What is zinc oxide used for?

What are the main skin uses?

How does zinc oxide work in sunscreen?

Zinc oxide is a mineral sunscreen ingredient, also called a physical sunscreen ingredient. Mineral sunscreens form a protective layer that absorbs the sun's rays and also reflects them. Some formulas combine mineral and chemical sunscreen ingredients; these are called hybrid sunscreens. Check the Active Ingredients section to see which type you have.4

Choose sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, broad spectrum protection and water resistance. The brand name matters less than the protection on the label, which is an unusually small job for the largest print on the bottle. Broad spectrum means protection against both UVA and UVB rays. Sunscreen helps prevent sunburn, premature skin aging and skin cancer, but also use shade and protective clothing.45

How do you apply zinc oxide sunscreen?

1. 1Apply sunscreen to dry skin 15 minutes before going outdoors, every day you will be outside.
2. 2Use at least 1 teaspoon for your face. Most adults need about 1 ounce to cover all skin not covered by clothing, with more needed depending on body size.
3. 3Cover commonly missed areas, including your ears, neck, the tops of your feet and exposed scalp.
4. 4Reapply approximately every two hours outdoors, and after swimming or sweating, following the bottle's directions.

The sunscreen aisle offers creams, gels, sticks and sprays, which is a lot of packaging for one daily task. Tinted sunscreen can reduce visible white residue; iron oxide in tinted formulas also helps protect against visible light that can worsen dark spots. If you use a spray, rub it in for even coverage and avoid inhaling it or spraying near your face.4

Does zinc oxide suit sensitive skin?

Mineral sunscreen containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide can be less irritating, making it an option for sensitive skin and younger children. Sensitivity to zinc oxide itself can still cause local irritation or an allergic reaction. For babies younger than six months, prioritize shade and protective clothing rather than relying on sunscreen.145

If you use retinol or a prescription topical retinoid, sun protection belongs in your daytime routine because retinoids can make skin more sensitive to the sun. Use the retinoid at night and protect exposed skin during the day with sunscreen, clothing and shade. A mineral sunscreen containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide is an option if your skin is sensitive. Zinc oxide's role here is sun protection, not replacing the retinoid.6

How is zinc oxide used as a skin barrier?

Creams and ointments containing zinc oxide form a protective barrier on the skin. This is useful when incontinence leaves skin exposed to urine or stool. Excess moisture can lead to redness, peeling, irritation and yeast infections, particularly around the buttocks, hips and genitals. Keeping bedding clean is not enough: absorbent products can still leave urine or stool in contact with skin.2

1. 1Clean the affected skin promptly after passing urine or stool.
2. 2Use mild, dilute soap and water, rinse well and gently pat dry. Alternatively, use a soap free cleanser suitable for the area and follow its rinsing directions.
3. 3Apply the barrier cream or ointment after cleaning and drying.
4. 4Repeat cleaning after each episode and reapply the barrier product. A protective layer does not remove the need to clean.

Contact a healthcare provider if severe irritation develops. An itchy, red rash with small bumps and raw skin can occur with a yeast infection, which needs separate treatment rather than barrier care alone. If you are receiving radiation therapy in the affected area, ask your care team before applying creams or lotions.2

Why is zinc oxide used in medicated bandages?

Zinc paste bandages are used for selected chronic leg ulcers, venous insufficiency and eczema. Venous insufficiency means the leg veins are not returning blood effectively; it can cause swelling and ulceration. Some zinc oxide dressings sit directly against the skin beneath compression bandages or hosiery. Compression treatment requires assessment of circulation and application by a competent clinician.3

For example, ZipZoc is a sterile stocking containing an ointment with 20% zinc oxide, used as an aid in treating chronic leg ulcers and venous insufficiency. Ichthopaste contains 6.32% zinc oxide plus 2% ichthammol and is used for certain venous ulcers and eczema or dermatitis. These are specific dressing formulas, not suggested strengths for a face cream or sunscreen. Their contraindications include arterial disease and sensitivity to their components.3

Some zinc paste dressings are changed weekly or up to twice weekly. Viscopaste PB7 is used for chronic eczema or dermatitis when occlusion, meaning covering the skin with a dressing, is indicated. The dressing and change schedule should follow the care plan for the condition, rather than the daily schedule used for a barrier cream.7

What safety precautions matter?

Zinc oxide skin products are not for swallowing. If someone swallows a product or you suspect poisoning, contact poison control for instructions; in the United States, call 1 800 222 1222. Keep the container available so you can give the product name, ingredients and strength, along with how much was swallowed and when. Call your local emergency number for an emergency.1