Using sunscreen is one of the best ways to protect the skin. If you check the list of ingredients, you probably notice the names of two chemical compounds: zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. In this article, we are going to explain the pros and cons of these chemicals and check their market.
How is sun damage happen?
When you get exposed to UV rays, reactive oxygen species are immediately produced, which can cause collagen breakdown and wrinkle formation. UV radiations may also cause cancer and cataracts. And that is the reason why many people put sun screen on their daily skincare routine.
What is the role of sunscreen?
When you apply a tiny layer of sunscreen to your skin, it can work through two different processes. Some sunscreens absorb UV rays and don’t let them harm your skin cells, while others act as a mirror and reflect UV rays. Sunscreen that contains zinc oxide and titanium dioxide is widely used as a reflective sunscreen. Actually, zinc oxide and titanium dioxide sunscreens benefit is that they can protect your skin from all kinds of UV radiation.
Zinc oxide
Zinc oxide with a chemical formula ZnO2 is a powdery inorganic compound that is widely used in sunscreen and many other skincare products. Actually, zinc oxide sunscreen creates a shield which acts as a barrier and block the harmful UV rays. It is also an ingredient in baby powder because of the wide range of benefits.
“Zinc oxide is the second GRASE sunscreen ingredient, allowed in concentrations up to 25 percent.”
It is interesting to know that if the SPF of the sunscreen is higher, it means it has a higher amount of zinc oxide. The minimum amount of this chemical is about 10 percent.
Zinc oxide sunscreen benefits
Zinc oxide is a great ingredient for sunscreen and some skincare products. some of its benefits are as follows:
- It is effective for keep wounds moist and heal the skin damages.
- It prevents excess oil from being produced. So zinc oxide sunscreens are a suitable choice for people who have oily skin.
- Zinc oxide can treat acne by maintaining the oil balance. The anti-inflammatory properties of zinc oxide also help reduce acne on the skin.
Side effects of zinc oxide
In fact, one of the disadvantages of using zinc oxide in sunscreen is that it can become toxic after two hours of exposure to UV rays. So if you are going to be exposed to the sun, you should reuse the sunscreen after two hours.
Titanium dioxide
Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is a white powder which has a similar function to zinc oxide. TiO2 molecules form a layer on the skin that is able to reflect UV rays.
Titanium dioxide benefits
Some of the benefits of titanium dioxide are as follows:
- Titanium dioxide is used in cosmetic products which are formulated for sensitive skins. Actually, this chemical is a non-irritating compound.
- TiO2 is non-comedogenic, which means it won’t clog your skin’s pores. This chemical is a good choice for sensitive skin.
- If you get exposed to UV rays without sunscreen, these radiations can cause premature aging. Using sunscreen with titanium dioxide prevent this process.
Titanium dioxide sunscreen dangers
According to experiments, titanium dioxide is safe if you apply it to the skin. However, it is important to note that inhaling or ingestion of this chemical may have carcinogenic properties. If this chemical gets exposed to your eyes and skin, it may cause irritation. However, this chemical is not only harmful when applied to the skin, but it also has many benefits, which we mentioned earlier.
Sunscreen without zinc oxide and titanium dioxide
There are sunscreens that don’t have zinc oxide or titanium dioxide in their ingredients. But the fact is, they are not able to protect your skin from all UVA and UVB radiation. As a result, mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are a better choice.
Frequently asked questions
Do you need zinc oxide and titanium dioxide in sunscreen?
Sunscreen that contains zinc oxide and titanium dioxide is widely used as a reflective sunscreen. Actually, zinc oxide and titanium dioxide sunscreens benefit is that they can protect your skin from all kinds of UV radiation.
Which is safer zinc oxide or titanium dioxide?
Both of them are considered safe ingredients; however, if you want to choose between these two, zinc oxide is a little bit better because it can provide better coverage.
What sunscreen has zinc and titanium oxide?
Most reflective sunscreens contain both of these chemicals. In fact, the SPF can show the amount of zinc oxide in the sunscreen. As the SPFF increases, a higher amount of zinc oxide is used.
What are the disadvantages of zinc oxide sunscreen?
In fact, one of the disadvantages of using zinc oxide in sunscreen is that it can become toxic after two hours of exposure to UV rays. So if you are going to be exposed to the sun, you should reuse the sunscreen after two hours.
Which sunscreens have both zinc oxide and titanium dioxide?
Zinc oxide and titanium oxide are the most common ingredients in reflective sunscreens, and most of them contain these two chemicals.
2 Responses
Does zinc oxide block UVA and UVB?
Yes, zinc oxide can lock both UVA and UVB rays.