Clinical Procedures and Topics

acne against ago align alteration antioxidants application applied areas available block blotches blue cancer cause caution cells chlorogenic class coated colouring concern containing cost cotz daily damage dark decade dietary differ dimethicone dna due during ear ears eczema efficacious elasticity elta enhance evidence exercised expensive face free good greatest green growing hand hands harm harmful heliocare help higher however hspace http hyperpigmentation images img increased ingredient invisible irritate large lately lead leathery less lhnv light likely lizard loss lutein markedly may md microfine micronized neck protection radical shown skin skincare spf studies sunscreen sunscreens supplementary ultrafine ultraviolet used uv zinc

Lately there has been increased concern that the particles of sunscreens containing micronized zinc oxide ("invisible zinc") penetrate skin, cause free radical damage to cells and lead to alteration of skin's DNA.

Sunscreens containing micronized zinc have been generally preferred over others because they block the greatest gamut of ultraviolet, are less likely to irritate skin, less prone to wearing away during the day, and are markedly less whitening than traditional zinc sunscreens.

The concern that microfine zinc sunscreens could do more harm than good was raised more than a decade ago.

Subsequent studies have shown that micronized zinc can pass through the skin in areas affected by acne, sunburn, eczema or shaving.

Studies have shown that micronized zinc exposed to ultraviolet produces free radical damage.

In light of the growing evidence that micronized zinc may be harmful, and because nanoparticles in sunscreens are not regulated, caution should be exercised when using ultrafine zinc sunscreens.

Studies have shown that micronized zinc coated in dimethicone, a form of silicone used as a primary ingredient in many moisturizers, forms a barrier to help prevent zinc from penetrating skin or reacting with light in ways which can be harmful.

Dimethicone-coated microfine zinc is a proprietary substance more expensive than uncoated zinc and is therefore not available in all sunscreens.

It is also usually unsuitable for application to large areas due to cost.

For daily face, neck, ear and hand protection against photodamage (skin cancer, wrinkles, dark blotches/hyperpigmentation, freckles, leathery skin texture, yellowed colouring and a loss of elasticity), micronized dimethicone zinc sunscreens nevertheless remain the most efficacious.

Recommended Ultrafine Zinc Sunscreens

Contain dimethicone-coated and micronized rather than nanoparticle zinc at a concentration of 8% or higher and are suitable for daily use on the face, neck, hands and ears:

Elta MD UV Daily SPF 40
Elta MD UV Physical SPF 41
Elta MD UV Shield SPF 45 (Oil-Free)
Blue Lizard Face Sunscreen SPF 30+
Z-Silc Plus SPF 30+
Fallene Cotz SPF 58+
Solbar Zinc SPF 38

Note: SPF regulation and numbers differ by region. US SPF figures are quoted.

Supplementary Sun Protection

Dietary, supplementary and topically applied antioxidants such as lutein, green tea, zeatin, Heliocare and chlorogenic acid can enhance the protection offered by sunscreens, however should not be used in place of sunscreens.

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Safety of Micronized Zinc Sunscreens

Recommended Ultrafine Zinc Sunscreens

Supplementary Sun Protection


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	Safety of Micronized Zinc Sunscreens Tweet Lately there has been increased concern that the particles of sunscreens containing micronized zinc oxide ("invisible zinc") penetrate skin, cause free radical damage to cells and lead to alteration of skin's DNA. Sunscreens containing micronized zinc have been generally preferred over others because they block the greatest gamut of ultraviolet, are less likely to irritate skin, less prone to wearing away during the day, and are markedly less whitening than traditional zinc sunscreens. The concern that microfine zinc sunscreens could do more harm than good was raised more than a decade ago. Subsequent studies have shown that micronized zinc can pass through the skin in areas affected by acne, sunburn, eczema or shaving. Studies have shown that micronized zinc exposed to ultraviolet produces free radical damage. In light of the growing evidence that micronized zinc may be harmful, and because nanoparticles in sunscreens are not regulated, caution should be exercised when using ultrafine zinc sunscreens. Studies have shown that micronized zinc coated in dimethicone, a form of silicone used as a primary ingredient in many moisturizers, forms a barrier to help prevent zinc from penetrating skin or reacting with light in ways which can be harmful. Dimethicone-coated microfine zinc is a proprietary substance more expensive than uncoated zinc and is therefore not available in all sunscreens. It is also usually unsuitable for application to large areas due to cost. For daily face, neck, ear and hand protection against photodamage (skin cancer, wrinkles, dark blotches/hyperpigmentation, freckles, leathery skin texture, yellowed colouring and a loss of elasticity), micronized dimethicone zinc sunscreens nevertheless remain the most efficacious. Recommended Ultrafine Zinc Sunscreens Contain dimethicone-coated and micronized rather than nanoparticle zinc at a concentration of 8% or higher and are suitable for daily use on the face, neck, hands and ears: Elta MD UV Daily SPF 40 Elta MD UV Physical SPF 41 Elta MD UV Shield SPF 45 (Oil-Free) Blue Lizard Face Sunscreen SPF 30+ Z-Silc Plus SPF 30+ Fallene Cotz SPF 58+ Solbar Zinc SPF 38 Note: SPF regulation and numbers differ by region. US SPF figures are quoted. Supplementary Sun Protection Dietary, supplementary and topically applied antioxidants such as lutein, green tea, zeatin, Heliocare and chlorogenic acid can enhance the protection offered by sunscreens, however should not be used in place of sunscreens. Related Skin Care Information, Products and Expert Discussions Dr. Albert Laporte Bungling Avobenzone Skinceuticals Broken Capillary Protocols Different Sunscreens provide Different Skin Protection Skinceuticals Daily Sun Defense SPF 20 vs. Ultimate UV Defense SPF 30 Sunscreens Selected Sunscreens Anti-Aging Sunscreen Reminders Mineral Makeups as Sunscreens Sunscreen for Oily Skin Relying on Sunscreens in Makeup Zinc Oxide Sunscreens are Usually Superior The Evolution of Sunscreens Safety of Micronized Zinc Sunscreens In-Vitro Sunscreen Performance Evaluations Safety Concerns Over High-Tech (Nanotechnology) Sunscreens Different Sunscreens provide Different Skin Protection L'Oreal and Nivea Sunscreens Fail to Provide Stated SPFs Flaws in The Current Evaluation of SPF (Sun Protection Factor) Comparison of 33 Sunscreens Bungling Avobenzone UVA: The Trojan Horse of Premature Ageing of the Skin Effects of UVA Exposure True Broad Spectrum Sunscreen in Action: Protection of Skin Cell Nuclei and Keratinocytes Your Skin and The Sun Optimal Sunscreen Use The Truth About Sunscreens Recommended Sunscreens Select Sunscreen by Common Skin Type Select Sunscreen by Skin Condition or Treatment Select Sunscreen by Brand Sunscreen Brushes Water-Resistant Sunscreens Skin Care References for Sunscreens File Safety of Micronized Zinc Sunscreens for reference.	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