Two of the most important factors to consider when buying sunscreen are: the ingredients and which SPF rating to use for your skin.
And with so many options, which elements are best for not only your skin but that are also environmentally friendly?
Zinc and titanium-based sunscreens top the list, which is why they’re the main active ingredients in our Make It Hybrid™ SPF 50 Sunscreen. In this post, we’ll discuss the power of Zinc Oxide in Sunscreen and the benefits it provides.
But first…
What is Zinc Oxide?
Zinc oxide is an inorganic compound that’s produced as a white powder. As an inert compound, it’s common in the manufacture of a variety of products and is a popular, effective, and environmentally-friendly sunblock.
When used in sunscreen, Zinc Oxide works in a similar fashion as a mirror, reflecting UVA and UVB light off the skin’s surface. The mineral is thus popular in the cosmetic industry thanks to its broad-spectrum ability to protect the skin from harmful sun rays, preventing radiation, skin damage, sunburns, and skin cancer.
The compound is one of the 17 essential ingredients with FDA approval for sunblock products.
What are the Benefits of Zinc Oxide Sunscreen?
Broad-Spectrum Sunblock
The sun’s rays hit our skin in different wavelengths, namely UVA, UVB, and UVC. When they hit bare skin, these rays wreak havoc and cause damage, including degrading DNA, depleting collagen, premature aging.
While many SPF products are marketed as broad-spectrum, Zinc Oxide is the most effective. The compound shields the skin against the harmful effects of both short and long-wavelength rays, unlike its competitors, such as titanium dioxide, which does an excellent job but falls short when it comes to blocking UVA effectively.
It’s Safe for the Skin and Environment
Recent research has shown that most products used in sunscreens are harmful to the skin. For instance, take an ingredient such as oxybenzone.
The previously common sunscreen ingredient has been found to cause adverse harm to the skin and the body in general. Today, oxybenzone is unpopular as it has been found to cause eye irritation and skin allergies.
Research also shows that it disrupts hormones in humans by affecting the production of testosterone and estrogen in men and women, respectively.
Currently, the safest sunscreen ingredients, according to the Environmental Working Group, are Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide, which is why they are featured prominently in our new product line.
Most importantly, Zinc Oxide is eco-friendly, as research shows it doesn’t affect marine life.
It’s a Safe Synthetic as It’s Produced in Controlled Environments
Zinc Oxide occurs naturally as the mineral Zincite. However, minerals can have impurities. Coupled with the high demand for the product, manufacturers have resulted in producing the compound synthetically to meet demand.
The good news is that the production of Zinc Oxide in the lab makes it a ‘safe synthetic,’ which means it’s manufactured in its purest form – safe for environments and coral reefs.
It Calms Inflammation and is Excellent for Sensitive and Acneic Skin
Of all active sunscreen ingredients, research has shown Zinc Oxide to have the best soothing effect on inflamed skin. This relaxing property also makes it an excellent alternative for people with sensitive skin.
If you have acne, you may not be a fan of sunscreen as most ingredients irritate the skin. However, the chances are that you’re a regular user of exfoliants, which are known to make the skin more photosensitive.
That alone increases the need to use sunscreen to counter the effects of exfoliants. The good news is that Zinc Oxide’s anti-inflammatory nature makes it the best option for you as it’s less likely to irritate.
What are the Drawbacks of Zinc Oxide?
When it comes to protection against harmful sun rays, nothing beats Zinc Oxide. In the past, consumers with a darker skin tone have indicated that using a Zinc Oxide-based sunscreen leaves a white cast on the skin.
However, technological and manufacturing advancements have introduced techniques and filler products that help the sunscreen blend in without leaving any residue on the skin.
The Takeaway
Whether you have sensitive or oily skin and are looking for an effective sunscreen, invest in a Zinc Oxide-based alternative.
- Black Girl Sunscreen Make it Hybrid™ SPF 50 – Black Girl Sunscreen’s lightweight mineral and synthetic formula with zinc-oxide is designed to protect against sun damage leaving no white residue and a dewy finish.
Not only will it protect you against a broad spectrum of UV rays, but it will also soothe your skin and act as an anti-inflammatory product. Most importantly, its non-comedogenic property means it is not oil-based and thus won’t block your pores or cause irritation.
Regardless of the kind of sun protection you need, our wide range of zinc and titanium-based sunscreens will offer just the proper protection so you can go through your day free of worry – melanin protected.
