Industrial zinc oxide is widely used in various industries, such as in pharmacy, cosmetic, ceramic, and rubber. This unorganic substance also comes with quite many beneficial properties, making it one of the effective ingredients for skincare products. Below are those properties contained in zinc oxide.
Antiseptic
The antiseptic property of industrial zinc oxide can kill or at least inhibit the growth of microorganism in living tissues. Zinc oxide has antiseptic properties that can help protect the skin from infections.
- Antibacterial Properties
Zinc oxide can kill various kinds of bacteria, including the ones that cause acnes and other skin infections, such as streptococcus pyogenes.
- Antivirus Properties
The unorganic substance also has antivirus properties, although they are not as strong as its antibacterial ones. Industrial Zinc Oxide can inhibit the growth of Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) and influenza virus.
- Antifungal Properties
Zinc oxide can help inhibit the growth of fungal, including candida albicans, which is the fungus causing candidiasis, and trichophyton rubrum, which is the fungus causing ringworm.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties
The anti-inflammatory properties of zinc oxide make it a beneficial material in pharmaceutical and skincare products. Inflammation is a natural response of the body to infections or injury, characterized by redness, swelling, and pain. And zinc oxide can help reduce inflammation by inhibiting the release of inflammatory mediators, such as cytokines and prostaglandins.
Zinc oxide’s anti-inflammatory properties are helpful for treating various skin conditions characterized by inflammation, such as acnes, eczema, and psoriasis. This unorganic substance can help relieve redness, swelling, and itching related to these conditions. Moreover, these properties can also protect the skin from damage due to the sunlight.
Sunlight can cause skin inflammation that can lead to early aging and increased risk of skin cancer. Zinc oxide is useful for reducing inflammation caused by sunlight and protect the skin from the UV light effects.
Antioxidant
Antioxidants are a substance that can protect cells from damage due to free radicals. And free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage DNA, proteins, and lipids in cells. This damage can lead to various illnesses, including Alzheimer, heart disease, and cancer. Because of its antioxidant properties, zinc oxide is widely used in skincare products, such as sunscreen and lotion. So, it can help maintain the beauty and health of the skin.
Industrial zinc oxide is made from zinc and oxygen that has been through a vulcanization process. Although it’s normally safe to use in skincare, it’s better to consult the doctor, especially if you have sensitive skin.