ABOUT ZINC
Zinc Moisturizer is dedicated to providing information on all natural beauty products, specifically those containing zinc and moisturizing agents. Zinc Moisturizer is the place to go for current beauty and product trends, scientific and natural skin care advancements and reports on products and modern surgical or chemical treatments to give you an unbiased viewpoint on the skincare market and the trends and products available.
Why Focus on Zinc and Moisturizers?
Zinc is one element that is essential for healthy skin. Zinc can not be applied topically ( or directly on your skin) in it’s pure form, so it usually needs some form of carrier agent - such as foundation, or moisturizer. In addition, to wound healing, zinc acts as an astringent and current research has indicated it may help in the treatment of acne among other benefits. Titanium dioxide and Zinc oxide are often referred to as non-chemical, but considering they are a base element - specifically a mineral - they are technically a chemical - but what they do best is protect your skin from the sun; hence they are commonly used as sunscreen ingredients. They also have minimal to no risk of causing allergic reactions and are considered benign and safe for the skin.
Zinc has a superior ability to protect your skin from UVA radiation. So, it is the natural, organic star of the skin care products available today. Zinc will leave a slight ‘whitecast” on your skin, but considering the alternative chemical-laden, inflammatory or allergy-inducing options for sun protection today, zinc is an excellent choice for sensitive skin. Scientists are currently working on a “micro-fine” version of zinc to eliminate this effect without changing the power of the sunscreen itself.
Zinc Wound Healing
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One benefit of zinc for skin is in the area of wound healing. Oral zinc supplements help heal bed sores, skin ulcers, cold sores, canker sores, surgical incisions, burns, and a variety of other skin irritations. Topical treatments are also used for wound healing.
Zinc is a mineral that the body requires for the synthesis of collagen, which is a requirement for the healing of skin wounds. Zinc is also a component in the proper functioning of enzymes that are required by the body to repair skin wounds.
Mild Astringent
The benefit of zinc as a mild astringent is well noted. An astringent is a chemical substance that shrinks, constricts, or tightens body tissues.
Zinc oxide has this mild astringent property. It acts as a skin-drying agent and can act as a skin anti-inflammatory. Zinc oxide also helps sooth the skin from itching, rashes, and moist skin conditions such as diaper rash.
Dermatitis Herpetiformis
Dermatitis herpetiformis is a chronic disease of the skin. It is characterized by the presence of very itchy hives on the skin and a burning or stinging sensation on the skin. In addition, blister-like patches of skin may be present on the elbows, knees, and buttocks. There is some evidence that improper absorption of zinc may contribute to this skin care problem.
Zinc Moisturizers for Acne
Another often stated benefit of zinc is in the treatment and prevention of acne. Zinc in the form of zinc gluconate or zinc sulfate is thought to help heal acne blemishes, reduce inflammation caused by acne, and reduce androgenic hormonal effects on skin that contribute to acne breakouts or in other words help regulate the skin’s oil gland activity.
NOTE: Recently, the benefit of zinc in treating acne has been questioned. Zinc oxide, zinc stearate, and zinc sulfide apparently have no established effectiveness in acne treatment as stated by an advisory panel of the United States Food and Drug Administration. This is still up for investigation.
