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moisturizers/sunscreens with zinc oxide... oxide? bad?

post #1 of 3
2/13/08 at 9:03pm
Thread Starter 
I've read that sunscreens with zinc oxide are the most effective and thus preferable. But, maybe this is a stupid question, is the zinc oxide bad for your skin because of the 'oxide'? Does that mean it will oxidize your skin (the very thing we use anti-oxidants for)?
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post #2 of 3
2/15/08 at 7:54am
Zinc oxide is harmless with dermal exposure. It is commonly used as a sunBLOCK; it actually creates a physical barrier to solar radiation (solar radiation IS bad for your skin). It is also the most common active ingredient in diaper rash creams and ointments for infants; most of such preparations (eg. Desitin) contain from 10%-40% zinc oxide. Zinc oxide and zinc gluconate are also commonly used in "natural" sore throat/cold remedies in the form of lozenges and gels for oral and nasal use. We get lots of calls at the Poison Center regarding children ingesting (eating) their diaper rash creams; it is essentially non-toxic, but may cause GI upset with a large amounts (>1 teaspoonful). The only real problem I have encountered with zinc oxide exposures is with welders; when it is heated up to high temperatures, it can cause metal fume fever following inhalation of the fumes. Unless you are heating up the sunscreen to 1975 degrees celsius (3587 degrees fahrenheit), you have nothing to worry about.
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post #3 of 3
2/15/08 at 2:10pm
Thread Starter 
heh, thanks, i'll try to stay away from welding.
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