Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

Why does the type of zinc oxide matter? Non-nano and not micronized means that there are not nano-sized particles entering your body. The FDA does not currently regulate this in sunscreen products. Why should I make my own sunscreen? First, the overwhelming majority of sunscreens on the market today are horrific. These are some of the most common ingredients found in sunscreens today… • Oxybenzone– Oxybenzone is a sunscreen ingredient associated with photoallergic reactions. This chemical absorbs through the skin in significant amounts. It contaminates the bodies of 97% of Americans according to research by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. • Octinoxate (Octylmethoxycinnamate)– This common sunscreen ingredient is shown to have hormone-mimicking effects on laboratory animals. This chemical is found in humans, including mothers' milk samples. • 4-MBC / 3-BC – A UV filter not approved as an active ingredient for sunscreen in the U.S., but listed as an inactive ingredient in some products. European researchers cite concerns over thyroid toxicity, hormone disruption, and recommend the chemical not be used in sunscreen. Enter in the need for a DIY sunscreen. What About SPF? SPF protection does not increase proportionally to an increase in SPF. For example, an SPF of 2 absorbs 50% of UV rays, SPF 15 absorbs 93%, and an SPF of 34 absorbs 97% of UV rays. Here is a good guide if you wish to change up the level of protection (but remember, adding more or less zinc oxide will change the ‘feel’ of the sunscreen, making it thicker or thinner)… • SPF 2-5: Use 5% zinc oxide • SPF 6-11: Use 10% zinc oxide • SPF 12-19: Use 15% zinc oxide • SPF 20+: Use 20% zinc oxide What else is zinc oxide good for? 11 Skin Conditions that Can Be Improved by Adding Zinc in Your Diet or Skin Care 1. Sunburn and sun damage: Zinc oxide offers broad-spectrum protection against damaging UVA and UVB rays, and is approved by the FDA for infants under six months. 2. Ulcers and wounds: Zinc has long been used topically to treat ulcers and other wounds. It has natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that help speed wound healing to help skin recover. 3. Warts: Warts are actually the result of an infection. If you have them, you may want to try zinc supplementation for a week or so to see if it helps. Studies have shown that topical zinc, as well, was effective in treating viral warts in 80 percent of participants. 4. Acne: Acne breakout? Reach for more shrimp (rich in zinc). A number of studies have shown that zinc—both topically and when taken internally—can help clear up acne. Other studies have found that patients with acne are more likely to have zinc deficiencies. 5. Large pores: As well as all it’s other talents, zinc is also a natural astringent. That means it tightens tissues and absorbs excess oil—another reason zinc is so good as an anti-acne treatment. It helps tighten pores and prevent the buildup of sebum, reducing the formation of blackheads and pimples. 6. Rosacea: Zinc is a natural anti-inflammatory, which means that it can help tame inflammation. Since rosacea is mostly an inflammatory disease, it makes sense that zinc might help reduce flare-ups. That’s what scientists have found. 7. Psoriasis: Similar to rosacea, psoriasis is also an inflammatory skin condition. Scientists tried treating it with creams that contained zinc, and found that it was effective. Taking zinc orally also helped improve symptoms of psoriatic arthritis. 8. Eczema: Again, because of its anti-inflammatory properties as well as its ability to act as an antioxidant, zinc has been used to treat eczema. Topical applications were found to improve symptoms of eczema in study participants, easing severity and itching. 9. Photo-Induced Aging: A 2009 study tested a cream that contained both zinc and copper on 21 women with photoaged skin. After 8 weeks, researchers saw a significant improvement in elastic fiber regeneration leading to a reduced appearance of wrinkles. 10. Diaper rash: Check out your diaper rash cream. Does it have zinc oxide? If it does, it’s because manufacturers know that it helps skin heal—not only because of its wound healing and anti-inflammatory properties, but because it helps seal out wetness to keep skin dry. 11. Dandruff: Dandruff can cause an itchy, irritated and flaking scalp. We’ve known for years that zinc can help. Most dandruff shampoos available today contain zinc, because it’s a proven treatment for the condition. [...] I always enjoy writing reviews on products. I make most of my daily purchases on Amazon and base my purchases on reviews from others. I know that honest and helpful reviews can make all the difference in a purchasing decision. . I received this product at a discount in exchange for my honest and unbiased review, but provide truly honest reviews that reflect the item purchased, whether an item was free, discounted, or purchased at full price.