It is very difficult to find a sunscreen that you can feel safe using for yourself and your family. Deciphering all the ingredients, knowing the difference between chemical and organic sunscreens, and what to ultimately choose are hurdles everyone has to overcome. Zinc oxide is an ingredient used in organic sunscreens. But what is the difference between this ingredient that is common in organic sunscreen, and a lot of the other ingredients that are in most chemical sunscreens.

Chemical Vs. Organic Sunscreen

Chemical sunscreens contain ingredients that are absorbed into the skin. Sun exposure is then limited by sunlight being deactivated or degraded when contacted by the chemicals. On the other hand, organic sunscreens are considered physical blockers because the ingredients sit on the surface of the skin, and the ingredients, such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, are not absorbed into the skin (one of its secrets, that makes it safe). This is also why some people notice a "whitish tint" on their skin when they apply organic sunscreen (this has to do with the nanoparticle amounts in the sunscreen).

Zinc Oxide

In micronized form, zinc oxide is not absorbed into the skin and it acts to block UVA rays (another secret). It also rarely causes skin irritation, which can occur much more easily with chemical sunscreens, because of the PABAs in them. Additionally, zinc oxide is recognized by the Food and Drug Administration as a Category I skin protectant, which means it is safe for compromised skin. Furthermore, it is considered stable and does not degrade in the sun (a concern with ingredients in chemical sunscreens). And since it is not absorbed into the body, it cannot be metabolized (another concern with ingredients in chemical sunscreens). It is considered so safe (for over three hundred years now) that it is considered safe to treat babies.

According to Dr. Doris Day, zinc oxide provides physical protection from damaging rays, absorbing primarily UVA light rather than scattering or reflecting it. She also notes that zinc oxide is a mild antimicrobial and wound healing substance and is considered to be non-comedogenic (it does not block pores).

What makes these secrets of zinc oxide so important is that this ingredient is used in organic sunscreens. This, combined with the lack of chemicals, makes organic sunscreens the best choice when one is out in the sun (or for your kids as well).

So make a choice to be healthier and to protect the environment (chemical sunscreens are known to damage our precious coral reefs). Organic sunscreens are safer and more effective than chemical sunscreens. You owe it to yourself to protect yourself, and your family.