Zinc oxide, a product that probably most mothers with young children are familiar with as it is often used for diaper rashes. But what are the other properties and benefits of zinc oxide?
Don't store avocado like this: it's dangerousZinc oxide, a product that probably almost all mothers with young children are familiar with as it is often used for diaper rashes. But what are the others property and benefiti of zinc oxide?
THEzinc oxide (Zinc Oxide in the ingredients list) is a white powder with very fine grains soluble only in acidic or basic substances and not in water. It is particularly used in specific creams for babies or children because of its anti-irritative power but also in cosmetics and sunscreens as it has the ability to form a protective screen against the sun's rays and other atmospheric agents.
Let's find out now the properties and main uses of zinc oxide.
Index
PROPERTIES OF ZINC OXIDE
The main properties of zinc oxide what makes it particularly useful and recommended is its ability to soothe inflammations and skin irritations. It helps to heal wounds earlier by promoting the healing of the epidermis and also works in prevention by avoiding the appearance of redness or skin problems.
It also has an antiseptic action, i.e. it is able to avoid bacterial proliferation and other microorganisms, anti-inflammatory and astringent. This last property makes it a product suitable for treating pimples and acne that helps to relieve and dry out.
Zinc oxide is therefore:
• Anti-inflammatory
• Soothing
• Antiseptic
• Astringent
• Prevents the appearance of redness
• Helps heal wounds
BENEFITS AND USES
As we have seen, the benefits of zinc oxide are highlighted above all against irritation that are from diapers, in the case of children, due to skin problems in adults or, finally, to bedsores in the elderly.
Dermatological problems such as eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis or other can be treated with zinc oxide in the form of creams or ointments. Even redness due to the sun as well as post hair removal can be treated with this substance.
Particularly indicated also in the treatment of pimples, in this case it should be applied in the evening before going to sleep on the areas affected by the problem, so that it has the whole night to act and dry.
Generally the creams and ointments that are used against irritation have substance concentrations around 10-15% (however, there are also concentrations of 50% but they are considered drugs in all respects) and zinc oxide can be alone or associated with other more or less natural substances with an equally soothing power. However, there are also products with lower concentrations of zinc oxide, depending on the problem to be treated it would be better to get the best solution from an expert.
In summary, zinc oxide can be useful in case of:
• Psoriasis
• Acne
• Eczema
• Dermatitis
• Redness
• Minor sunburn
• Various skin irritations
• Diaper rashes
• Bedsores
Zinc oxide bandage
A particular use of zinc oxide is that of bandage, created by the dermatologist Paul Gerson Unna, at the end of the 800th century. It involves spreading zinc oxide paste on the skin and then covering it with a triple layer of elastic bandages. It can be used, for example, to help after the removal of plaster following fractures, in case of edema, thrombophlebitis, chronic venous insufficiency, venous ulcer in the lower limbs and more (always on medical advice). In the pharmacy there are also ready-made products for bandaging based on zinc oxide.
ZINC OXIDE IN SOLAR AND COSMETICS
In some solar products with good Inci, zinc oxide can be found together with other substances. In this case the substance acts as physical sunscreen and therefore avoids the harmful effects of exposure to sunlight. In fact, zinc oxide is able to reflect and disperse solar radiation in particular UVA, this is why it is also associated with other substances that are more active against UVB rays.
Often, however, solar products that contain zinc oxide they leave a white layer on the skin (it is no coincidence that it is a so-called physical screen with respect to the sun's rays) a little unsightly but effective in terms of protection.
Read also: 10 ORGANIC SOLARS AND WITH A GOOD INCI
Zinc oxide is not only used for children or in sunscreen formulations, it is also found in cosmetics and beauty products designed for adults such as those for make up or nail products.
Zinc oxide is in some cases added to the formulations of face creams often together with other natural components that are able to limit redness, they help hydration but also defense against external agents and temperature changes typical of station changes.
There is also thepure zinc oxide powder.
Zinc oxide can be found in:
• Solar
• Creme
• Ointments
• Face lotions
• Spray
• Cosmetics of various kinds
• Nail products
• Products for children
• Pure powder
CONTRAINDICATIONS OF ZINC OXIDE
Generally zinc oxide has no contraindications and it is a product well tolerated by everyone, including children. As always there can be exceptions particularly in those people who have a hypersensitivity to the substance. In that case it is obviously necessary to choose alternative remedies, always on the advice of an expert.
WHERE TO FIND ZINC OXIDE
Products based on zinc oxide are found in pharmacies, herbalists, children's shops or in those who sell cosmetics but also online and. It can then be found in well-stocked supermarkets in the department dedicated to foods and products useful for children where they are often present creams and ointments based on zinc oxide. In fact, there are different versions of the same zinc oxide and you can buy them: creams, ointments and sprays based on this substance but also the pure powder (more difficult to find if not in pharmacies).
OTHER PRODUCTS FOR SAFE CHILDREN
As we have said, zinc oxide is often found in cream or ointment formulations for children, especially those used for diaper changes to avoid irritation. However, it is not the only possible solution, in fact there are valid alternatives such as calendula cream, olive oil, shea butter, sweet almond oil or rice starch.
Read also: 10 PRODUCTS FOR CHILDREN WITH A GOOD INCI
OTHER USEFUL PRODUCTS AGAINST REDNESS AND FOR THE SKIN
Zinc oxide is just one of the various possibilities you have to treat various skin problems such as redness, eczema, psoriasis, acne, diaper rash, etc. In these articles we have already introduced you to other natural remedies that you can experiment with:
ECZEMA: 10 NATURAL REMEDIES
PSORIASIS: 10 NATURAL REMEDIES
NATURAL REMEDIES AGAINST ACNE
DIAPER DERMATITIS: 10 NATURAL REMEDIES THAT REALLY WORK
ATOPIC DERMATITIS: HOW TO INTERVENE IN CHILDREN
DRY SKIN: NATURAL CAUSES AND REMEDIES FOR CHAPPED SKIN
10 NATURAL TIPS AND REMEDIES TO PROTECT THE SKIN FROM THE COLD
ZINC OXIDE AND METALLIC ZINC
Zinc oxide it is produced by the oxidation of metallic zinc vapor at high temperatures. We have already talked about zinc as such in several articles. However, it should be noted that even the zinc that we take in food is essential for the correct and fast healing of wounds and the health of the skin as well as being an antioxidant substance. So let's not forget that the health of the skin also depends on the right diet and an adequate lifestyle.
Read also: ZINC: PROPERTIES, DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS, SOURCES AND DAILY DOSE
You have ever tried to use zinc oxide? Have you obtained benefits or do you prefer other natural remedies?
