Zinc oxide

Have you ever heard of zinc oxide? Did you know that this component is present in a large number of topical products and cosmetics that are often used on a regular basis?

If you didn’t know, don’t worry, it’s normal. Since in general, they do not usually pay much attention to these issues. However, knowing about them is important, because to carry out optimal care of our body, it is necessary to know which components benefit you, as well as which others can cause you harm.

What is zinc oxide?

It can be said that basically zinc oxide is a compound that is born through the combination of oxygen with zinc. This compound has two properties that mainly characterize it, the first is that it is inorganic, and the second, that it is usually a semiconductor element .

The chemical nomenclature of this compound element is ZnO, and it is generally marketed in a powdery state. Therefore, since it is in this state of powder, it is usually mixed with water for use.

Zinc oxide formula

ZnSO ₄  + NaCO ₃  → ZnCO ₃  + NaSO ₄  → ZnO + CO ₂  (800 ° C).

What is zinc oxide for?

Zinc oxide is one of the most versatile products that exist , due to the wide variety of uses that can be given to this compound. Therefore, it is used for different areas, from those related to health and nutrition to the industrial sector.

Uses of zinc oxide in cream, paste and powder

Next we will talk a little more about some of the functions that Zinc oxide can provide in the different fields where it is usually used:

What is zinc used for?

In this area, the use of zinc oxide can be used for many purposes, from aesthetic to related to treat different types of injuries .

Zinc oxide is used in creams

It is said that this inorganic component can be present in small amounts in some articles used for personal hygiene. This is due to the fact that zinc oxide is believed to possess some desirable characteristics for fighting bacteria.

Likewise, it is also said that zinc oxide can be safe in terms of its use. This is why it is often recommended for treatment with lotions, creams and other types of cosmetics.

Treat burns and irritations

Some dermatologists are said to often prescribe products containing zinc oxide to treat skin conditions such as irritations, scrapes, and even burns .

How to use zinc oxide on the skin?

If you want to use a product with this component to treat different types of skin conditions, it is advisable to go to a health professional. In this way, it will be able to indicate the treatment to follow, as well as prescribe the appropriate products to perform it in the best way.

Having made the above clear, the following guidelines are worth taking into account when using skin products that contain zinc oxide:

• Before using any topical product, the area should be thoroughly washed with plenty of soap and water. Subsequently, it must proceed to properly dry it.
• Use the dose recommended by the doctor, do not exceed this amount, or apply it more times on the day than recommended.
• Ensure that the area where the treatment has been used is uncovered for a considerable period of time. In this way, the effects of the product can be carried out more effectively.

These are some of the commonly used commercial products where the use of zinc oxide is said to be present:

• Sunscreens.
• Antibacterial soaps.
• Deodorants
• Toothpastes
• Ointments and creams for the skin.
• Some cosmetics.

Also used in dentistry

As far as dental health use is concerned, it is believed that zinc oxide may play an important role. This is because it is said that this component can be present in the base of amalgams. This is due to its regenerative effect, since these amalgams are used to place dental wedges.

However, at present for different reasons (although mainly aesthetic), the use of amalgams has been replaced by that of resins. Thus involving the latter, other types of materials in its constitution.

On the other hand, it is also said that zinc oxide can be seen in some articles related to prosthodontics . It is for all this that the use of this component is considered of great importance for this important area of ​​health.

In feeding

Zinc oxide is also believed to be present in trace amounts in some food products. It is said that this is due both to the benefits that it can provide when added as a source of zinc , as well as the fact that it can have different properties, preservative properties of zinc .

For what it is believed, that the use of this component could be present in some foods and beverages of fairly common use, such as:

• Some types of cereals.
• Dairy products, such as milk.
• Some meats.

For working with industrial materials

As zinc oxide is used in its powdery state as an additive, it is believed that it may adhere to the composition of different types of materials dedicated to the industrial field.

From what is known, that this inorganic component could be present in some of the following materials:

• Paintings.
• Glass.
• Rubbers.
• Plastics
• Concrete.

More uses of zinc oxide

Among other of the wide uses that zinc oxide offers, the following can also be found:

To compose the filters of cigarettes and tobaccos

As you just read, it is said that zinc oxide can be present, along with other components, in the cylinders of these products. Functioned in this way as ideal components for filtering smoke.

This is because it is believed that zinc oxide can contribute to the fact of inhibiting some components of cigarette smoke , as well as tobacco.

It is used as a component of products used to prevent corrosion

Zinc oxide has been shown to play an important role in corrosion prevention products. So much so, that it has been said that it has been used to carry out some conversion procedures in relation to nuclear reactors.

This is due to the large number of properties that zinc oxide has, which can also contribute to the fact that the products act longer and more effectively on some surfaces.

Thus, among some of the most frequent anticorrosive products where zinc oxide is usually present, there can be found both bases for metals, as well as some types of paints and lubricants.

Zinc oxide properties

As mentioned above, zinc oxide is characterized as an inorganic compound. Thus, it is made up of both physical and chemical properties. Next we will talk a little about them:

Chemical properties

It is believed that some of the chemical properties that can mainly characterize this component represented in its chemical nomenclature as ZnO , are the following:

• It is usually considered as a semiconductor element.
• It is also considered a thermal refractor par excellence.
• It has good transparency.
• It is versatile, since it can be easily dissolved in alcohol as well as in some acids.

Physical properties

Likewise, zinc oxide also has some physical properties that are worth knowing, such as:

• In its natural state, that is, before being sprayed, it may have a reddish or yellowish color.
• Being in a powdery state, its color turns white.
• It does not have an odor.
• The melting point of this component can be seen to be around 1970 degrees Celsius.

Zinc oxide benefits

As mentioned above, zinc oxide is usually used in different amounts in some products used both for health, as well as food.

Thus, among some of the main benefits that zinc oxide is believed to have, are the following:

• It is a component with antiseptic and astringent properties.
• It can contribute to the regulation of sebum.
• It is believed that it can contribute to the anti-inflammatory effects.
• It can adhere to the surface of the skin easily, which is why it is often used in lotions, creams and sunscreen.
• It is said that it can promote the skin regeneration process.
• It can help treat skin injuries, such as burns, scrapes, among others.

Is Zinc Oxide Recommended To Care For Babies’ Skin?

Due to all the beneficial properties for the skin that this component can bring, it can be present in different creams, lotions, as well as ointments used for the care of the skin of babies.

Thus, it is believed that zinc oxide in different topical products can be used to treat conditions. From treatments for diaper rash, as well as any other type of skin irritation on the skin of newborns.

Likewise, it is considered that this component in conjunction with different vitamins and ingredients, can be ideal to contribute to the regeneration of the dermis .

How can you buy zinc oxide in a pharmacy?

Regarding the commercial aspect of this component, it is said that it can be very easily acquired in different countries due to the fact that its sale is usually free.

Since, after having been subjected to an in-depth review, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) established that it is safe to use zinc oxide for the skin . That is why, at present, it can be seen as different products for cosmetic use, which include this component on a regular basis.

It is also important to clarify that, although it is indicated that some food products may contain trace amounts of zinc oxide used as a source of iron, this has not been proven to be true. In addition, it has not been established that the use of this component in food can be completely safe.

Contraindications of zinc oxide in health

Although, as just mentioned, the use of zinc oxide can be safe for the skin according to the FDA, it is important to add that used in excess, this component can be harmful. This is normal, as abusing the recommended use of any component can have negative consequences .

Likewise, it is important to note that it is not at all advisable to come into direct contact with zinc or zinc oxide. So it is not good for this component to be inhaled or ingested.

Since, a poisoning produced by zinc, could have many negative consequences for health, such as:

• Diarrhea and stomach pain .
• Fever .
• Cough.
• Sickness.
• Yellowing of the skin as well as the eyes.
• Conditions both in the mouth and in the throat area.

As has been seen, zinc oxide is a component that is usually used in a large number of products for different fields, due to its large number of benefits.

It is important to add that in case of adverse effects with the topical use of a product with this component, it is advisable to suspend its application and go to a health professional.