🧴 Zinc Oxide: The Sensitive Skin Saviour

If you’ve experienced sensitive skin, breakouts, melasma, or unexplained pigmentation, you understand how challenging it can be to find a sunscreen that offers effective protection without making these issues worse.

For me, the turning point came when I discovered mineral sunscreens, especially ones made with zinc oxide. It wasn’t love at first layer (let’s be honest, it was a little getting to know it), but the more I learned about how zinc soothes, the more I realised what a gift it is for sensitive skin. And now? I wouldn’t be without it

💡 What Makes Zinc Oxide sun protection Different from a chemical sunscreen?

Zinc oxide is a natural mineral that sits on top of your skin and reflects the sun’s rays, UVA and UVB alike. This is called a physical or mineral sunscreen. With zinc oxide, there’s no chemical reaction, no heat build-up and no irritation for sensitive skin. It’s like a gentle mirror on your skin that bounces the rays right off. Even better? It starts working the moment you apply it. No need to wait 20 minutes before heading out the door.

Chemical Sunscreens: Also referred to as organic or synthetic sunscreens, chemical sun filters are among the most widely used types of sun protection. They function by absorbing ultraviolet (UV) radiation and converting it into heat. Certain chemical ingredients used in these formulations, among others, may have potential implications for human health, i.e.:

1. Oxybenzone
• Hormone Disruption
• Allergic Reactions

2. Avobenzone
• Instability
• Skin Sensitisation

3. Octisalate
• Skin Irritation
• Allergic Contact Dermatitis

4. Octocrylene
• Hormone Disruption
• Bioaccumulation

5. Homosalate
• Endocrine Disruption
• Cellular Toxicity

6. Octinoxate
• Hormone Mimicry
• Reproductive Toxicity

🌞 Sensitive, Acne-Prone or Pigmentation-Prone? This One’s For You

The magic of zinc is in its simplicity. It doesn’t clog pores, doesn’t sting, and doesn’t disrupt your skin’s barrier. It’s known to calm inflammation, which is why it’s often found in nappy creams and healing balms.
If you’ve ever had a breakout that felt worse after using sunscreen, or melasma that flared up even indoors, zinc oxide might just be the quiet hero your skin’s been waiting for.

☀️ Zinc vs Melasma & Pigmentation

This one’s big!
Most of us think of UV rays when it comes to sun damage, but what about visible light? Studies now show that blue light (yes, from the sun and also your phone and computer) can worsen Melasma and other forms of hyperpigmentation. That’s why dermatologists are increasingly recommending tinted mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide, especially if you’re prone to dark patches, post-acne marks or uneven tone.
Zinc helps here, too.
Untinted sunscreens offer some protection, but those with added iron oxides go further, helping to shield skin from blue light exposure. SUNCALM Mineral Sunscreen combines 20% non-nano zinc oxide with a soothing blend of aloe vera, squalane, calendula, safflower, raspberry seed, and carrot seed oils.

🌿 The Calm After the Sun

Let’s say you’ve spent the day out, sunshine, screens, maybe a warm breeze and your skin’s had enough. This is where your after-sun care counts. I always follow up with Glow Remedy, our aloe-infused balm designed to soothe, repair and nourish. Aloe vera is brilliant for calming inflammation, cooling hot skin and helping fade pigmentation over time.

🌍 A Quick Word on the Planet

And because we care about what goes into our oceans as much as what goes on our skin, yes, zinc oxide is reef-safe. It’s one of the few sunscreen ingredients that doesn’t harm coral reefs, fish or marine ecosystems. Our SUNCALM is also plastic-free, so you can feel good inside and out.

✨ Final Thoughts

If you’ve been struggling with skin that flares up easily, breaks out under stress, or darkens with every summer, zinc oxide might be your new best friend. It’s gentle, effective, protective, and surprisingly kind. And when blended with thoughtful herbs and botanicals, it becomes more than just SPF… it becomes skin support.
Here’s to protection that feels good to wear.

Sunscreen explained by a dermatologist

Explore our All-natural, mineral Sunscreen SUNCALM

powered by Non-Nano Zinc, Squalane, and Aloe Vera, Raspberry and Carrot seed oils to name a few – crafted to give you (Approx) SPF 25-30