Zinc Oxide

Zinc Oxide

You might not know what zinc oxide is, or maybe you’ve only briefly heard of it, but chances are you’ve used a skincare product that contains it. Zinc oxide has been used for hundreds of years in healing remedies around the world, and in fact, all of the sunscreens at Babo Botanicals are zinc oxide-based. Here’s what you need to know about skin protection and zinc oxide.                        

What is Zinc Oxide?

Zinc oxide is made from zinc, which is a metallic element that is used in numerous electronics and household products. Zinc oxide is created when zinc is heated and combined with oxygen molecules. The end result is a fine, white powder that provides a protective layer for the skin. Have you ever gone to the beach and seen someone with a white sunscreen residue on their skin, or maybe even had this happen yourself? That’s zinc oxide. This might not be seen more recently due to breakthroughs in zinc oxide particle size; that means that things like sunscreen can be applied to the skin without that thick white coating. All of Babo’s sunscreens go on clear, so there’s no mess and no filmy residue.

Zinc Oxide Sunscreen

When UV rays penetrate the skin, they can do a lot of damage — they can speed up the aging process and dry the skin out, while also increasing the risk of skin cancer. Zinc oxide can filter out and offer protection against broad spectrum ultraviolet rays (UVA/UVB). It is considered one of the safest and most effective protections against the harsh rays of the sun. Zinc oxide gives a broader level of protection than other sunscreens and is safe for sensitive skin. It also is not absorbed into your body, but instead stays on the top layer of your skin to form an impenetrable barrier to protect your skin.

Non-nano Zinc Oxide

What does non-nano mean? A nano particle is a particle smaller than 100 nanometers. We know that’s a pretty abstract thought and difficult to put into perspective, but all you have to know is that it’s very small — and non-nano particles do not penetrate the skin, instead creating a protective barrier.

Is it safe for a newborn?

According to HealthyChild.com, zinc oxide sunscreen is the only FDA approved sunscreen for use on children who are 6 months old and younger. That being said, it is recommended that you keep your newborn out of the sun as much as possible because their skin isn’t yet equipped to deal with the harsh sun. If you are thinking about trying a sunscreen, be sure and contact your baby’s doctor or pediatrician for some general guidelines and recommendations.

Clear Zinc Sunscreen

A lot of sunscreens that have zinc oxide in them can leave a white residue when applied — not ours. Our formula goes on clear, is non-greasy and is packed with organic ingredients that help to keep your skin moisturized and protected.

Our SPF 40 Fragrance Free Daily Sheer Facial Sunscreen is great to use as a daily moisturizer and/or under makeup, and is recommended for sensitive skin. It is sheer, lightweight and contains organic ingredients that help soothe and moisturize skin. It contains non-nano zinc oxide, white tea and rosehip, jojoba oil and our very own Nutri-Soothe™ Complex.

Our SPF 30 Sheer Zinc Continuous Spray Sunscreen is ideal for sensitive skin and will protect you and your family against damaging UVA rays. It is also sweat and water resistant for 80 minutes. It has zinc oxide, is lightweight and rich in vitamins and antioxidants.

With summer fast approaching, we recommend using a zinc oxide sunscreen with at least SPF 30 to nourish and protect your skin from damaging UVA/UVB rays.