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Mineral · in-depth review

Zinc Oxide

Zinc Oxide

Zinc oxide is a barely water-soluble inorganic zinc. Used topically it reflects UV and astringes eczematous, eroded skin surfaces.

Also known asNo common aliases yet

Marked asPrimarySupporting

Primary

Shields skin from UV

Undissolved zinc oxide particles cover the stratum corneum, scattering and reflecting UVB and UVA as a physical barrier. People in outdoor sun who worry about burn and photoaging feel that covered skin is less likely to redden at once.

Primary

Soothes eczematous, eroded skin

In diaper-rash and eczema ointments, zinc oxide is an astringent that takes up exudate and dries eroded surfaces. When an infant's bottom is red or an adult's skin fold is damp and pale, the feeling is mostly that the surface is less wet and sticky, with stinging easing as well.

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Frequent colds

Undissolved zinc oxide particles cover the stratum corneum, scattering and reflecting UVB and UVA as a physical barrier. People in outdoor sun who worry about burn and photoaging feel that covered skin is less likely to redden at once. People whose throats itch in cold air and who catch colds often more often notice fewer unwell days after several continuous weeks.

Slow wound healing

Undissolved zinc oxide particles cover the stratum corneum, scattering and reflecting UVB and UVA as a physical barrier. People in outdoor sun who worry about burn and photoaging feel that covered skin is less likely to redden at once. People whose small cuts crust slowly and keep splitting more often notice healing speed and a smoother scar surface after several continuous weeks.

Acne spots

Undissolved zinc oxide particles cover the stratum corneum, scattering and reflecting UVB and UVA as a physical barrier. People in outdoor sun who worry about burn and photoaging feel that covered skin is less likely to redden at once. People with recurring red spots on the chin or cheeks more often notice fewer new lesions and smoother skin after several continuous weeks.

Hair loss

Undissolved zinc oxide particles cover the stratum corneum, scattering and reflecting UVB and UVA as a physical barrier. People in outdoor sun who worry about burn and photoaging feel that covered skin is less likely to redden at once. People who shed more when combing and whose crown looks thinner more often notice shed amount and hair density after several continuous weeks.

Common cold

Undissolved zinc oxide particles cover the stratum corneum, scattering and reflecting UVB and UVA as a physical barrier. People in outdoor sun who worry about burn and photoaging feel that covered skin is less likely to redden at once. People who congest and get a sore throat when seasons change more often notice cold frequency and how long each spell lasts after several continuous weeks.

Age-related macular degeneration

Undissolved zinc oxide particles cover the stratum corneum, scattering and reflecting UVB and UVA as a physical barrier. People in outdoor sun who worry about burn and photoaging feel that covered skin is less likely to redden at once. People watching central vision and contrast more often notice reading clarity and exam markers after several continuous weeks.

Acne vulgaris

Undissolved zinc oxide particles cover the stratum corneum, scattering and reflecting UVB and UVA as a physical barrier. People in outdoor sun who worry about burn and photoaging feel that covered skin is less likely to redden at once. People with recurring inflamed papules more often notice fewer new lesions and less redness after several continuous weeks.

Male infertility

Undissolved zinc oxide particles cover the stratum corneum, scattering and reflecting UVB and UVA as a physical barrier. People in outdoor sun who worry about burn and photoaging feel that covered skin is less likely to redden at once. People watching semen-analysis numbers more often notice follow-up reports after several continuous weeks.

With foodBest taken with food (not on an empty stomach) to reduce nausea
Best timeMorning or midday
SolubilityInsoluble, Water-dispersible

Check the elemental zinc on the label first.

General wellness11 mg/day for adult men; 8 mg/day for adult women
Specific needsTreatment doses for deficiency or malabsorption must be set by a doctor. The adult supplement upper limit is 40 mg/day.

How oftenUse according to daily need; long-term high doses should be medically monitored.

Cautions

Long-term high doses may cause copper deficiency, anemia, and immune decline.

Interactions

  1. Copper supplements / long-term high zinc (can deplete copper)
  2. Quinolones/tetracyclines (separate doses)
Common side effects

· Nausea

· Stomach discomfort

· Metallic taste

Rare but important

· Long-term excess can cause copper deficiency and neurologic symptoms.

Long-term dependenceNot addictive; high doses can cause nutrient antagonism and copper deficiency.

Sources

These are institution pages you can check—not a certification of this ingredient.

Medical disclaimerThis page is compiled by the HerbBB editorial team for general health information only. It is not a substitute for advice from a doctor, pharmacist, or other qualified clinician. If you have a health condition, take medicines, or are pregnant or breastfeeding, speak with a professional first.