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:
- 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.
- The opacity of zinc oxide leaves a thin whitish residue on the skin which neutralizes the ruddiness you have, thus giving you some camouflage.
- 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.
—–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.
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.
Can you tell me where you can purchase a “tub of zinc oxide”? I’ve searched and searched to no avail. Can you recommend a specific brand or place to purchase?
Shirley…..look in the baby section of CVS. I actually purchased the CVS brand. It is called diaper rash ointment. It has 40% zinc oxide. Hope this helps. Let me know if you have success with this.
Normally people wouldn’t buy zinc oxide by itself as it is a white powder that you can’t really use for anything until you formulate it into something.
Putting zinc oxide on my face before bedtime has worked wonders. I have used either just sunscreen with zinc oxide or a tube of straight zinc oxide. It’s the best my rosacea has ever looked.
I’ve heard there’s something about putting it on at night. I used to put it on in the morning, and I didn’t see much improvement until I started putting it on before bed.
May I ask where one buys straight zinc oxide cream? I searched and searched…….I only find it in sunscreen (yuk!) or diaper rash ointment (double yuk!). So what product is recommended that has zinc oxide and not other chemical ingredients?
I read about one lady who mixes coco powder with her zinc oxide to make it more flesh toned. I think I’m going to try this.