Nano Zinc Oxide in Skincare and Cosmetics | Upper India

Zinc oxide occurs as a white powder in nature. Practically, it can be obtained by oxidation of Zinc in laboratory forming an ionic bond of ZnO. Zinc Oxide has a broad range of applications including rubber products, tyres, cosmetics, food preservatives, ceramics and glass, paints, lubricants, animal feeds, pharmaceutical and agricultural products.

Today, the major dominance by Zinc Oxide is seen in rubber industry where it is selling the strongest. Zinc Oxide increases the durability of organic paint coating and catalyzes the vulcanization process used in the manufacturing of tyres. For its micronutrient properties, ZnO is used as an ingredient in dietary supplements as it promotes the growth performance and improves the strength of our immune system.

What is Nano Zinc Oxide?

You may have heard the term nano or nano particles, but haven’t got a clear understanding of what they mean. Don’t worry! You are not the only one. The concept of nano particle is relatively new and many companies in India are stepping in to launch their nano sunscreen products that use Zinc Oxide as an essential ingredient.

Nano Zinc Oxide occurs as a transparent material and falls in the visible range of the white light spectrum. Zinc Oxide is used in sunscreen to protect your skin from harmful effects of ultraviolet rays. In contrast, chemical based cosmetics are found more susceptible to UV rays and may cause skin burns due to quicker absorption.

Is Your Sunscreen Safe?

Many skin care conscious people prefer to use Zinc rich sunscreen lotions and skin guards to avoid sunburns and other health hazards. In recent times, nano Zinc Oxide has been popularly used in sunscreens to prevent activating hormone-distorting chemicals while providing a sun-shield. Most of the beauty products manufacturers use Zinc Oxide as an effective sun protection ingredient in the skin care products with an SPF value above 25, in order to keep UV-A and UV-B radiations from penetrating into the skin.

Coating nano Zinc Oxide coated with occlusive agents ensures that nanoparticles do scatter on the surface of the skin, but do not get in through the skin pores.

The Bottom Line

If you ever want to use nano sunscreens, dispel the fear of minute nanoparticles and apply Zinc Oxide sunscreens on your face with confidence. But, keep in mind that you do not spray the sunscreen. Nano particles have a strong tendency to enter through your nose and may cause adverse effect to the lungs. For this purpose, you can count on uncoated non-nano Zinc Oxide sunscreen for best sun protection.