With so many choices in sunscreen formulations, we love and choose the gold standard, non-nano zinc oxide. It is often touted as one of the safest options for sunscreen due to several reasons:
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Physical Barrier: Zinc oxide acts as a physical barrier between your skin and the harmful UV rays of the sun. It sits on the surface of the skin and reflects or scatters UV radiation, preventing it from penetrating the skin and causing damage. Chemical sunscreens work by absorbing the UV rays and converting them into heat.
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Broad Spectrum Protection: Zinc oxide provides broad-spectrum protection, meaning it blocks both UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays can prematurely age the skin and contribute to skin cancer, while UVB rays primarily cause sunburn. Important to note, that even in the winter on a cloudy day, up to 80% of UV rays can penetrate cloud cover!
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Stability: Zinc oxide is stable under sunlight, which means it doesn't degrade easily, providing longer-lasting protection compared to some chemical sunscreens that can break down over time.
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Gentle on Skin: Non-nano zinc oxide is less likely to cause skin irritation or allergic reactions compared to some chemical sunscreen ingredients. It is often recommended for individuals with sensitive skin or those prone to allergies.
- Reef-Safe: Zinc oxide is considered reef-safe, as it is not known to harm coral reefs or marine life. This is an important consideration as some chemical sunscreen ingredients, such as oxybenzone and octinoxate, have been linked to coral bleaching and other damage to marine ecosystems.
The "non-nano" aspect refers to the size of the zinc oxide particles. Non-nano zinc oxide particles are larger and do not penetrate the skin to the same extent as nano-sized particles. While there's ongoing debate about the safety of nano-sized particles in sunscreen, some argue that non-nano particles are less likely to be absorbed into the bloodstream and potentially cause harm.
However, it's important to note that while non-nano zinc oxide is considered safe and effective, no sunscreen offers 100% protection, and it's essential to use other sun protection measures such as seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and avoiding peak sun hours.