In appearance, zinc oxide is white and powdery. When processed, it acts as a gentle astringent and topical cream with active antiseptic characteristics. It is a significant ingredient in sunscreens as well as ointments, bandages, dental cement, mineral sunscreens, and pastes.
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Zinc Oxide In Skin Care & Baby Products
Zinc oxide is a common ingredient in skin care products because it acts as a protective barrier for the skin. It is used to treat chapped skin caused by diaper rash in babies. Zinc oxide concentrations of 15% are used for diaper rash prevention while higher levels such as 40% are mixed in treatment creams.
Zinc oxide is a key ingredient in sunscreen. Non-nano zinc oxide acts as a physical block against UVA/UVB rays from the sun. This safe, powdered mineral composed of non-nano particles sits on top of the skin and does not enter the bloodstream [1]. Sunscreen containing zinc oxide is considered safer to use than other types of sunscreens or sunblocks. MADE OF Organic Diaper Rash Cream also contains this non-nano zinc oxide as a protectant.
Aside from being an effective sunscreen against UVB rays, non-nano zinc oxide is also considered an essential factor in metabolic processes. It strengthens the body’s immune system, skin, brain, and digestive tract [2].
Origins Of Zinc Oxide
The formula for nano zinc oxide is ZnO. It is also known as zinci oxydum, zincum oxydatum, zinc white, and zincoxid. Although it occurs naturally, it can also be produced synthetically.
Zinc oxide is created when zinc is combined with other oxygen molecules. These two elements go through a process that includes heating, vaporization, and condensation. The result produces a white, crystallized powder settling on top of the protective layer [3].
Non-nano zinc oxide is insoluble in water, but it can be dissolved in acidic environments. It works as a great additive in various products such as adhesives, ceramics, cement, glass, rubbers, batteries, pigments, first-aid tapes, sunscreen zinc oxide, and foods. When it comes to cosmetic products, zinc oxide nanoparticles is found in an array of products for all skin types. These include sunscreen, anti-dandruff shampoos, and baby skin care products such as diaper creams.
History of Zinc Oxide
We have been relying on zinc for more than 2000 years to treat wounds and burns. In an ancient Indian script called “The Charaka Samhita,” Zinc is described as one of the ingredients in a natural healing cream called Pushpanjan. This was widely used in the year 500 B.C. [4].
Some records also show that during the first century this element was mixed with oxygen by Greek botanists and physicians to make zinc oxide powder.
Zinc oxide has been used in cosmetic products starting in the 1940’s. Between the 1940’s through the 1980’s, products that contain nano zinc oxide were widely used for treating skin complications such as dandruff, poison ivy, and rashes. It was not until the 1980’s that zinc oxide products were used to protect the skin and to treat skin damage caused by harmful UVB rays. It was also then that medical literature began reporting the benefits of zinc oxide for the skin [6].
Advancements for the use of Zinc Oxide
Recently, there have been valuable advancements in creating sunscreen that includes zinc oxide, mineral sunscreens, and zinc oxide powder. In 2008, researchers found a revolutionary way of producing zinc oxide nanoparticles [7].
The zinc oxide particle size makes product concentrations easier to apply without leaving a thick residue on the skin. This has made the manufacturing of sunscreen products more successful.
Benefits Of Zinc Oxide For Babies
Zinc Oxide Can Heal Skin Irritations
Is Zinc Oxide Safe For Baby? Yes, research shows that zinc oxide aids in the production of new skin tissue making it useful in healing wounds and inflammation [8]. It is a natural solution to skin ulcers, abrasions, cold sores on the mouth, burns, and skin irritation caused by harsh ingredients in skin products.
Zinc oxide nanoparticles can also be found in prescription creams for diaper rash. Medical literature proves that nano zinc oxide protects baby’s gentle skin by covering it with a protective layer that keeps away bacteria and irritants. It can also be used for the relief of inflammation [9].
Ointments that have a zinc oxide concentration of about 5% also act as a treatment in dealing with irritant diaper dermatitis (IDD) caused by severe diarrhea among babies. It also prevents the worsening of such skin complications [10].
Heals Sunburn
Zinc oxide offers natural sun protection. It protects the skin from UVB rays (broad spectrum ultraviolet rays.) Natural sunscreens and mineral sunscreens containing nano zinc oxide block all types of UV light that can severely harm the mild skin of an infant.
Aside from being a vital ingredient in sunscreen, zinc oxide is also used in cosmetic products that protect all skin types. This includes moisturizers, foundations, BB creams, and makeup. Zinc oxide was tweaked into particle size so the skin can quickly absorb the mineral without leaving undesirable streaks on the surface. According to scientists, nano zinc oxide is considered to be safe for long-term use [11].
Prevents Infections
Because zinc oxide is a mild astringent, it keeps harmful bacteria from living in the skin. It does not kill bacteria but instead inhibits the adhesion and internalizes the bacteria. It decreases the permeability of the skin to prevent bacteria from entering the dermis. There are also zinc oxide products that reduce swelling, redness, and inflammation caused by bacteria.
Non-nano zinc oxide is sometimes used in post-surgery salves to create a protective layer on the wound. It also regulates enzyme functions needed to repair and build new skin tissues [12].
Zinc Oxide & Baby Sunscreen Protection
Carrier agents are mixed with zinc oxide to make it useful in products for children. Zinc oxide works as a skin barrier so that products with oily substances can easily seep into the skin and keep it hydrated. It prevents UVB rays from damaging the skin while acting as a natural alternative to sunscreens with harsh ingredients. Since zinc oxide is created from the mineral zinc, it stays on the surface and reflects the ultraviolet rays away from the skin to prevent harm.
Another advantage of sunscreen with zinc oxide is its ability to inhibit bacterial activity. It treats skin issues caused by bacteria that are already resistant to antibiotics. It does not cause peeling or dry skin which are effects often caused by antibiotics. It also prevents further inflammation of wounds and cuts on babies.
Zinc oxide is designated as safe for general use by the FDA. It is also classified by the European Chemicals Bureau to “not likely to be a reproductive toxicant to humans”.
Is Zinc Oxide Safe For Baby References
[1] EWG; Nanoparticles in Sunscreens.[2] US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health; Zinc in Human Health: Effect of Zinc on Immune Cells, Ananda S Prasad, May 2008.
[3] CAMEO Chemicals; Zinc Oxide, Crude.
[4] 2000 years of zinc and brass. Craddock, & T., P. (1998).
[5] Zinc oxide tape: a useful dressing for the recalcitrant finger-tip and soft-tissue injury. Hughes, G., & McLean, N. R. (1988).
[6] Zinc oxide tape: a useful dressing for the recalcitrant finger-tip and soft-tissue injury. Hughes, G., & McLean, N. R. (1988).
[7] A Clinical Guide to Applied Dental Materials: A Clinical Guide to Applied Dental Materials. Bonsor, S. J., & Pearson, G. J. (2012).
[8] The Gut Health Protocol: A Nutritional Approach To Healing SIBO, Intestinal Candida, GERD, Gastritis, and other Gut Health Issues. Herron, J. G. (2016).
[9] US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health; Zinc Oxide (On the skin).
[10] US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health; Comparison of dexpanthenol and zinc oxide ointment with ointment base in the treatment of irritant diaper dermatitis from diarrhea: a multicenter study. S., W., W., L., S., S., & W., W., 2006.
[11] Cosmetic Info; Zinc Oxide.
[12] US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health; Zinc oxide protects cultured enterocytes from the damage induced by Escherichia coli. M, R., A, F., I, G., MS, B., & E., M., 2003.
