Diving Into Zinc Oxide And Why It Is Better For Your Skin

Between protecting our skin from sun damage, and limiting its chemical impact on the ocean, if there is one ingredient within our all-day cream that should be highlighted, it is definitely Zinc Oxide. 

Zinc Oxide is a natural protection that makes up our SPF 30 label. SPF translates to Sun Protection Factor. Its rating, on the other hand, relates to how long you can stay in the sun without getting burnt, depending on your skin sensitivity. If you’ve read our “Simple guide to SPF”, you also know that with SPF comes UV protection - or more precisely UVA and UVB - and that not all sunscreens are created equal. 

Some will only protect you from one type of UV. Some will be filled with chemicals like Oxybenzone - which negatively impacts the ocean. Some will come with plastic packaging, while others will irritate your skin. 

So, how is Zinc Oxide different from other sunscreens? And how does it work with your skin and the ocean? 

Understanding Zinc Oxide

Zinc Oxide is a natural metal element created from a combination of zincite mineral and oxygen. There are two types of zinc oxide: Nano-zinc and non-nano zinc. The nano component of zinc refers to the size of the zinc particles. And while this may seem irrelevant, the particle size does influence the way zinc oxide impact the skin and the ocean. 

To get nano-zinc, the beauty industry microsize the particles in order to get the zinc oxide benefits without having the typical “white-cast” this element tends to leave. However, the concern with particles becoming so small is that - while non-nano zinc sits on the skin - the nano-zinc will sink in and harm living tissues within the body. 

Within our all-day cream, we solely use non-nano Zinc Oxide to ensure we provide the safest option for any skins. And because we pair our Zinc Oxide in a particular way with other natural ingredients, our product doesn’t leave a white cast on your face. 

The Benefits of Zinc Oxide

Now, let’s dive into the good stuff. What does Zinc Oxide do for your skin and for the ocean? Well, a lot actually. 

• Protects naturally from the Sun. Zinc oxide naturally protects against both UVA and UVB and sit on the surface of the skin. Because of its sticky componence, it also stays put for hours, making it a safe solution against sun and skin damage. 

• Reduce skin inflammation. Zinc Oxide is being used more in skincare formulas - think diaper rash and eczema creams - thanks to its natural abilities to soothe the skin from irritation, pathogens, and allergies.

• Doesn’t degrade the environment. Unlike a lot of chemicals found in sunscreens that bleaches the reef, zinc oxide is a natural mineral that doesn’t dissolve easily in water and intoxicate sea life.

Compared to other sunscreens formula, using a sun protection that largely includes zinc oxide is the most natural and safe option for the skin and the environment. Are you ready to make the switch? Take a look at our selection of zinc cream in the shop.