zinc oxide

From:  “Linda Sy MD” 
Date:  Sat Jan 2, 1999  7:31 am
Subject:  [rosacea] Re: zinc oxide

Hi Esther,

Your improvement from using zinc oxide, in my opinion, has scientific basis:

  1. It is a physical sunblock; hence it takes care of one rosacea trigger- the sun.  The usual zinc oxide you buy, unlike the microfine ones used in sunscreens, will give only SPF of 4-6 at most. Therefore, you still have to cover up with a wide-brimmed hat.
  2. The opacity of zinc oxide leaves a thin whitish residue on the skin which neutralizes the ruddiness you have, thus giving you some camouflage.
  3. When you add vaseline (petrolatum) to the  zinc oxide, the mixture lubricates the skin which diminishes the flaking and makes your skin feel better. The downside of zinc oxide are: it is chalky if applied thickly; it is greasy and not very esthetic and kind of cumbersome especially for men who are not used to applying much on their skin. Lastly, those with oily-combination type skin will definitely not be crazy about it. 

Linda Sy M.D.
http://www.lindasy.com

—–Original Message—–

From: Esther231@_.com
Date: Wednesday, December 30, 1998 6:53 PM
Subject: [rosacea] Re: zinc oxide

Kerry, Please post whatever he/she says. I have been using it for close to seven years and have no problem but I bet your doctor would know more. I’m happy it’s working as well for you as it does for me. It doesn’t for everyone, I know. But I also know when it works, it works. Listen, I still can get into a flare with enough exposure to a trigger. So, please, keep tracking triggers. The zinc oxide is simply a coping tool, it is not a cure.

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#89683 Terri on February 14, 2012 at 5:50 AM

Have had rosacea since I was in my twenties. I am now 52, and it has flared up like never before. Possibly because of menopause. I have tried different cleansers and moisturizers, none worked. I bought a tub of zinc oxide, and OMG, my skin looks beautiful. I use it twice a day, using more at night because of the white pasty look. I use it in the morning, applying it sparingly to the redness, and then moisturizin with a cotton ball with sweet almond oil and liquid vegetable glycerin. I blend with my fingers, and wait about 10 minutes before applying my makeup. The zinc works like magic.

 

 

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