Creams infused with zinc oxide is a powerful treatment option for eczema.
Eating foods high in zinc along with supplementation is another thing you need to consider.
It has been shown to be highly effective in managing the symptoms of eczema.
Let’s jump into the benefits of using zinc oxide for eczema.
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What is Zinc Oxide?
Zinc oxide is a mineral that has been used for centuries for its medicinal properties.
Zinc oxide is a compound that is made up of zinc and oxygen atoms.
It is a white or yellowish-white, odorless, and insoluble powder that is commonly used in many industries, including pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and sunscreens.
Zinc oxide cream is a topical cream that contains the active ingredient zinc oxide.
If you’ve read my previous posts, you’ll remember that zinc is an important mineral needed for immune function and healing the skin.
Zinc oxide creams can be bought at your local natural health food store or a pharmacy.
It’s commonly used in diaper rash creams for babies and sunscreens.
But just because it’s labelled as diaper rash, doesn’t mean it can’t be used for eczema.
4 Benefits of Zinc Oxide for Eczema
Here’s how zinc oxide can help you heal your skin.
- Reduces Inflammation
- Zinc oxide has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce redness, swelling, and irritation associated with eczema.
- When applied topically, zinc oxide cream can help soothe the skin and reduce the intensity of eczema flare-ups.
- Acts as a Barrier
- Zinc oxide forms a protective barrier over the skin, which can help prevent moisture loss and protect the skin from irritants.
- This is particularly important for people with eczema, as their skin barrier is often compromised, making it more susceptible to irritation and infection.
- Promotes Wound Healing
- Zinc oxide has been shown to promote wound healing by increasing cell proliferation and reducing inflammation.
- This is particularly beneficial for people with eczema, as they are more prone to skin infections and may. develop open sores or wounds as a result of scratching.
- Safe for All Ages
- Zinc oxide cream is generally considered safe for people of all ages, including infants and young children.
- It is a gentle and effective treatment option for anyone with eczema, regardless of their age or skin type.
Whether it’s eczema or topical steroid withdrawal, having a zinc oxide cream should be in your toolkit.
How to Use Zinc Oxide for Eczema
Zinc oxide cream is easy to use and can be applied directly to the affected areas of the skin.
It should be applied in a thin layer and rubbed in gently until it is fully absorbed.
It is best to apply zinc oxide cream after bathing or showering, as your pores are open and able to absorb the zinc better.
Depending on how severe your skin is, zinc can sting at times.
It is important to note that while zinc oxide cream can be an effective treatment option for eczema, it is not a cure.
While zinc oxide cream can help manage the symptoms, it is important to develop a comprehensive treatment plan in consultation with a holistic healthcare practitioner.
2 Zinc Oxide Based Creams to Try
There are a lot of creams that solely focus on zinc oxide.
However, its beneficial to find zinc oxide based creams that incorporate other beneficial ingredients.
Some of your common over the counter creams are brands like Penaten and Zincofax.
Penaten:
✓ Has witch hazel and sunflower seed oil, along with zinc oxide.
✕ But it also has ingredients like talc and parafum which you want to avoid
Zincofax:
✓ Has zinc oxide
✕ But 69% of it is petrolatum/petroleum jelly and fragrance
So what do I buy?! I gotchu, don’t wory.
1. Penny Lane Organics: 100% Natural Rough Skin Soothing Balm
-
- Olive Oil
- Calendula Oil
- Chamomile Oil
- Coconut Oil
- Vitamin E
- Zinc Oxide
2. The Honest Company Diaper Rash Cream
-
- Beeswax
- Castor Seed Oil
- Shea Butter
- Coconut Oil
- Olive Fruit Oil
- Grape Seed Oil
- Jojoba Oil
- Zinc Oxide
3. Province Apothecary Healing Eczema Balm
- Olive fruit oil
- Beeswax oil
- Borago seed oil,
- Broccoli seed oil,
- Calendula flower oil
- Turmeric essential oil
- Sunflower seed oil
- Hypericum flower extract
- Propolis, Rose Hip
- Comfrey
- Vitamin E
- Zinc Oxide
Is Eczema Caused by Zinc Deficiency?
While zinc deficiency can contribute to various skin conditions, including eczema, it is not a direct cause of eczema.
Zinc is an essential nutrient that plays a vital role in the immune system and skin health.
Zinc deficiency can weaken the immune system, leading to a higher risk of infections and skin disorders.
In addition, zinc is involved in skin healing and regeneration
A deficiency can impair the skin’s ability to repair itself.
Research suggests that supplementing with zinc may help improve eczema symptoms, particularly in individuals with low zinc levels.
However, more studies are needed to fully understand the role of zinc in eczema development and treatment.
However, while zinc is important for overall health, taking too much of it can also lead to adverse effects, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Therefore, it’s best to consult with a holistic healthcare practitioner before taking any supplements.
Is the Missing Link Zinc?
Zinc oxide for eczema is a safe and effective treatment option.
Its anti-inflammatory, barrier-forming, and wound-healing properties make it an ideal choice for anyone looking to manage the symptoms of this chronic skin condition.
Whether you’re an adult, child, or infant, creams with zinc oxide can help soothe and protect your skin, allowing you to live your life to the fullest without the discomfort and irritation of eczema.
However, the missing link is actually your nutrition.
If you are still eating the common Standard American Diet, you are missing out on vital vitamins and minerals needed for healing.
When you adopt a whole foods based diet, you give your mind, body and skin a higher chance of healing, and faster.
When you consume fast foods, processed and packaged foods, you are essentially eating empty calories.
We want to consume foods that give us the vitamins and minerals needed to heal.
It’s okay to treat yourself with fast food but it shouldn’t be your entire lifestyle.
If you are ready to make the jump, get your skin back on track and ready to heal, check out the XZMA Healing Program.