You may already know that zinc oxide is part of the formulas in our entire line of sun protection products for face and body , but perhaps you don't know everything about it yet? This mineral is highly effective at protecting the skin against UVA and UVB rays and also offers benefits for the skin , especially for sensitive or acne-prone skin . This post has everything you need to know about zinc oxide!
Mineral vs. Chemical Sunscreens
Zinc oxide offers mineral sun protection, as opposed to chemical sunscreens, which typically contain ingredients like oxybenzone, avobenzone, and octinoxate. How do they differ? Mineral formulas act as a filter on the skin's surface, blocking solar rays and preventing their absorption. Chemical formulas, on the other hand, transform solar radiation after it has been absorbed by the skin.
Although chemical sunscreens offer effective sun protection, there is evidence suggesting that mineral sunscreens are more beneficial because they prevent the skin from absorbing sunlight altogether. Furthermore, the active ingredients in chemical formulas are suspected of irritating the skin, disrupting the hormonal system, and polluting marine ecosystems. While chemical sunscreens have a more appealing texture—since they are absorbed by the skin, they are designed to be less thick—they also contain extra ingredients to achieve this, such as preservatives, colorants, and synthetic fragrances, sometimes with adverse effects on the skin.
Benefits of Mineral Sunscreen
Suitable for sensitive skin: zinc oxide, in addition to being well tolerated by more reactive skin, has the advantage of having anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.
Suitable for acne-prone skin: thanks to the anti-inflammatory and non-comedogenic action of zinc oxide, mineral sunscreens protect acne-prone skin without clogging pores or irritating the skin, and may even help relieve inflammation.
Immediate effect: while it's always beneficial to apply sunscreen before sun exposure, the truth is that if you forget, the dangers are less. Because mineral filters create a physical barrier, the action is immediate – unlike chemical filters, which should be applied at least 15 minutes before sun exposure.
More suitable for children: little ones have even more sensitive skin than adults, and mineral sunscreens are perfect for them – they don't irritate the skin, create a physical barrier against sun rays, and act immediately after application . We have a special line of sunscreens for children , reinforced with other botanical actives, for even greater skin protection and regeneration.
Biodegradable and sustainable: In addition to zinc oxide, a natural mineral, our sunscreens contain other natural ingredients such as cocoa and cupuaçu butters and soothing plant extracts. They are therefore 100% biodegradable and safe for the marine ecosystem, containing no polluting ingredients.
But... what about the texture?
It's common to think that mineral sunscreens have a pasty texture and leave white marks on the skin. That's not true! We've improved our sunscreen formulas, and in fact, they even come in different formats so you can choose the one that best suits you.
For facial application, if you prefer something with a more liquid texture, we recommend the Puro Sol + Zinc serum. Another super practical option is stick sunscreens , which melt on contact with the skin and are easy to spread. For the body, in addition to using sticks, you can opt for sunscreen in a tin , which is easy to spread and doesn't interfere with the texture or complexion of the skin.
Whatever your choice, remember to reapply sunscreen after swimming, sweating, or after two hours. The sun is wonderful for us, but you should always protect your skin during the hottest hours by staying in the shade and wearing a t-shirt and hat. Get ready for a beautiful and healthy tan this summer!