Titanium Dioxide Price-How Do Zinc Oxide And Titanium Dioxide Protect Your Skin
Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are both physical sunscreens, which means they work by sitting on top of the skin and reflecting or scattering UV rays, rather than being absorbed into the skin like chemical sunscreens. Here’s how they protect your skin:
1. **Reflection and Scattering of UV Rays:**
– **Zinc Oxide:** This is a broad-spectrum sunscreen, meaning it can protect against both UVA and UVB rays. The particles of zinc oxide reflect and scatter UV light away from the skin, preventing it from causing damage.
– **Titanium Dioxide:** This ingredient also reflects UV rays, but it is more effective at blocking UVB rays than UVA rays. It scatters the rays, which helps to disperse the UV energy and reduce the amount that reaches the skin.
2. **Non-irritating and Non-comedogenic:**
– Both zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are considered to be non-irritating and non-comedogenic, which means they are less likely to cause skin irritation or clog pores. This makes them suitable for sensitive skin and for use on children.
3. **Photostability:**
– Unlike some chemical sunscreens, zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are photostable, meaning they do not break down when exposed to sunlight. This ensures that they provide consistent protection throughout the day without needing to be reapplied as frequently.
4. **Broad-Spectrum Protection (especially with zinc oxide):**
– While titanium dioxide is primarily effective against UVB rays, zinc oxide offers protection against both UVB and UVA rays. UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin and are responsible for premature aging and skin cancer, so broad-spectrum protection is important.
5. **Stability and Longevity:**
– Physical sunscreens do not degrade with exposure to sunlight, which means they remain effective for as long as they are on the skin and have not been washed or sweated off.
It’s important to note that the effectiveness of these sunscreens also depends on the concentration of the active ingredients, the particle size, and the formulation of the sunscreen. For optimal protection, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, and to reapply it approximately every two hours, or after swimming or sweating.