
What Is Oxide of Zinc?
Because of its calming, anti-inflammatory qualities, zinc oxide has been used in skincare products for centuries. More recently, though, it has been used in topical treatments for newborns and sensitive skin, such as calamine and diaper creams.
It’s a well-liked and studied component of physical or mineral sunscreens. Zinc oxide sunscreen deflects the sun’s rays while remaining on the skin’s surface, offering immediate protection against sun damage in contrast to chemical sunscreens that penetrate into the skin.
Physical or mineral sunscreens function by coating the skin and reflecting UV radiation away from it. Glo’s Master Aesthetician Anna De La Cruz describes this activity as reflecting UV radiation away from the skin like a mirror. “Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are the only two mineral sunscreen components recognized by the FDA. Since there is less chance of irritation when mineral SPFs are applied topically, they are often the preferred option for skin that is sensitive.
Furthermore, zinc oxide offers strong sun protection. According to Dr. Nina, “It’s referred to as a broad-spectrum sunscreen, so it has one of the broadest UVA coverages of all sunscreen ingredients currently available, plus UVB coverage.” “I love recommending Oil-Free SPF 40+ to my patients because it’s a great daily high factor sunscreen that is safe for reefs, all-mineral, and contains titanium dioxide and zinc oxide for oil-free, high factor sun protection.”
Although the heavy, opaque, white texture of zinc oxide is well-known to cause pale or ashy skin, Anna notes that “many formulations now either use micronized technology to reduce the zinc oxide particle size, so it appears transparent when applied to the skin.” In certain formulas, it’s paired with a translucent, flexible tint for the best application and finish possible in order to assist prevent any ashiness. While Tinted Primer SPF 30 and Protecting Powder SPF 20 both contain zinc oxide sun protection and sheer tints, so you get all that protection plus a little extra color boost too, our C-Shield Anti-Pollution Moisture Tint SPF 30 offers high-factor sun protection infused with vitamin C for extra antioxidant protection plus a sheer, dewy, flexible tint.
Who Should Wear Sunscreen With Zinc Oxide?
To cut a long tale short, everybody. Because zinc oxide sunscreen is a potent anti-inflammatory, those with sensitive skin and more severe skin disorders like rosacea and eczema can benefit from its use. Oil-Free SPF 40+ is an excellent choice for dry and sensitive skin types since it is a daily, pure-mineral SPF that is extremely moisturizing and safe for reefs. Hyaluronic acid is also included to provide an extra hydration boost. Zinc oxide is ideal for skin that is more prone to acne as it acts as a physical sun blocker on the skin’s surface without clogging pores or creating congestion.
Anyone with melasma or hyperpigmentation, two disorders that can be brought on or made worse by the heat and brightness of the sun’s rays, can also benefit greatly from zinc oxide and physical sunscreens. Physical sunscreens block UV light from penetrating the skin without producing heat, so they won’t aggravate pigmentary issues or cause heat and redness within the skin. This is in contrast to chemical sunscreens, which work by absorbing into the skin where they convert the UV rays into heat, then releasing that heat from the skin.
When To Apply Sunscreen With Zinc Oxide
Every day, even throughout the cold, even inside. We’ll repeat what we say. We are exposed to the sun every day, whether we are indoors or out; sun protection is not only for the beach. Additionally, even if the sun’s rays are less intense in the winter, they can still harm skin and induce photoaging. Apply a zinc oxide sunscreen product suitable for your skin type on your face and any other exposed areas of your body, such as your hands, neck, and décolleté, each day.
