Zinc Oxide: The Natural Solution to Effective UV Protection
Sunscreens can be categorized into 2 broad groups: chemical sunscreens and physical sunscreens. Most consumer-recognized sun protection on the market is based on a combination of chemicals that either deters or alleviates ultraviolet rays—a chemical sunscreen. USP ingredient supplier Bell Chem has an ace up its sleeve on countering the increasingly harsh UV light produced by our nearest star: zinc oxide, a physical sunscreen. Read below for information on how your customers can utilize this physical sunscreen in their health and beauty care products.
What is a physical sunscreen?
Like wearing a long-sleeved shirt, zinc oxide blocks ultraviolet rays from being absorbed in the body’s epidermis. UVA and UVB rays simply reflect off the surface of the zinc oxide, scattering passively as they go and never fully absorbing into the skin.
UVA and UVB, defined
Ultraviolet A (UVA) rays have a longer wavelength than ultraviolet B (UVB) and penetrate more deeply into the skin, causing greater damage than UVB rays. Most evidence of aging and skin damage is caused by UVA rays.
Ultraviolet B rays are shorter and generally penetrate just the surface of the skin. We recognize UVB damage as a sunburn.
When a sun care product deters both UVA and UVB rays, it is considered a broad-spectrum application. Zinc oxide falls into the broad-spectrum sunscreen category.
Zinc oxide for sensitive skin
The chemicals used in many sunscreens can cause adverse reactions in those with sensitive skin. Because zinc oxide is topical and does not penetrate as deeply as chemical ingredients, the skin is not negatively affected as it might be with chemical sunscreens.
The ultimate sunscreen
When looking for a quality sunscreen, the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends a water-resistant broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF (sun protection factor) of 30 or greater. Zinc oxide literally has you covered in all these requirements.
According to the AAD, sunscreen is for everyone, regardless of skin tone. When you consider that 20% of all Americans will develop skin cancer, you can confidently tell your customers to reach for the zinc oxide before venturing outside.
Bell Chem is your USP ingredient supplier based in Longwood, FL (just north of Orlando) with hundreds of products stocked in their 50,000+ square-foot warehouse, including zinc oxide. You can expect the highest quality products, expedited shipping options for maximum efficiency, and unrivaled personalized customer service. Let our knowledgeable and friendly customer service representatives and accounting staff personalize all your needs by either calling 407-339-BELL (2355) or by sending us an online message.